Let’s look at how you can raise the toilet flange by 2 inches .A toilet flange’s bottom surface must sit against the finished floor or utmost ¼ inches below or above the floor. This ensures the flange and the wax ring fitted between the drain outlet and the drain opening on the toilet underside form a watertight seal.

This is typically easier to achieve when installing the toilet for the first time. However, reinstalling the toilet after tiling your bathroom floor can present a problem due to the increased height.

The tile will leave the flange far below the finished level making it hard to form a proper seal. Fortunately, you can solve this problem by raising the height of the toilet flange using an extender spacer.

How Does A Flange Extender Spacer Work?

A flange extender is installed over a toilet flange to bring the drain connection height at par with the bathroom flooring or slightly above it (1/4-inch). Some extenders come in the form of plastic rings of various thicknesses, while others resemble a floor flange, except their pipe stub fitted into the existing flange’s opening is a bit smaller.

Others comprise a special flange and many plastic spacer rings of various thicknesses to fit flanges of different heights. To secure an extender, fasten it to the sub-floor by driving screws through the old flange’s holes.

Flange extenders require caulking after installation or have a rubber gasket to form a watertight seal.

Types of Flange Extenders

Extenders are either in plastic, rubber, or repair/ hybrid form. The ideal one for your toilet will depend on:

The old flange’s material

The existing flange condition
The height you need to add to your toilet flange

Plastic Extenders

This extender comes with a new flange fastened to a short pipe that seals the existing flange inside with a gasket. You can stack the spacers together; hence a plastic extender is ideal for raising a toilet flange by over two inches.

Since most of these extenders work with only 3-inch or 4-inch plastic pipes, you’ll likely need to order a unique gasket if your plumbing is iron cast.

Rubber Extenders

These flange extenders are excellent if the space to fill is below an inch and the existing toilet flange is still in great condition. They function like wax rings to seal your toilet.

Repair Or Hybrid Extenders

More costly hybrid extenders comprise metal or robust plastic flanges with wax-less rubber seals. Moreover, they typically have feet protruding down the old surface rather than spacers, which can be pretty useful with a deformed old flange or one that cannot hold bolts anymore.

How To Raise Toilet Flange 2 Inches

Before I give you the procedure for raising your toilet flange by 2 inches, below is what you will require to do the job.

Materials

Silicone caulk
Mineral spirits
Toilet flange extender

Deep seal wax ring

Tools/ Equipment

Rags

Screwdriver
Putty knife
Adjustable wrench

Flange extenders are available in numerous types and brands, so it’s crucial to find one compatible with your toilet. You need to find a suitable extender before gathering the other supplies.

Since you want to raise your toilet flange by 2 inches, you will need to ensure the thickness of the extender you get will help you achieve that goal.

After finding all the equipment and materials, do the following:

1. Remove The Toilet

You have to remove your toilet to access the flange. Do this successfully by unscrewing the nuts keeping the toilets securely in place, carefully removing the toilet from the floor flange then setting it aside.

It would be better to separate the toilet bowl from the tank to make your work easier and prevent damaging your toilet. Keep in mind that porcelain is delicate, so be careful when handling it.

2. Clean The Toilet Flange

Your toilet flange will likely have residue and wax accumulated on it, so you must clean it to ensure the flange extender will sit neatly. Scrape old wax using a putty knife and get rid of the residue using a rag and mineral spirits.

3. Check If The Flange Extender Fits

Check your flange extender’s fit using spacers if they come with your extender. Make sure the flange extender bottom is flush with your floor or a maximum of 1/4 inch below or above the surface of the floor.

4. Attach The Flange Extender

Apply silicone caulk around the flange extender’s bottom lip, then place it on the toilet flange. Align the mounting holes, ensuring they are above the flange’s open spaces while keeping the slots of the toilet bolt positioned correctly.

If your flange extender has a rubber gasket, spread it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Place the extender over the flange, making sure you include any needed spacers.

You will need to ensure that the extender’s screw holes align with the flange’s open holes and screw in the flange extender.

5. Reinstall Your Toilet

Reattach the toilet once the flange extender is in, but apply a deep-seal wax ring to the toilet horn beforehand. Once you place the toilet in the right place, apply silicone caulk around the seam between the floor and toilet base.

It’s vital to note that not every plumbing code permits the use of extension rings, so check with the building department in your area first.

Valuable Tips When Raising A Toilet Flange 2 inches

Sometimes circumstances such as when the old toilet flange is in disrepair or broken don’t enable effective use of an extender. This is because mounting the extender will be problematic.

Moreover, finding the right extender size for an old plumbing system is challenging, but a plastic extender without a gasket onto the wax ring can solve this problem.

The mounting instructions also differ for various manufacturers, so following them to the tee is essential. In addition, go through labels thoroughly and ensure you purchase a fitting kit.

What To Look For When Buying A Flange Extender

Considering the numerous options in the market, finding a flange extender that suits you can be challenging. However, worry not; here are guidelines to help you.

a) Height You Want To Raise

Flange extenders are designed with different thicknesses, thus raising the toilet flange height by differing inches. Therefore, in this case, you will need to choose an extender that will bring your flange up by 2 inches, such as Genova Universal Closet Flange that provides up to 4 inches of elevation.

This extender is easy to install, compatible with various materials, including PVC, cast iron, and ABS, provides superior elevation, and safeguards your toilet against leaks.

b) The Watertight Seal

A flange extender only works if you successfully form a watertight seal between the lower and upper sections of the drainage system. This is why most extenders come with a rubber gasket, but if you buy one without, you will need to seal the fixture with caulk.

c) The Extender Material

While flange extenders are made with different materials, durable plastic is more suitable because it can work with existing stainless steel, ABS, cast iron, and PVC flanges.

d) Durability

flange extenders exist in moist environments and contact toilet wastes constantly, rendering them susceptible to damage. Therefore, get a superior material to increase your extender’s lifespan and have a watertight fit.

Moreover, certain aspects raise your flange extender’s efficiency and durability. For example, an extender with a stainless steel ring lasts longer and is less vulnerable to damage than standard plastic.

Conclusion

You now know how to raise toilet flange 2 inches with the steps and tips above, Raising your toilet flange using an extender makes installation manageable and has your toilet stable. When the flange height is improper, it can lead to damaging leaks, a wobbly toilet, or hard to bolt.

Additionally, spend time installing the extender and reattaching the toilet correctly to ensure it works properly.