Toilet Flange 1/2 Above Floor? (Your Options)

So, you’ve pulled your toilet and now you’re staring at a flange that’s sticking up about half an inch above the floor.

It might not seem like a big deal, but if you try to install your toilet without fixing that height difference, you’re asking for leaks, wobbles, or worse. 

Thankfully, there are fixes that don’t involve ripping up your floor or calling in a plumber.

In this post, we’ll show you what to do if your toilet flange is 1/2 inch above the floor.

Option 1: Use A Thick Wax Ring

This is the go-to solution for a lot of people for small gaps like a half-inch. 

Wax rings are those old-school but super reliable seals that sit between your toilet and the flange. They keep nasty stuff where it belongs and prevent leaks.

If your flange is a bit too high, the first thing to try is a thick wax ring. You can usually find extra-thick ones at the hardware store labeled as “jumbo” or “for deep flanges.” These are made for exactly this kind of situation.

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Installation is pretty straightforward:

1. Clean the flange area and remove any old wax or debris.
2. Choose an extra-thick wax ring (or stack two regular ones).
3. Place the wax ring centered over the flange.
4. Carefully lower the toilet straight down onto the ring.
5. Press the toilet down firmly to compress the wax and form a seal.
6. Insert and tighten the toilet bolts evenly and don’t overtighten.
7. Check for wobble, and adjust or shim if needed.

Some people like to stack two regular wax rings – a plain wax ring on the bottom and one with a plastic funnel on top. This can work too, but it’s a little more finicky. 

You’ve got to make sure it lines up just right, or it might leak.

The nice thing about this route is it’s cheap, simple, and quick. But it’s not always the most durable fix. If things shift, or if you ever have to remove the toilet again, you might be back to square one. 

Still, for a half-inch gap, this can totally do the trick.

Option 2: Use A Flange Extender Kit

If you want something a bit more permanent or just don’t want to mess around with extra wax, this is a great option. 

A flange extender kit basically raises the level of the flange so it sits flush (or just below) the finished floor. That way, you get a proper seal without squishing a huge wax blob into the gap.

Flange extenders are usually plastic rings that stack on top of your existing flange. 

They come in different thicknesses, like 1/4″ or 1/2″, and sometimes include rubber gaskets to help with the seal. Most kits also come with longer bolts and extra screws.

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Here’s how to use them:

1. Clean the existing flange.
2. Pick the correct thickness extender ring (usually 1/4″ or 1/2″).
3. Apply a bead of silicone around the bottom of the extender.
4. Place the extender on top of the flange and align it properly.
5. Screw it down into the old flange using the kit’s long screws.
6. Let the silicone cure if needed (check product instructions).
7. Install your wax ring or wax-free seal and mount the toilet as usual.

This option adds a bit of time and effort, but it’s worth it if you want something solid and reliable. 

Plus, it just looks cleaner once you’ve got the toilet back in place. No wobbling, no squishing, no guessing if it sealed right.

Option 3: Shim The Toilet Base

Sometimes the seal is fine, but the toilet wobbles because it’s sitting high on the flange and low on the floor. That’s where shims come in.

Plastic toilet shims are little wedge-shaped pieces you can tuck under the base of the toilet to make it sit level. You’ll want to place them carefully around the toilet until there’s no rocking at all. 

Then you can tighten the bolts and caulk around the base (just leave a little gap at the back so you can spot leaks later).

You can use shims alone if the flange is a little high and the wax ring still makes a good seal. Or, you can combine shims with a flange extender or thick wax ring if you’re dealing with both height and wobble.

One thing: don’t use wood shims. They’ll absorb moisture and swell up over time. Always go with plastic. They’re cheap, sturdy, and won’t rot.

Don’t Do This If Your Toilet Flange Is 1/2 Above Floor

Some quick warnings here for stuff that seems like a good idea at the time, but just isn’t.

Don’t try to grind down or cut the flange. That’s a risky move that can damage the pipe and lead to way bigger problems.

Also, don’t try to force the toilet down. Pushing too hard or overtightening the bolts can crack the toilet base. And once that happens, you’re out a toilet. Those things aren’t cheap.

And definitely don’t skip the seal. Even if the toilet looks stable, it needs a proper wax or wax-free ring to keep sewage gas and water from leaking out. 

Cutting corners here just isn’t worth it.

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Bottom Line

If your toilet flange is 1/2 inch above the floor, you can either use a thick wax ring to fill the gap, install a flange extender to bring the floor up to the flange, or shim the toilet base to keep it level and wobble-free

Just don’t start cutting things or skipping seals. Stick to the basics, take your time, and make sure everything sits snug and level before calling it a day.

Once you’ve handled the height issue, you’ll have a toilet that’s sealed and good to go for years.