about to quit on a DIY project, anyone ever drill cast iron, as in 85 yr old toilet flange?

[HereSince1628]

A broken toilet flange. It's cast iron from the 1930's so it's not like it didn't serve it's time

When I pulled the toilet I found 1) the flange is soldered to the service arm...kattywampus to the floor and 2) the floor is tiled with small marble mosaic tiles right up to and on one side -under- the flange. 3) the subfloor floor was apparently leveled with some form of concrete which is almost as hard as the marble.

My original plan was built around the expectation that I could put one of those 1/4 circle flat pieces of steel under the flange to trap the bolt that holds down the toilet. But, after trying to remove a couple of the small tiles and clear away the concrete mucked in under that bit of flange, that looks like a really bad choice.

I'm not experienced with soldered cast iron and I'm intimidated about trying to unsolder the flange from the service arm or breaking it off (I really don't want to end up breaking the service arm and then needing to open the ceiling and wall in the room below in order to replace it.

Replacement PVC flanges are reasonably priced, but you've got to screw them to the subfloor, the existing flange is in the way, hence the question...anyone ever drill through an old cast iron flange?

Thanks for your consideration.

[ret5hd]

1. Our house is from the '30's and has/had that cast iron under the toilet...

We were moving the toilet about 3 feet, so there was no option of just fixing what was already there.

But after watching the plumber and his helper for a while, i KNEW there was no way i could have done it myself. My initial thought for you is just bite the bullet and hire it done.

[HereSince1628]

3. Thanks. I don't like giving in, but your right that discretion is a good thing.

It's a shame that a 4 buck piece of strap that should have worked had a DIY not introduced these issues.

[liberal N proud]

2. See if this helps

You should be able to find a water closet flange repair kit.

[FSogol]

13. +1 n/t

[Hassin Bin Sober]

4. I've used several different options.

Not sure what you are working with. Can you post a picture?

It sounds like maybe cut the existing flange top out with an angle grinder and install one of these.

Twist to seal. Tapcon the new flange to the floor.

This one is cast iron but PVC will work too and a bit cheaper/move available.



http://www.faucetdepot.com/faucetdepot/ProductDetail.asp?Product=158986&AffiliateID=GoogleDirectFeed&gclid=CPCeiL7PlMwCFQoNaQodFH4LoA

[HereSince1628]

5. Yes there are a handful of types of pvc inserts

The issue is figuring out how to get off the old flange without damaging the service arm.. I'll have to think about what would be involved with a grinder, sure seems better than beating on it with a cold chisel as shown in a 'This Old House' video

I don't own a grinder so that didn't even come to mind. Thanks.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

6. A grinder cuts cast like butter.

13 bucks rental at Homer's.

Or buy one for 69 bucks plus 10 bucks for the diamond cutting wheel. That tool is a must have anyway


I took a lead closet elbo and what was left of the flange out last year. It was in with poured lead and oakum. The elbo/arm was connected at the cast in a hub. After melting what I could, I chiseled out the remainder and the brass ring. It sounds a lot harder than it turned out. But I would recommend doing less and just stick to the flange top.

We had to find the rubber hub adapter with the 4 inch PVC soil pipe.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

7. I had the thing all set and the self leveling poured. Perfect floor

But I fucked up and set it too close to the wall. Doh!!

So I had to cut my perfect floor open and reset

[pscot]

8. Dog! I hate when I do stuff like that

I think that falls under the 'measure twice..' rule.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

9. Yeah. I knew I was cutting it a little close.

We went with a thicker tile.

The Duravit fiberglass tub sunk me because the flange is extra thick so I had to shim the wall out 3/8ths.

Really nice tub Duravit makes. Went in like a dream. I used to be anti fiberglass but I would definitely use Duravit again.

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

11. Bin Sober it looks like you are staying busy !

!

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

10. What makes you think you can't drill through it ?

because if you can,you can put a flange over the top of what is there. As was said you should post a picture.

[FSogol]

12. Go to a plumbing supply shop (not a home improvement center) and explain your problem.

They make partial flanges for repairing all kind of cast iron flanges. They'll be able to help.