Metal closet flange too high - help!

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TubeNoob

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We live in an older house and are updating some of the fixtures in our powder room. After removing the existing toilet, I knew that we might have a problem with the existing closet flange.

The flange itself seems it good condition, but sticks up about 1/2" to 5/8" above the finished tile floor. The flange is copper and the waste pipe also appears to be copper. The pipes below the room are inaccessible without tearing things up.

I tried dry fitting a new Drake 776 series toilet to the flange, but noticed that the toilet appeared to just be sitting on the flange itself and wasn't resting on the floor. I called a plumber to inspect the situation and he thought my best bet was to replace the toilet itself for a model with a just bit more clearance to accommodate a higher closet flange.

Any suggestions on either 1) lowering this flange and waste pipe without having to rip up my floor or 2) toilets that can accommodate a slightly higher flange? The folks at Toto suggested a unifit, skirted toilet - but I'm leery of increasing the height even more with the unifit adapter.

Help!

IMG_2596.jpg
IMG_2598.jpg
 

Terry

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You could cut off the flange you have and glue in a replacement flange that is an "inside" fit.
I see that you have an ABS closet flange with metal ring.

sioux-chief-888-am-02.jpg


sioux-chief-888-am-03.jpg


sioux-chief-888-am-01.jpg


Then install with a single wax ring without a horn.
 
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Reach4

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I am not sure what you have there. Is that a thick cast iron or bronzed flange? Or is it a thin-metal-ring glue-in flange?

If thick, I would wonder if the black is some remnant of a wax ring horn. Or is the black looking area the part of the bronze flange that has not been shined up?

How high does the toilet sit high of the floor when you try to fit it without wax? If a small amount, you could use shims under the the toilet to raise the toilet the 1/16 inch, for example.

How high does the flange sit? For that measurement, I suggest placing a level across the flange at the high point, and shim up the other end of the level to center the bubble. What is the measurement?
 

Terry

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He has ABS pipes there. It's an ABS closet flange with metal ring, which can be cut off and a new replacement flange inserted inside the existing ABS.
 

TubeNoob

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He has ABS pipes there. It's an ABS closet flange with metal ring, which can be cut off and a new replacement flange inserted inside the existing ABS.
Hi, unfortunately we're dealing with copper pipes in this setup. The photo I posted is misleading since there was still a black plastic horn jammed in the flange (pulled that out after picture was taken). The waste pipes are all 3" copper, which I'm guessing makes this much more complicated than dealing with ABS or PVC. Any suggestions?
 

Reach4

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What is under there-- basement, crawlspace, slab?

Your plumber's suggestion sounds good, but you still might want to address the questions in the last two paragraphs of #3.
 

Terry

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3" copper has the same ID as plastic.
You can still cut it down and replace the flange.

Have you tried setting the bowl without the black plastic left over from the wax with horn?
Often, that is what prevents the bowl from dropping down. I'm amazed the plumber that came out didn't peel that out and try the bowl again.


This flange would work.

You set the bowl down without wax and it was still high centered?

neorest-install-03.jpg
 
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TubeNoob

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3" copper has the same ID as plastic.
You can still cut it down and replace the flange.

Have you tried setting the bowl without the black plastic left over from the wax with horn?
Often, that is what prevents the bowl from dropping down. I'm amazed the plumber that came out didn't peel that out and try the bowl again.


This flange would work.

You set the bowl down without wax and it was still high centered?

neorest-install-03.jpg
Hi folks - just wanted to give a quick update and close the loop on this. Thanks for all of the quick replies and great suggestions.

I was able to get my old plumber in to take a look (we took a chance on a new guy and it didn't go well). By removing the embedded black plastic horn in the flange, we were able to get things on just fine with no issue!

I really appreciate the advice and support. This forum has been invaluable as a new homeowner!
 
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