Hi,
I just removed my toilet closet to refloor with ceramic tiles (originally vinyl). What I found is the cast iron flange is broken on one side and the previous owner simply used a screw-bolt to the floor to connect the closet.
I like to do this right since it's all open. The options I have from looking at supplies are:
1. The preferred would be to remove the cast iron flange (female and 4 ") and replace with either cast iron flange, pvc or whatever is best. I don't know what it would take to remove the flange. Is it welded to the pipe or can it be loosened up and pulled up?
2. Repair by placing on top of existing flange a stainless steel or brass flange. This would also give me the extra 1/4" height to the added height of the thickness of the ceramic tile and bring the flange closer to the resulting floor level.
Need your advice on what is best to do? Thanks much.

HI Sonny...

You could crack the old cast iron flange out and then get a new one installed by a plumber. He would pour a new lead joint, pack it and you would be all set. This would be best case, but would cost the most.

You could also install a SPANNER FLANGE (see image). Here, you slip the spanner flange across the break in the old flange and it locks into place. You install the closet bolt into the spanner flange first and then slip it under the cracked side of the flange... you may need to tap the spanner flange into place using a chisel and a hammer but it should go in under the flange pretty easily once you get it started. This is a great method that will give you years of trouble-free service if done right.

To make up for the 1/4"-3/8" height of the ceramic tile you could just use a urethane reinforced extra thick wax gasket or you could purchase a closet flange extender.. see last image. Either one will work fine here.

Let us know if you want to discuss more... OK?

MARK

Hi Mark, I think have the answer from your post. Thanks a bunch! Looks like the spanner flange with extra thick gasket is the simplest solution that'll work for years.
Thanks again.