I'm installing a 4 1/4" raised floor over a concrete slab in a small half-bath. I need to raise the toilet flange to meet the new floor. The drain pipe is 4" cast iron. The 4 1/4" distance seems excessive for flange extenders. Is there a quick and easy solution? Or am I going to have to raise the toilet drain so it is at the height of the new floor?

Hi Jron:

I'm afraid that there really isn't an easy solution for you on this... not if you want to be 100% sure that the piping won't leak under that raised floor years from now... I could certainly recommend an idea or two to hook you up and MOST LIKELY you would be fine, but let me first tell you how to do this job as a plumber would... OK?

Most likely, a plumber would drill some 1/4" holes into the lead ring at the flange and see if he could pry the old lead ring up and out of the flange. Then he would break out the old cast iron flange using a cold chisel and a hammer to crack the flange longitudinally. Then he'd pry the old flange up and out. He would need to crack the the entire flange in at least two places to create two halves...then he would be able to pry the flange up and out using a hammer and chisels.

After the flange is off the plumber would need to chip out the concrete from around the pipe (plug pipe with towel here) until he had enough room to connect and tighten a cast iron x PVC shielded clamp (see image). The hole doesn't have to be too large, just large enough to get a socket ratchet into place and spinning. Then he would install some PVC pipe and he'd tighten the clamp and you would be all set to install a new closet flange AFTER you set the floor.

That's the best way to do this! You should be able to do it if you have good basic hand skills and aren't afraid to hit a cold chisel hard!!

Otherwise, a good plumber might be able to come in and lead a new pipe into the old cast iron toilet fitting...but not many plumbers will be interested in "rigging" anything... you know?

Anyway, let us know your thoughts here...

Mark

Thanks. This info helps a good deal.