When following this DIY method for installing tiles around a flange, it may be helpful to also install a flange spacer, like the Oatey 1/4 inch Closet Flange Spacer.

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The flange connects the toilet bowl to the drainage system and also secures the entire unit to the floor with a wax seal (also called a wax gasket or wax ring).

Once your new flange is in place, you then must also make the connection between the toilet and the flange water and gas proof. This is accomplished by installing a wax ring on top of the flange ...

Throw them away and use another set of nuts and washers to secure the bolts to the flange before installing the toilet. This will hold the bolts firmly while you jiggle the toilet onto them.

My guess is you have an adjustable wrench, a putty knife, a 2-foot level, a screwdriver and a hacksaw. This is often all you need to replace a toilet.

The toilet bowl needs to be level side to side and front to back, but this adjustment should be completed by dry setting the bowl over the flange without the toilet gasket in place.

Some skirted toilets have started using new mounting systems that anchor the bowl directly to the toilet flange for an easier install.