Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Aug 22, 2000 08:24pm | #1

   *
   Howdy,

   I have looked in the archives, and couldn't find a satisfactory answer. I need to replace the closet flange. We are redoing the bath, and at the moment we are working on the floor. (Resilient tile over existing, sound ceramic tile) I pulled the toilet, and found half the existing flange to be rusted to the point of disintegration. I am not worried about why the flange is rusted, I know there was a leak in the past that appears to be fixed. We have experienced no leakage problems since getting the house some 2 or 3 months ago.

   The existing flange has (had) just a pair of lugs to hold the bolts in place, instead of the 'normal' slots. I saw one type of flange repair part, where the part just slid under the existing remnants. I can't use that type because there aren't enough remains to slide under. I picked up a flange I thought I could use, it is cast iron with a rubber gasket, that supposedly slides inside the pipe. However, it doesn't fit - I think the interior of the flange is lead lined. If I remove the lead, I think the part I have will fit.

   In the (very) rough sketch, red is the original flange before deteioration. Black is what remains. The grey is the interior of the flnge and APPEARS to be lead - not certain. The brown is, well, what I don't want to touch with out gloves - the interior of the pipe.

   I think I want to remove the lead. I thought I would be able to torch it, but I could not get the propane to heat it sufficiently. I was only test burning it, though, and so I may not have left the torch in place long enough. The lead? is very pliable, in that a cold chisel just pushed into it was able to cut slightly. Should I just try to pry the lead out?

   b So, my question is, what is the best/preferred method for removing the lead? Or is there a better method for removing/repairing the flange overall?

   Thank you for any help you can supply.

1. 
   Guest_ | Aug 23, 2000 01:21am | #2

   *Hello Mr. Pita,1. What is the substrate under the tile and around the existing waste? The old flange had to be attached to something other than the lead. You may have to drill or break out the old fasteners.2. If the lead is in good condition it can be reused. Gently pry it away from its original position, which should have been lapped over the inner diameter of the old flange. NOTE: If you remove (melt, cut, etc.) the lead you will have NO pipe and that's another can of worms.3. A new flat flange, with the slots for the johnnie bolts, can be placed and bolted (lags, tapcons, whatever) to the floor. Then the lead is peened back over the inner diameter of the new flange and your toilet is then set normally with wax ring and brass bolts.4. BUT, you configuration could be totally different and then some or all of the above would not apply.Have you called your local plumber yet or are you going to wait until you really have plenty for him to do.

1. 
   Guest_ | Aug 23, 2000 02:50pm | #3

   *(sheepishly bowing head)Well, there is a pipe there after all. Last night I worked at it some more, and I found that that closet elbow was partially coated with lead and other, uh, CRUD - hiding the pipe. I managed to remove enough of that lead 'veneer' from the top & inside of the pipe, so now the repair part fits. As for the fastening of the old flange, there was none. Apparently the flange was just resting on top of the tile, because there was no evidence of screws or anything holding the flange in place. I do plan on fixing the new flange via a few screws through the tile and into the wood beneath. I'm not sure exactly what substrate is there - it's (I think) the original tile from the 50's, and as far as I can tell there is 3/4" x 2-3" T&G subflooring throughout the house. I would expect that is there as well, but I don't know if there is anything additional like plywood, or if they just put down rosin? paper and tiled over it. Either way, the floor is very solid, no sponginess at all. Thanks for the help, Ralph!