[Len]

I'm in the process of the replacing the toilet in a basement bathroom. The new toilet will not fit because the center of the flange is only 9 1/2 inches from the wall, rather than twelve. I broke all the concrete around the pipe. It is cast iron. What is the best way to move the flange 2 1/2 inches? I've never worked with cast iron before. Can I cut the pipe (its diameter is 4 inches) and use an adapter to PVC? I've heard of a no-hub adapter. How would that connect to PVC?

[hvac1000]

You probably need a different ruff in size for the base of your toilet.The toilets come in different ruff in sizes. Normally you know that before you buy one. Take back the one that you have and get the correct one. It will be a lot easier that trying to move the pipe.

[speedball1]

Good morning Len,

Once more hvac1000 put his finger drirectly on the correct solution.
" You probably need a different ruff in size for the base of your toilet.The toilets come in different ruff in sizes. Normally you know that before you buy one. Take back the one that you have and get the correct one. It will be a lot easier that trying to move the pipe."

Good call! They make a toilet that roughs in at 10 inches and That's the one I would use instead of going through the hassle of moving the closet bend. Even it that's a little too close to the wall changing the flange to a 1/2" offset flange would be much easier then tearing up the pipes.
Good luck, Tom

[Len]

Thank you for your response. Unfortunately I purchased the toilet some time ago and the store will not take it back. In addition the concrete is already removed so it seems like the hard part is done. I just wanted to make sure I extend the pipe properly. On another note the pipe has been buried for 46 years and isn’t the slightest bit rusty. It’s not a copper pipe. Aside from cast iron and copper, were there any other types of metal pipe used in 1959 when the house was built.

[speedball1]

Len,
You could have saved yourself a lot of work if you had broke out the old flange and installed a 2 1/2" offset closet flange.

"On another note the pipe has been buried for 46 years and isn’t the slightest bit rusty. It’s not a copper pipe. Aside from cast iron and copper, were there any other types of metal pipe used in 1959 when the house was built."

Take a knife and scrape the pipe. If you can cut it easily and it's shiny it might be lead although in 1959 we used black ABS plastic and cast iron for drainage. Let me know what you find. Regards, tom

[hvac1000]

You do not need to buy a new bowl. You need to buy just a new base.

[Len]

Tom & HVAC1000,
Thanks for your continued help. I took your advice and scraped the pipe with a knife. The pipe seems to be made of 2 different types of metal. The portion of pipe attached to the flange may in fact be copper. After scraping and sanding the residual cement it does appear to have a copper color. About 6 inches after the pipe makes a 90 degree turn, there is a well demarcated line where the pipe changes color and becomes more ductile. I can cut this part of the pipe with a knife and it’s shiny. There is no visual joint between these two metals. The pipe flares out at this point to a larger diameter before entering a cast iron pipe at the foundation. If it’s any help the pipe that may be copper and then lead is non-magnetic, while the pipe at the foundation that is cast iron is magnetic. Have you ever heard of such a pipe? The rest of the drain pipes and vents through out the house are copper. By the way HVAC 1000, how can I change the base? The base and bowl are all one piece. Sorry for the length of this post. Best regard, Len

[hvac1000]

WOOPS I did not know it was a one piece toilet. I always think old school and for years I never installed a one piece always two piece toilets. Now I will tell you why. It was easier in my plumbing truck to carry around one bowl AND the different size ruff bases. That way I had more room in the service van for other items.