toilet troubles

Katigan · 12-01-2010, 07:16 PM

We have a basement toilet that had a broken plastic flange welded to the pipe. We have had a family member working on it and he has fixed the toilet to the point where there's a new flange and it's all working with no leaks. The problem now is that, with the new rigging, the toilet sits about an inch off the tile floor. We can't use it until that problem is fixed. It has been suggested to us to use some sort of expandable foam under the toilet, let that dry, and that will support the toilet. I've tried to do research on a product like this, but I don't know what it is. Is this the best/easiest way to go about fixing the toilet? There's no way my husband's going to be up for starting over.

DangerMouse · 12-01-2010, 07:25 PM

I would not advise using expanding foam.
Not sure what you can do, I'd be inclined to tile up a shelf to hold it, then reset it flat and flush to that.
Others here will likely have better answers, or there may already be a product out there that slips right in?

DM

Jim F · 12-01-2010, 08:02 PM

I'm never up for starting over myself but sometimes that's what the job calls for. Currently looking at a repiping job on my tub spout so it sits flush to the wall.

Red Squirrel · 12-01-2010, 08:03 PM

Maybe some hydrolic cement? That would be kinda a hackish fix, but depending on how bad it is, might be doable, with a line of caulk around it. The tricky part is getting enough in there for a good and even support.

bob22 · 12-01-2010, 08:05 PM

Not to be a smart a**, but the fix seems worse than the problem you started with in the first place. I guess you could spend some bucks to bring the flooring up to the toilet's level but that seems a bit backwards (without seeing the whole thing). WHy can't the flange be reinstalled so that the toilet will be on level as the flooring?

the_man · 12-01-2010, 08:07 PM

i've met a few old timer plumbers that set toilets in grout to provide a solid, level surface. never liked it myself, it can be a big hassle when you go to replace it, but it would give you the stability that you need

bob22 · 12-01-2010, 08:11 PM

I guess if all you are looking for is a solid base, cut some blocks of wood to fit under the perimeter of the toilet but that wouldn't do much for supporting the rest of the fixture IMO.

**TheEplumber** · 12-01-2010, 08:13 PM

Do not use the foam. It is not meant for compression applications and definatley not for toilets - very unsanitary because of its porous properties. You need to back track and make the proper repairs. Pull the toilet and remove the broken flange fitting. Purchase and install a new flange. Anchor it to the floor and reset the toilet. If it sounds too difficult, hire a plumber. Also search this site for broken flange. I think your problem is already addressed

DangerMouse · 12-01-2010, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim F

I'm never up for starting over myself but sometimes that's what the job calls for. Currently looking at a repiping job on my tub spout so it sits flush to the wall.

Re-piping???? When we moved here, I had the same problem. 2 plumbing pieces, a scrap of pipe and some cpvc glue and I fixed it.
Here's a pic of it. I still had the old one laying around. Lucky you!

DM

kenmac · 12-01-2010, 08:19 PM

the Eplumber said,

Do not use the foam. It is not meant for compression applications and definatley not for toilets - very unsanitary because of its porous properties. You need to back track and make the proper repairs. Pull the toilet and remove the broken flange fitting. Purchase and install a new flange. Anchor it to the floor and reset the toilet. If it sounds too difficult, hire a plumber. Also search this site for broken flange. I think your problem is already addressed

Enough said !

If your going to do a job do it the right way or hire someone that will / can

broox · 12-01-2010, 08:44 PM

I also believe the foam is a bad idea. If you do not care what it looks like, cement or grout would do the job. But you would have to get alot under the base of the commode all the way around it to support it. If you won't call a plumber, consider repairing the flange properly?

Plumber26 · 12-01-2010, 08:49 PM

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...w=1003&bih=403

This is what you'll need... They make them in 3'' and 4'' sizes (I don't prefer the 3'' b/c it decreases pipe diameter too much but, it'll work. It slides down into pipe... you'll need to first, cut out the old stuff to where the pipe is flush with floor.... insert this into pipe (i'd throw a little vaseline on the rubber gasket).... then you'll anchor it to the floor.... then you tighten the 3 allen screws inside and that will expand the rubber gasket.

Jim F · 12-01-2010, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DangerMouse

Re-piping???? When we moved here, I had the same problem. 2 plumbing pieces, a scrap of pipe and some cpvc glue and I fixed it.
Here's a pic of it. I still had the old one laying around. Lucky you!

DM

It really is a small revision. The brass pipe I used for the spout drop off the 4-way has no bend to it being brass. So I have to replace that with a copper pipe that I can bend and sweat on the elbow and male adapter fitting. I need to make a slight bend in the copper so that my tub spout will sit flush to the wall. I thought I was going to have to remount the toilet that I just installed but it turned out not to be a leaky seal, just my young son missing his target.

Katigan · 12-01-2010, 11:03 PM

Thanks so much for all the opinions!
I agree that this wasn't ideal. The whole thing has been a big hassel. Basically, the fix was done to avoid drilling into the concrete floor.
We'll see what we can do.

warnerww · 12-02-2010, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plumber26

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...w=1003&bih=403

This is what you'll need... They make them in 3'' and 4'' sizes (I don't prefer the 3'' b/c it decreases pipe diameter too much but, it'll work. It slides down into pipe... you'll need to first, cut out the old stuff to where the pipe is flush with floor.... insert this into pipe (i'd throw a little vaseline on the rubber gasket).... then you'll anchor it to the floor.... then you tighten the 3 allen screws inside and that will expand the rubber gasket.

I wished I knew about that fitting. That is the way to go. If you insist on building it up instead my brother in law had the same problem and he used a powder called "fix all" you mix with water. Then he spread it under the toilet and set the toilet on it. He shaped the stuff to the toilet and it looks ok. It looks like drywall mud but is much stronger He has lived in the house for 13 years now and it is still working.