While offset toilet flanges solve some issues regarding toilet installation, they can cause a lot of problems in your plumbing system.
In this blog post, we will discuss the most common issues that occur with offset flanges and how to fix them.
What Does an Offset Toilet Flange Do?
An offset toilet flange is designed to connect your toilet to the floor drain when the drain is not in line with the center of the toilet.
This type of flange is also useful when you need to move the location of your toilet slightly without having to redo all of the plumbing.
Offset flanges come in a variety of sizes and offsets, so it is important to choose the right one for your project if you ever need one.
What Problems Do Offset Toilet Flange Create?
The most common offset toilet flange problems are-
1. Repetitive Toilet Clog
If your toilet is frequently getting clogged, it might be due to an offset flange. When the flange is not installed properly or is the wrong size, it can cause wastewater to build up and eventually lead to a clog.
If the offset flange is installed correct, it can still create clogs due to the sudden deviation in the drain line. This can cause wastewater to build up and form a clog over time.
The best way to fix this problem is to make sure that the offset flange is installed properly and of the correct size. You might also need to adjust the position of your toilet slightly so that it is in line with the drain.
If you have already installed an offset flange and are having clogging issues, you can try using a drain snake or plunger to clear the blockage. If that doesn’t work, you will need to call a professional plumber to fix the issue.
2. Leaks are Common in Toilets with Offset Flange
If you have an offset flange, it is more likely that your toilet will develop leaks. This is because the offset flange creates a weak seal between the toilet and the floor drain.
To fix this problem, you need to make sure that the offset flange is installed correctly and of the correct size. You also need to check the sealant around the flange to make sure that it is still intact.
If you have already installed an offset flange and are having leaking issues, you can try using a stronger sealant around the flange. If that doesn’t work, you will need to have a professional plumber do the task for you.
3. Offset Flange Tend to Attract Waste and Debris
Another common problem with offset flanges is that they tend to attract waste and debris. This is because of incorrect installation or using a low-quality offset flange.
That’s why I always recommend going with the highest quality offset flange if you need to install one. Make sure that the flange is properly installed and of the correct size.
If you have already installed an offset flange and it’s attracting waste and debris, you can try cleaning it regularly to avoid clogs.
When to Use Offset Toilet Flange?
Even though offset toilet flanges come with a lot of problems, there are still some situations where you might need to use one.
Toilet and Drain Line Opening Doesn’t Line Up
If the center of your floor drain is not in line with the center of your toilet, you will need to use an offset flange.
This type of flange is also useful when you need to move the location of your toilet slightly without having to redo all of the plumbing.
You are Replacing an Old Toilet
If you are replacing an old toilet, you might need to use an offset flange. By old, I am talking about at least 20 years old toilets.
Older toilets were of 14-inch rough-in whereas modern-day standard toilets come at around 12-inch rough-in. So, if you want to replace the old one with a new one, you will see a 2-inch deviation between the drain line and the center of the toilet.
To solve the issue without having to spend twice the amount for every subsequent toilet replacement, you can simply install an offset toilet flange once this time.
Mistakes to Avoid When Installing an Offset Flange
Most offset flange problems occur due to human mistakes. I’ll outline the common mistakes people do when they use an offset flange so that you can be careful about those-
Not Measuring the Size & Distances Accurately
This is the most common mistake people do when installing an offset flange. Make sure you measure the rough-in distance, center of the drain line, and the center of the toilet accurately.
If you don’t have a tape measure with you, use a string to mark those points and then take it to a measuring tape to get the accurate readings.
Using a Low-Quality or Damaged Offset Flange
Another common mistake is using a low-quality or damaged offset flange. This is why I always recommend going with a high-quality option even if it costs you a few more bucks.
Also, make sure that the flange is not damaged. If it is, you need to get a new one because a damaged flange can cause all sorts of problems.
Not Following the Instructions Carefully
When you are installing an offset flange, make sure you follow the instructions carefully. I know it’s tempting to just wing it but trust me, that’s not a good idea.
If you don’t follow the instructions properly, you are more likely to make a mistake that can cause problems later on.
Not Checking the Seal Before Installing the Toilet
Finally, make sure you check the sealant of the flange before you install the toilet. If the sealant is not good, it can cause leaks that can be very difficult to fix later on.
Conclusion
So, those are some of the most common problems with toilet flange offset adapters.
I hope this article has helped you understand offset flanges better and how to avoid some of the mistakes people make when using them.
Thanks for reading!