Do I need to replace/repair this flange?

[chrisdohfr]

Wanted to pull up old, cracked tile (which I could mostly do by hand) and replace with floor paneling. After toilet removal, discovered this for my flange (picture attached). It sits barely above that subfloor-- it sat below the tile. Pretty rusted, but can still hold closet bolts. Also, I think the previous homeowner might have doubled-up on the wax rings to make up for the flange being below floor level instead of extending it.

If anyone has any suggestions as to whether (1) the flange looks OK (I realize it needs cleanup), (2) if and how I should extend the flange if it is OK, and/or (3) if it should be removed and replaced (perhaps by a pro-- I'm handy but only so much so), then your input is appreciated.

 

[Reach4]

1. I think it looks OK. Does it feel OK -- strong? It looks like you still have the horn of the previous lower wax ring in place. That could probably stay, or your new bottom wax ring would provide its own. I am not a plumber.

If the strength is in doubt, something like the Danco Hydro Seat would be good. You can also put a repair ring in place to provide strength for the pull of the closet bolts.

2. You are putting in a new floating floor? You will set the toilet on top of the new wood laminate or LVT? That will pin the flooring in place at that place. I think that will be OK as long as you have the thermal expansion gap on each side of the flooring. I don't know that there is a consensus on how to deal with a toilet on a floating floor.

Your new floor could be 4 mm to a half inch, and maybe there will be another layer between the floating floor and the subfloor. The thickness you have to deal with can vary. 3/8 (9.5 mm) below the floor surface is one level where methods change a bit for some waxless seals.

There are waxless seals, that can be good for the less experienced person because they are forgiving of re-positioning the toilet for shims etc. Two wax rings can work well, but you need to drop the toilet and not lift back up to move or insert shims.