I have a tile file on top of a cement floor sub floor. The closet flange is about 1/4" off the floor. Does it need to be flushe with the floor or will this cause problems? And should the flange be secured to the flooring? If so, what type of screws should I use? I believe the flange is a brass fitting to a lead pipe...
You have to be very careful where a brass flange is soldered to a lead "closet bend". After 40 years or so, the leaded connection can get corroded. Scrape the joint and inspect with a bright light source.
If it looks solid, shim under the flange and drill for stainless screws into the slab. Do this in a way that won't stress the solder.
Another way is to remove the brass flange, then install an expansion flange like:
Jim
The connection is not corroded at all. It looks pretty new to me. So I should drill through the tile and into the subfloor? Should I shim with would or use mortar? Thanks!
Speedy Jim wrote:
I wouldn't use wood . Maybe stack up stainless washers under each screw hole. Remember this has to last a looong time.
It's better to have the flange flush, but I hate to disturb a leaded flange . Check the space under the toilet to see that there will be maybe 3/8" to 1/2" clearance between top of flange and the toilet clay/porcelain. You need free space for the wax ring to compress and adhere properly.
So if there is enough space for the wax seal to compress does the flange still need to be secured to the floor?
Speedy Jim wrote:
The flange is what keeps the toilet from rocking, unless the bowl is grouted/caulked to the floor.
If the flange moves (with the bowl), the leaded joint will soon break and then you have a nasty leak in the floor.
So, yes, the flange should be secured.
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