Need some help from some plumbers regarding toilet

[Rick in PA]

Originally Posted By: Blue_Goose

Also last but not least, I emptied the toilet of water because of the attempts I was making putting it on...it is going to sit until next Monday when I can get someone to look at it (about 5 or 6 days) Should I be worried about sewer gas? We had the toilet off for about 3 or 4 days when we put the floor in and did not detect any sewer smells

Ok ramble off..hope I can get some help here!

Sincerely

A Pretty frustrated goose

Goose


I had a toilet off for an extended time once. Stuffing rags in the pipe wouldn't be gas-tight, so I put a bunch of rags in a plastic bag and stuffed that in the pipe. I don't know if it made a difference, but at least it was something.

 

[GMBoy]

As Rick in PA says - wrap rags in a plastic bag and stuff it in the pipe to block the gases.

As far as your original issue...what if...you just glued a steel shim where the large square hole meets the smaller holes in the flange to give yourself some more "bite" with the bolts?

In other words - place something under the ring near where the bolts go to keep 'em from popping out. Otherwise - most of the ideas others mentioned will work. I just went thru this a month ago with a new toilet - I was lucky in that I just used a repair kit flange that worked.

 

[The_Jeff]

When I did mine there were these little plastic squares, almost like bread bag closers, that held the bolts erect long enough without sliding around to drop the toilet on. Presume you got a new bolt hardware kit?

 

[Blaze]

Speaking of toilets.... Two years ago I installed one of those "claimed" 16-golfball flusher toilets and so far I have never had to use a plunger. Those things work as claimed. The power of the water flushing when you hit the handle is amazing. Not sure how they designed this unit but it works well.

 

[hate2work]

Forgot to mention this plumbing site, lots of great info and a forum to ask questions.

http://www.terrylove.com/

 

[bigmike]

I hate to say it Blue_Goose, but that's a [censored] flange job. Even the flange itself doesn't appear that good as I'm used to seeing slots much longer, thereby more forgiving in placement.

I'd suggest a few things:

To reiterate others, put something in that pipe to keep yourself from breathing gasses.

A good repair flange would be the best option, even if it brings the overall flange over the floor grade. Even an extension ring would probably fix your problem. You can get one at Home Depot for about $3.

I'd use a wax ring with a polyethylene flange. You may or may not need a larger wax ring. Sometimes this is trial and error.

Be sure to shim the toilet (if needed) with composite shims before final tightening.

 

[blue_goose]

Thanks for the info guys...talked to plumber today and he said he has a saw that will be able to cut out the old flange and install a new one that will work better with the laminate and be at the right height.....I've used him before and he solved a water heater issue that 4 plumbers sent by Sears could not so I have good faith in his judgment. I'll update how things go! Oh I put the toilet back on and poured some water into the bowl so hopefully that will keep things at bay until Monday

Goose

 

[Papa Bear]

It's a good thing you reinstalled the toilet... I always found that trying to hit that 4" hole in the middle of the night was "hit and miss".

 

[doitmyself]

Originally Posted By: Papa Bear
It's a good thing you reinstalled the toilet... I always found that trying to hit that 4" hole in the middle of the night was "hit and miss".


So, you are familiar with the "squat" or "hole in the ground" toilet! I work with lots of foreign grad students and am amazed at what I learn:

And, when "real" toilets are encountered, instructions are necessary:

 

[Flyin_V]

Interesting thread....when installing a toilet, is it correct to rock it back and forth on the gasket, twist left/right or just push straight down?
Thanks!

 

[wsar10]

Originally Posted By: Flyin_V
Interesting thread....when installing a toilet, is it correct to rock it back and forth on the gasket, twist left/right or just push straight down?
Thanks!

with an above room temp wax seal you should just push down, maybe a little wiggle front to back but no twisting

 

[bigmike]

I usually just push the toilet down on the wax seal as well, gradually putting my weight on it. Then I start to tighten the bolts a bit, evenly. The bolts are just there to keep it from rocking.

Don't forget to shim it, if needed.

 

[Flyin_V]

Thanks for the info