Let's Talk Closet Flanges

[Mike Goetzke]

Now why are they called that? It's a toilet flange - right?

I've lived in my home for about 40 years now. The half bath downstairs is below grade so the sewage line goes even lower into the basement ejection pump well. I replaced the toilet many years ago and found half the cast flange was totally missing. They must have broke it at installation. It has a mender ring and I have replaced it but I don't trust this toilet. The sewage line is a 4" cast iron pipe sunk into I think concrete although there is a gap around the pipe making it nearly impossible to sink screws in a mender flange.

I see you can buy cast iron closet flanges but I first have to get my old one off. A few videos I have seen show a solder joint between the flange/pipe and they just slowly drill out the solder. Before I go at it, is this most likely type of joint I'm looking at? My house was built in the late '70's.

Thanks

 

[rmwarren]

Holdover from "water closet" days?

RMW

 

[woodbutcherbower]

Holdover from "water closet" days?

RMW

Correct  [big grin] Complete with the ‘Metallo-Keramic’ cast iron to ceramic flange joint. Many public restrooms in the UK are still designated with a ‘WC’ sign.

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[tjbnwi]

Drilling the lead is the way you remove the flange. The lead is fairly thin as it is poured over an oacum packing. Once you get some holes in the lead dig the oakum out with a hooked tool, my prefered tool is a radiator hose removal tool for automobiles.

As you noticed the concrete is not placed against or under the flange. The cast iron pipe is wrapped with cardboard or foam prior to concrete placing. The pipe is left tall and trimmed to the floor level prior to the flange being soldered on. In your case it is a blessing because now you should not have to bust up any concrete.

To replace the flange there are flanges with rubber boots that get pushed into the pipe. With a 4" pipe I'd not worry about the restriction. The flange also gets bolted to the floor, you will most likely need to pack non-shrinking grout under the flange.

If anyone ever gets the chance to see an old school plumber pour a hub joint up it is amazing to watch the solder flow up the pipe into the hub.

Tom