The Everyday Handyman knows that people need information on toilets and flanges and we have it for you. Here is a collection of The Everyday Handyman's Questions and Answers about toilets. This page is made up mostly of questions asked by our readers and many featured in our newsletter, The Toolbox. The pages may contain more then one Question and answer related to specific topics.

Questions and Answers on Toilet Flanges

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Q- Has anybody replaced a broken toilet flange (cast iron) using a replacement that fits inside the existing cast iron drain. I see that there are several types from compression to expansion by bolts. Just looking for recommendations for the best type. PVC or cast iron? Compression or expansion??
Roy

A- There are many solutions to your problem:

1) If you did not break out the old flange, you can get a repair kit for broken cast iron flanges. Most hardware stores, Lowe's and Home Depots carry them. Examples at: http://www.quickfixplumbingproducts.com/ . The last 3 pictures show this application. You can also break out the old cast iron flange with a hammer and replace it with an extender flange, (Click on the third picture over). You can't glue PVC to cast iron, you have to adapt to it.
2) You can also replace a broken cast iron closet flange with a closet flange compression replacement product. The compression joint allows up to 3" of adjustment to the riser. You get 3" stainless steel bolts that are tightened to the finished floor. The best part, no tear out or caulking required. It will slide inside a 4" cast iron or DWV Schedule 40 pipe. I just used one in my house last week. It was fast and easy. You can find it here: http://plumbing.hardwarestore.com/51-291-closet-flanges/closet-flange-replacement--645944.aspx
3) The good old fashion way- A closet flanges only purpose is to secure the bowl to the floor. It doe not provide a seal for your toilet. You can save yourself a lot of hassle and set your toilet like plumbers used to before there were flanges.
Set the toilet over the flange and mark where the closet bolts should go. Now use a hammer drill with a 1/4" masonry bit and make holes for plastic anchor inserts. Use a set of two woodscrew closet bolts (make sure you use closet bolts that are made for toilets so they do not rust) and screw them into the plastic inserts. Now place your wax ring and set your toilet in place. Tighten your bolts, remembering not to over tighten them or it will crack the bowl.

Hope this helps.
The Everyday Handyman

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