[Handy?person]

I am installing a 1/2 bath in my basement. The rough plumbing was installed when the house was built. Unfortunately, the plumbers used a 3" drain pipe for the toilet and cement was poured up to it when the floor was poured. I really don't want to use a "reducer" toilet flange because I think it will lead to clogs. How do I install the toilet flange?

[massplumber2008]

Hi HP...

You could rent a small chipping hammer and gently chip out some of the concrete from around the pipe. Here, you will literally chip out only about 1" around the pipe down to a depth of about 3"or so. I have done it with a long cold chisel and hammer a few times, but the chipping hammer will make quick work out of it. Be careful to chip away from the pipe so you don't damage it.

Then, you'll need to buy an inside pipe cutter (see image) and cut the pipe to about an inch below the floor (or whatever is needed to set the new closet flange on top of the finish floor). Put a rag/towel in the pipe to below the depth of the cut you'll be making... just in case the inside pipe cutter comes loose from the drill. Inside pipe cutters are sold at all home improvement stores nowadays.

Then you simply prime/cement the closet flange onto the pipe and you should be all set.

Questions? Let me know, OK?

Mark

[Handy?person]

Thank you Mark. I'm now considering installing sleepers and plywood and raising the floor. I guess I better decide what I want for finished floors in the 1/2 bath and in the rest of the basement before I do anything.

[massplumber2008]

Sounds like a lot less work to simply chip out the concrete from around the pipe... ;)

Good luck!