FAQs

A toilet flange (also called a closet flange) is a pipe fitting that connects the toilet to the drain pipe and secures the toilet to the floor. It creates a watertight seal between the toilet and the drainage system, preventing leaks and sewer gas from entering your home. The flange is essential for proper toilet function and must be installed at the correct height—flush with the finished floor—to ensure a proper seal with the wax ring.

To install a No-Caulk Shower Drain, start by applying a ½-inch bead of plumber’s putty (or silicone for ABS drains) to the underside of the drain flange and inserting it into the shower base. From below the base, place the rubber sealing washer and friction washer over the drain barrel and tighten the locking ring to secure it. Next, set the shower base into its final position. Place the rubber pipe gasket over the drainpipe and push it into the drain body. The flat side of the gasket should be at the bottom of No-Caulk drain body, seating onto the inside lip of the body. The beveled side of the gasket will be facing up.Tighten the gasket set screw or compression assembly to create a watertight seal, then snap the drain cover into place. For detailed instructions and visuals, see Oatey’s project guide.

Oatey is a trusted leader in commercial plumbing products, offering innovative drainage solutions that deliver performance, longevity, and peace of mind for contractors, engineers, and facility managers. Our commitment to quality and customer support makes us the preferred choice for commercial drain systems.

Oatey’s part #47700 Underdeck Clamp Kit is recommended for roof drain installations that require an underdeck clamp. This clamp is placed below the roof and attached to the drain body with four threaded rods and nuts, securing the drain body and helping maintain the integrity of the waterproofing seal.

No, waterproofing materials can only be used in series with Oatey’s flanged drain assemblies.

Yes, Oatey drain funnels are supplied with the necessary screws for installation.

Water heater pan requirements vary by location, but most building codes require pans for water heaters installed in attics, upper floors, or above finished living spaces. Even when not required by code, water heater pans are highly recommended to protect against water damage from leaks, condensation, or tank failures.

Most building codes require the water heater pan measure at least 2 inches larger than the diameter of the water heater. Be sure the T&P (temperature & pressure) relief valve is within the diameter of the pan.

Water heater pans can be plumbed to a drain using the provided connector. Your local building code may specify the type of fitting. Oatey water heater pans include either a PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) or CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) adapter. PVC drain adapters fit over 1-inch and inside of 1-1/2-inch PVC pipe. CPVC adapters fit 1-inch CPVC pipe.

Aluminum water heater pans without pre-punched holes give the installer maximum flexibility to determine the exact hole size and best location on the side or the bottom to fit the available drain pipe. In some cases, a pan is intended only to contain a small amount of water or to have an alarm installed, rather than to be hooked up to a continuous drain line.

You may need to replace a toilet wax ring if you notice water leaking or pooling around the base of the toilet, persistent sewer or sewage odors, or visible floor damage near the toilet. Other signs include a toilet that rocks or feels loose, or water stains on the ceiling below the bathroom. These symptoms often indicate a failed wax seal, which can lead to leaks, subfloor damage, and potential mold if not addressed promptly.

Wax rings with polyethylene funnels (also called horns or sleeves) provide directional flow into the drain and can offer added protection against leaks. They're particularly useful when the toilet flange is recessed below the floor level. Standard wax rings without funnels work well for most installations where the flange is at or above floor level. Wax rings with a funnel also help with proper alignment over the closet flange, giving the installer peace of mind that the install is correct.