: The 'plumber' stated that the toilet was leaking
: because the cast iron flange was not level, and
: claimed (naturally) that this was a pre-existing
: condition even though it wasn't leaking before.
: He said that replacing the wax seal would not fix
: the problem permanently.

: He stated that we must tear up the floor in two
: bathrooms (it's a Y section of pipe going to a toilet
: on the other side), tear out the wall between the two
: bathrooms, and replace the pipe.

: Are there any alternatives to this much work? The
: flange is only about 3/8" difference between the
: high side and the low side.

: In the meantime he inserted some 1/4" shims under the
: front of the toilet to make it match the flange tilt
: (he also did something to the toilet so now it leaks
: between the tank and the bowl where it never leaked
: before!), but at least he replaced the toilet which
: the home warranty company said they wouldn't pay for).

Steven, 3/8" is a bit off but I think it could be taken care of with an extra thick wax seal and use shims to level the stool. The leak between the tank and bowl was probably an accident waiting to happen. given the age of the bowl (not given)(I'm guessing)the gaskets between the tank and bowl are dry rotted and need to be replaced. I wouldn't blame the plumber for the leak unless he took the tank off the bowl. So bottom line is use a thick wax ring and shims to level and save your money for your vacation. Dale Peck LMP