View Full Version : toilet flange help!
Brian31
09-21-2005, 08:10 AM
I am installing a new toilet in the basement bathroom. The existing toilet hooked up to a 4" cast iron pipe. I've purchased a 3" PVC offset flange to fit inside the pipe - is this the right way to go? Should I be using something else?
any advice /direction would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
Brian
Terry
09-21-2005, 10:02 AM
Most plumbers would use the existing 4" flange.
It may have slots or notches for the closet bolts.
If you don't have a flange to hook to, you can add one over the top.
If you add one, you would drill the concrete and use anchors to secure it.
Brian31
09-21-2005, 01:33 PM
Thanks Terry. Is it ok to use a pvc flange on top or into the cast iron pipe? Do i need to glue it in or ??? As stated earlier (perhaps not that clear) is that there is a 4" cast iron toilet drain in the floor. I've removed the existing flange as it was completely damaged/cracked etc.
plumber1
09-21-2005, 01:34 PM
Terry, wouldn't a lead and oakum joint be much better?
You don't have to rely on a couple of anchors, what ever kind they might be?
If it was my home, I'd choose a good old fashioned lead joint.
You cannot use a plastic flange with a cast iron pipe. It will not glue into the pipe. You might be able to use a rubber gasketed "screw in" flange but they do not come in an offset pattern.
Terry
09-21-2005, 03:43 PM
plumber1,
I've never installed a lead and oakum flange where I'm at.
I don't think anyone has done that around here since the fifties.
(Greater Seattle area)
On a 4" buried in concrete, since the purpose of the flange is mainly to hold bolts, we use a "flange repair ring" that can be installed onto the floor.
Here's a post I found from the old board:
"REMOVE OLD FLANGE- SPLIT THE SIDE OF EXISTING FLANGE WITH COLD CHIESEL N HAMMER.WEAR SAFETY GLASSES.REMOVE THE OLD LEAD , YOUR GOING TO WORK IT A BIT.ONCE FLANGE IS REMOVED , DETERMINE LENGTH FOR NEW FLANGE.DROP NEW FLANGE OVER PIPE THIS IS AFTER NEW SUBFLOOR INSTALLED.PACK JOINT WITH OAKUM LEAVING 1 IN. FROM TOP OF OAKUM TO TOP OF FLANGE.HEAT OLD LEAD IN LADDLE AND POUR IN JOINT. LET STAND FOR A MINUTE AND CAULK (peen) lead with hammer and chiesel. be careful" Outofplumb
plumber1
09-21-2005, 08:03 PM
Also, if the floor is raised, cast iron flanges come in deeper/longer depths than the regular flange.
A good thing to have here in Michigan