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sbdr01 · May 12, 2011, 03:12 PM

I'm re-tileing my bathroom floor that's on concrete. The toilet was originally put in with a brass flange that was leaded in and sat on the old tile floor. The flange had some play (but never leaked) so I removed the old tile under the flange and noticed that the flange and lead seal are broken on one side. How do I proceed with removing the old flange and installing a new one? Should the new flange go on top of the new tile? Should I re-lead a brass flange back? Must a new flange be bolted to the floor? A friend said that I should shim the old flange up so it's tight with the lead then tile up to the perimeter of the flange therefore making it about 1/8" or less than the surface of the new floor. Thanks in advance for your input. Tony

ballengerb1 · May 12, 2011, 03:51 PM

Tony, please tell us what material your closet bend is: cast iron, lead, pvc, abs, etc... The finished top surface of the new flange should be flush with the tile top surface, there is a bit of leeway but flush is best

massplumber2008 · May 13, 2011, 05:41 AM

Hi guys...

A flange flush with the floor is OK, but plumbing code requires that a toilet flange be set on TOP of a tile floor. If in a remodel situation it isn't possible to keep the flange on top of the finished floor without extensive work then you go with what you have and make up differences using different thickness wax gaskets.

In your case Tony, sounds like you have lead that connects into a cast iron drain line. If this is the case, I would recommend getting rid of the lead altogether because it could present issues for you down the road and you don't need that.

Here, I recommend that you cut the cast iron pipe a couple feet back from the toilet and attach a new cast iron x PVC shielded transition clamp and then pipe this up using new PVC pipe and fittings...

As Ballengerb1 said, let us know more info. and let us know if you have more questions/concerns, OK?

Mark

sbdr01 · May 13, 2011, 07:36 AM

Thanks for the info. The pipe is cast iron. The problem is that the floor is already tiled close to is so breaking the floor in not an option. A "handyman" said that heating the lead and slowly bending in up would allow for the flange to be replaced with another brass one (after tiling is completed) and then heating it again to bend it back over the flange lip.
If this is a solution, do I still need to drill and put bolts into the cement or will the lead hold it securely?
Ps: I really do appreciate all the help. Tony

massplumber2008 · May 13, 2011, 12:35 PM

You can bend the lead and then install a new brass flange, but you really still need to secure the flange if possible. Here, pour a very liquid hydraulic cement in and under the flange via a coffeee cup and then secure the flange once all is dried... usually works great!

Any more questions just let us know, OK?

Mark