We were having problems with a leaky toilet (neighbor beneath us was seeing water spots on her ceiling). I removed the toilet, expecting to need to replace a wax ring, to find the old cast iron flange is a full 1 1/2 inches below the floor level (we live in a condo rehab). It appears that the cast iron pipe is sort of "floating" beneath the floor. I had a plumber come out today to suggest a fix, and they indicated they would need to cut out a section of the pipe and replace it to get the flange to floor level. He said there was no other way to fix it. They are estimating at least 1 day of work (very expensive).

After reading around on the internet, it seems like there are some other potential ways to fix this. Can I use a flange extension? Should I contact another plumber?

Thanks in advance.

Jeff

You can stack flange spacers but for 1 1/2" your may need longer brass toilet bolts to secure the toilet. You could also try this Set-Rite - The Toilet Flange Spacer System (http://www.set-rite.com/)

You can stack flange spacers but for 1 1/2" your may need longer brass toilet bolts to secure the toilet. You could also try this Set-Rite - The Toilet Flange Spacer System (http://www.set-rite.com/)

Thanks, so do I not need to worry about the fact that the cast iron drain pipe/flange are unsecured, and sort of "floating" under the floor?

Jeff

I do apologize, I missed that issue. Yes, that is a problem and the pipe must be secured so the seal will not flex. Normally the flange is screwed into the sub floor so who ever rehabbed your place was way off in plumbing skills. I don't think you plumber is being very creative with his fix. If you can get beneath the stub you can support it with cross 2x4s.

I do apologize, I missed that issue. Yes, that is a problem and the pipe must be secured so the seal will not flex. Normally the flange is screwed into the sub floor so who ever rehabbed your place was way off in plumbing skills. I don't think you plumber is being very creative with his fix. If you can get beneath the stub you can support it with cross 2x4s.

Thanks for your suggestion. I spoke with another plumber today who suggested exactly what you mentioned with the 2x4s. I sincerely appreciate your help.

Jeff