Offset toilet flanges are more challenging to install than deep sealed and standard flanges, but they allow you to move your toilet a few inches in any direction. However, you must beware of the problems associated with the offset toilet flanges and know how to tackle them.

The offset toilet flange problems encountered during installation and use make them the least used closet flanges. Nonetheless, an offset flange is the best solution in some instances, making them useful, but make sure you assess the situation before installing it.

Incorrectly installing an offset toilet flange will cause problems later on, so you must follow the correct procedure during installation. Alternatively, call an expert for a professional grade job.

What Is The Purpose Of An Offset Toilet Flange?

Before examining offset toilet flange problems, let’s take a look at its purpose in your bathroom. Like a regular closet flange, an offset flange secures the toilet seat to the bathroom floor, but with a twist- it’s used in special cases.

An offset toilet flange comes in handy when the openings of the toilet pipes are too close or too far from your bathroom wall. These situations make it difficult to join the plumbing to your toilet, so you need a tweak.

Unlike a regular closet flange that is centered on the toilet’s drainpipe, an offset toilet flange joins the pipe off-center to the toilet. Therefore, you can choose to put the toilet seat inches away from your toilet’s pipe opening at an angle you decide.

Can A Offset Toilet Flange Cause Problems?

An offset toilet flange can cause issues in your bathroom, but that doesn’t mean these closet flanges are made to have problems. These issues arise from handling it inappropriately, just like you would face if you don’t install and use a standard flange well.

It would be best to put yourself in an excellent position to have a well-functioning offset closet flange by purchasing a high-quality flange and installing and using it properly.

What Are The Common Offset Toilet Flange Problems?

The common problems you will encounter from an offset toilet flange are clogging and leakages.

a) Clogging

Your toilet will clog if you don’t tighten your offset toilet flange well, as it will prevent waste from draining. However, you must remember that clogging can be caused by other issues like flushing items that could cause blockage down your toilet, damages to the sewer line, and obstruction in the plumbing vents.

b) Leakages

Your toilet may suffer leakages issues if you don’t secure it to the floor properly and seal it correctly.

Pros And Cons Of Offset Toilet Flanges

Offset toilet flanges have their strengths and weaknesses, and you must know them before buying one.

Pros

Offset toilet flanges are made to secure toilet seats to offset plumbing while protecting your bathroom. Rather than breaking bricks, use an offset closet flange if the pipe opening is too close or too far from the bathroom wall.

In addition, it helps you install a closet seat to an off-centered pipe, saving you the additional expenses of reworking your plumbing pipes.

Cons

If you don’t have the necessary expertise to install an offset toilet flange, the job can be futile, time-consuming, and infuriating. This is because installing an offset flange is more complicated than a standard one.

If you don’t typically do your own plumbing, you will likely not have the experience and tools for the job. Therefore, you are better off contracting the job to a trustworthy plumber to make sure you get a toilet that’s well secured to the wall and free of clogs and leaks.

What Mistakes Do People Make When Handling Offset Toilet Flanges?

There are certain mistakes people usually make when using offset toilet flanges, and you should definitely watch out for them to avoid them. These are:

Picking The Wrong Offset Toilet Flange

Offset toilet flanges come in different qualities and are made of various materials, mainly PVC and cast iron. If you buy a low-quality flange, you will likely encounter issues, so make sure you buy a superior product that will last you many years.

An excellent offset flange features an angular fitting, providing a watertight seal. In addition, the upper part has a round appearance.

On the flip side, a poor offset flange doesn’t have a round opening and is designed with a bowl-like shape. Therefore, it is difficult to achieve a perfect seal with this flange because most are incompatible with standard wax rings.

Failure To Shift Your Toilet In Various Directions

You can move your toilet by about 2 inches in any direction if you have an offset toilet flange, making it possible to install your toilet seat when the drainpipe is close to the wall. However, positioning it as desired will be impossible if you install the flange incorrectly or pick the wrong size.

You can fix this problem by choosing the correct size of offset flange and making sure it’s compatible with your toilet. Moreover, you must install it correctly.

How To Install An Offset Toilet Flange

It’s clear that proper installation is paramount when dealing with an offset toilet flange to prevent any problems. Additionally, pick your flange based on the size of your toilet drainpipe and get the needed wax ring and mounting bolts to ensure you secure the toilet to the bathroom floor properly.

Below are the steps to follow to install an offset toilet flange:

Disconnect the water supply to your toilet using the shut-off valve, then empty the toilet tank and bowl by flushing the toilet.
Remove the toilet carefully and set it aside safely.
Remove and throw away the old wax ring.

Detach the old toilet flange, making sure you don’t damage the drain pipe.
Put the offset toilet flange in place, followed by the wax ring.
Use mounting bolts to secure the flange to the floor.

Install the toilet
Turn on the toilet’s shut-off valve and test the toilet to ensure it works well.

How To Rough-in An Offset Toilet Flange

It is essential to maintain a distance of 10 to 14 inches between the bathroom back wall and the toilet seat for proper adjustment. Therefore, while an offset flange makes it possible to install your toilet seat when the drainpipe is too close or far from the wall, you must rough in the flange to avoid issues.

Here’s what to do:

Remove the old flange and put fabric on the drainpipe’s entrance to keep sewer gases away.
Determine the ideal spot for your toilet seat by finding out the accurate flange measurement in various directions.

Determine the center point by measuring at least 15 inches in every direction (back, front, left, and right) from your toilet position. Mark this spot.
Position the offset toilet flange at the marked area and adjust it accordingly. Once you are satisfied with your positioning, secure it into place appropriately.

Conclusion

You won’t have to worry about offset toilet flange problems if you select the correct size and type for your toilet and know how to install it correctly.

Nonetheless, you need to be more cautious when dealing with an offset flange and possess plumbing skills to install it.