Replace or reinforce closet flange

bradah · Jul 14, 2009

I have a cast iron flange with ABS. It has started to rust but is still strong enough to hold the flange bolts. It would be a big job replacing this because of the limited access. Note also the "funnel insert".....not sure why that was there. Might it have been used for a spacer?

My concern is the continued rust. I'm not sure how long it will last.

If I take the easy way out I was thinking of putting a stainless steel ring on top of the cast iron....then the wax ring......

Any insight is appreciated.

Jadnashua · Jul 14, 2009

When you buy wax rings, one of the options is to get one with an embedded funnel. I think that is what you are seeing there...all of the wax was squeezed out...throw it away and use a plain wax ring.

That doesn't look like a CI flange to me! The steel ring is rusting, and is why plumbers prefer to use those with SS rings.

If it is still strong enough, if you get a good seal, it should not continue to rust. An alternative is to buy a repair ring...you carefully cut that old one off, and the new one is hinged, so you can insert it into the slot of the ABS where the old one was attached and then screw it down to the floor(looks like it is terrazo).

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Gary Swart · Jul 14, 2009

It might be a big job for you to remove the old flange, a plumber would make short work of it. A wise DIYer knows when to call the pros. It will never be easier to repair this the right way than now.

bradah · Jul 14, 2009

What is the best way to cut......

.....through that metal? Tin snips sure don't work.....

Terry · Jul 14, 2009

I would throw a red ring on it to hold the bolts.
Any hardware store will carry these.

bradah · Jul 14, 2009

questions

Terry,

Would the red ring fit OVER what is already there? Or
would I have to take off the old steel flange first?

If it does fit over.....how do I ensure that sewer gases don't seep up between the old flange and this red ring?

And last.....what about the increase in flange height. How high can you go on these Drakes before there is a problem?

Terry · Jul 14, 2009

The repair ring goes over, it's only purpose is to hold the closet bolts.

Leave the old ring in place. It's not going anywhere, and it will hold the flange in place.

If you look under the bowl, you will see quite a bit of space there.

Wax.
Wax seals.

bradah · Jul 14, 2009

Ok,,,,,,

I went to HD and got something called a "Super Ring". It's black but looks the same.

It says to use "RTV Silicone Sealant" ......... all I have is the "100% Silicone Sealant" that you use around windows/doors, etc. It is not labeled "RTV"

Is this an issue?

Terry · Jul 14, 2009

If you look at the metal ring that is there, its not sealed with Silicone either. That isn't even where the wax would make any contact.

bradah · Jul 14, 2009

Ok

I see what you are saying. Thanks for the quick replies and assistance. I should have this all hooked up soon.

Great site....very helpful over the last few months.

Replace or reinforce closet flange

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