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marjb · Aug 21, 2010, 07:23 AM

When removing the toilet to replace the wax ring, we noticed that the metal flange was all rusted, and the screws holding it down were rusted out, so now we do not know how to take it off without doing too much damage. We noticed that the flange does not sit on the pipe, it is off centered, due to the idiots who built our house running the pipes too close to the joist.

Milo Dolezal · Aug 21, 2010, 07:24 AM

Can you snap a picture of it and post it for us to see ? Thank you... Milo

marjb · Aug 21, 2010, 07:37 AM

Pic on the way...

We also need to replace the sub-floor around the toilet, which should be done first, the floor or the flange?

flange2.jpg picture by mbossart - Photobucket

speedball1 · Aug 21, 2010, 07:45 AM

Is this a offset flange? Is it broken or simply rusted? Why do you want to take then flange off? We can show you how to remove your old cast iron flange but first we need moor information. Back to you, Tom

marjb · Aug 21, 2010, 07:49 AM

I would say that it is an offset flange, the screws holding it down are all rusted out, and we need to replace all the floor boards around the toilet. The flange is not pvc, it is metal.

Milo Dolezal · Aug 21, 2010, 07:55 AM

That pipe appears to be PVC. Flange appears to be ugly but good. Just clean it with wire brush and reinstall toilet bolts.

If you really want to replace that flange than you can buy brand new closet ring with flange, remove the flange and install it in place of the old one. Toss the rest of the closet ring. That should do...

Let's see what other Experts have to say... Milo

marjb · Aug 21, 2010, 07:58 AM

Our sub floor is wet and water damaged, shouldn't that be replaced too? And if we replace the floor should we just put on a new closet ring?

speedball1 · Aug 21, 2010, 08:01 AM

It doesn't look like a off set flange. Is that PVC pipe I see under the floor? How is the flange secured to the pipe? Let me know, Tom

marjb · Aug 21, 2010, 08:04 AM

Yes it is PVC pipe under the floor, I am honestly not sure if it is off set, it doesn't look straight. How do I check how it is attached? PVC cement?

Milo Dolezal · Aug 21, 2010, 08:12 AM

It looks to me like it is off-set closet ring. But that should not make no difference. Framer forgot to offset his joists when framing floors. That's why there is a floor joist under the toilet.

If you plan on replacing sub floor than you probably will be better off to cut off the pipe about 12" bellow the floor, install new sub-floor and than reinstall new closet ring with short piece of pipe and coupling.

massplumber2008 · Aug 21, 2010, 08:13 AM

As Milo said, the closet ring isn't in bad shape, but I think I see that the bolt slot on the left side is corroded enough that the flange ring can't really be useful. However, the offset flange can be saved.

I think your best bet here will be to cut off the old ring using aviation snips and then install a new CLAMSHELL (or bivalve) type repair ring... see image. These are available at plumbing supply stores or online.

The clamshell ring fits into the slotted area that the old ring fits into. Secure it to the new flooring using rust-resistant screws.

The piping below the floor is fine.

Mark

marjb · Aug 21, 2010, 08:20 AM

Thank you all for your help, I'll see what I can do!