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Filena · Feb 17, 2008, 10:46 AM

We installed an inside flange in our pvc drain pipe, it would not fit all the way down so it was tight to the tile floor, on top of that my husband lined it up so the screw holes were in line for the bolts not the opening. What do we do now?

massplumber2008 · Feb 17, 2008, 01:04 PM

Wonder if you are on 1st floor with access to that pipe in basement? If you can see pipe in basement then I would just cut the pipe in basement and using a coupling I would just start again with a new flange... not a street flange.

BUT, for now, it sounds like pipe is inaccessible, so looks like you need to attempt to cut that new flange out. Here, I would use a sawzall with a long metal blade to cut under the metal ring of the flange (if no metal ring then just cut under the plastic ring) all around until the flange is cut off (you said flange was off the floor a bit.. that will help here).

Then you will need to score/cut the inside of the flange so that it cuts the flange but NOT the pvc pipe. Make two cuts about an inch apart... then with a small chisel set between the flange plastic and the PVC pipe plastic.. HIT the cut piece so that it pulls away from the PVC pipe... be gentle... it will come out (PUT A RAG IN DRAIN PIPE WHILE DOING ALL THIS WORK.. OK?).

Then with chisel see if you can pry the rest of the flange out.. gently. Some people will use a torch at this point to WARM/SCORCH the cement seal... and it does help... BUT because this is new work and you are new to this.. I do not advise it... just pry between PVC pipe and flange plastic and it will pop up and away from the PVC pipe.

Then, it sounds like there was a couple things wrong:

1) a street flange needs to go into a plumbing fitting... like an elbow fitting... NOT INSIDE THE PIPE ITSELF. So here if you do not have a fitting that is about 1 inch below finish floor you may need to purchase a TWIST and SET closet flange... most home supply stores have them.

2) setting the flange requires that the slots of the flange line up in such a way as to allow the toilet bolts to slide into the flange and allow adjustment to centerline of toilet. That should be obvious now... ;)

If my suggestion just will not work for you.. I have one or two more.. AND there are others on site that may have other ideas as well.

That's it... if you have any questions, or I have misunderstood something let me know.. or even better post a pic. Under the advanced option. Keep us posted.

If this answer helped please RATE THIS ANSWER. Thank you.

hkstroud · Feb 17, 2008, 01:18 PM

I was waiting for you response on this MP and wondering how a heat gun would work in this situation. A hair dryer certainly wouldn't have enough heat but how about a heat gun. Think it would soften the pipe?

massplumber2008 · Feb 17, 2008, 01:29 PM

Definetely HK... that would help nicely... as long as they did not cook plastic and understand that the point is to soften the plastic to flange.. and not too cook the pipe.

I also wanted to note for them to beware of PVC cement gases.. if all pipes are new going anywhere near pipes with a flame or a heat gun could actually cause a backflash if they are at lowest point of system and cement gasses have collected there. Not to worry.. but something to be aware of. Good idea as usual HK. Have good day.

massplumber2008 · Feb 17, 2008, 01:51 PM

AND just so Felina is clear.. the heat gun can be used but not until you cut off the majority of the flange like I mentioned in my first post... i.e. you cannot just try to heat and peel that old flange out. You need to remove majority of flange and then cut, and heat, and peel. Good luck!!