How to fix a toilet drain that was installed incorrectly?

 Inspection and Diagnosis 

• Examine the installation carefully to determine where and how the problem occurred. Look for misaligned pipes, improper wax ring placement, or an incorrectly positioned toilet flange.
• Identify signs such as water leakage, unstable seating, or gaps between the toilet base and floor that could indicate installation issues.

 Gathering Tools and Materials 

• Plumber’s wrench or adjustable wrench
• New wax ring and/or toilet flange repair kit
• Plumber’s putty or silicone sealant
• Measuring tape and level
• PVC primer and cement (if needed for PVC pipe adjustments)
• PVC pipe cutter (if pipe resizing or replacement is required)
• Gloves, rags, and cleaning supplies

Many local professionals in St. Louis and Nashville follow these steps to ensure precise and secure installations.

 Preparing the Work Area 

• Turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush to drain most water from the tank and bowl.
• Remove any remaining water with a sponge or small container to prevent spills.
• Clear the area around the toilet and protect the floor with old towels or a drop cloth.

 Removing the Toilet 

• Disconnect the water supply line from the toilet tank.
• Unscrew the floor bolts holding the toilet in place using a wrench. It may be necessary to break any corrosion if bolts are seized.
• Carefully lift the toilet from the floor; assistance is recommended as toilets are heavy and awkward.
• Place the toilet on a stable, protected work surface to avoid damage.

 Correcting the Drain Alignment 

• If the drain pipe is angled incorrectly or not centered, loosen any connections that might allow for adjustment.
• If the toilet flange is damaged or misaligned, remove the old flange and prepare the area by cleaning off remnants of old wax and debris.
• Install a new or repair flange ensuring it is level and properly aligned with the drain pipe. Use a measuring tape and level for accuracy.
• Make any necessary adjustments to the drain pipe, such as repositioning or trimming sections with a PVC pipe cutter, ensuring a straight, secure connection.

 Securing the Drain Pipe 

• If any sections of the drain pipe were re-positioned, use PVC primer and cement to secure loose joints. Allow sufficient curing time as per the manufacturer's instructions.
• Ensure that all revisions create a tight, leak-free seal between the pipe and the toilet flange.

 Replacing the Wax Ring 

• Remove the old wax ring completely using a putty knife. Clean the toilet base and flange thoroughly to remove any wax residue.
• Place a new wax ring on the flange, centering it carefully over the drain opening.

 Reinstalling the Toilet 

• Carefully align the toilet bowl over the flange and wax ring, ensuring that it is centered and level.
• Lower the toilet evenly onto the wax ring to create a proper seal; press down firmly to secure the bond.
• Reinstall the floor bolts and tighten them gradually. Avoid overtightening to prevent cracking the porcelain.
• Reconnect the water supply line to the toilet tank.

 Final Testing and Clean-Up 

• Turn the water supply back on and allow the tank to fill. Flush the toilet several times to ensure that it functions correctly and that no leaks are present.
• Check all connections, including the toilet base and drain pipe joints, for any signs of moisture or further misalignment.
• Clean the work area, remove any debris or old materials, and store your tools properly.
• Monitor the installation over the next few days to ensure that any adjustments remain secure and leakage issues are resolved.