We had a poorly flushing toilet that we removed the tank of to investigate and do repairs. Long story short, we've now got a new toilet and are trying to install it...

The previous owners put in wood floors that are higher than the original floor must have been, because the closet flange is now about 1" below the floor level. They had used two wax seals to make up the difference from the toilet to the flange, but we'd been told to try installing a closet flange spacer.

We bought one and brought it home, only to find that there are four holes for screws, whereas our existing flange has six holes (it must be that old). I'd rather NOT have to take out the old flange (and from what I've read here, that's a last resort idea). Our house was built in 1987, so I doubt it's cast iron, just FYI.

I considered popping new holes into the flange spacer we purchased, so that it will line up. Is that a bad idea?

Also, I've read conflicting reports on whether these spacers are advisable. What do you suggest?

Any advice you have is much appreciated!

One inch is too low to attempt to double seal the bowl. Use the flange extenders and bring it up to floor level. Where do your closet bolts fit in the old flange? The long slots or the short notches? Regards, Tom

That confirms that suspicion--thank you. Let me see if I understand your question re: long slots/short notches. The bolts are thankfully the standard 12" from the wall, and are about 1 cm up from where the bolt fits into the slot. Does that answer your question?

At any rate--thanks very much for your quick response!