We bought a house and my wife wanted tile floor. So we took out the existing toilet and installed tile. When I went back to replace the toilet I discovered that the existing flange was installed incorrectly. The slots for the bolts were up and down instead of left to right. Because we have a drop ceiling below this toilet the previous owner drilled holes and used threaded rods and bolts to try to attach the toilet. It seemed to work however, since then I have replaced the seal three times because I have had trouble with the toilet leaking. I really don't want to replace the flange if I can help it. It is glued into PVC piping. Do you have any suggestions? If I do end up having to replace the flange, how do I do that?

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Originally Posted by Tim Mawson

We bought a house and my wife wanted tile floor. So we took out the existing toilet and installed tile. When I went back to replace the toilet I discovered that the existing flange was installed incorrectly. The slots for the bolts were up and down instead of left to right. Because we have a drop ceiling below this toilet the previous owner drilled holes and used threaded rods and bolts to try to attatch the toilet. It seemed to work however, since then I have replaced the seal three times because I have had trouble with the toilet leaking. I really don't want to replace the flange if I can help it. It is glued into PVC piping. Do you have any suggestions? If I do end up having to replace the flange, how do I do that?

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Good morning Tim,

If this were my problem I would go about it like this. First off, understand this. A toilet flange isn't necessary. All it does is secure the bowl to the floor over the raiser from the closet bend. Back in the old days we used to set them right on the bare floor with a rope of plumbers putty as a seal. We secured the bowl to the floor with threaded closet bolts such as the ones you describe.
Now back to your problem. To start I would position the bowl over the closet bend and mark the bolt holes on the tile floor. Then I would take a 1/4" masonry bit and drill holes in the tile where I would place plastic inserts. You now have the means to secure the toilet to the floor without the need of a flange. Next I would purchase a wax seal with a funnel to direct the discharge past the floor line and into the closet bend. To give your installation a professional look, purchase a tube of Dap White Tub and Tile Caulk and run a bead around the base of the bowl. Wipe the excess off with a damp cloth. Good luck, Tom