Cast Iron Flange do I need to remove this?

[MattinLa]

Hi all,

Read a bunch, but I'm not sure I've seen an answer to this question. I'm re-tiling my bathroom and am now dealing with the old cast iron flange. I'm wondering if its ok to leave the old flange in place and install this Oatey flange (see picture) right down inside the cast iron drain pipe (I realize I"ll need to clean up the interior of the cast iron pipe in order get the Oatey flange installed). My concern is that I may damage the cast iron pipe when trying to remove the old flange. And seeing as this Oatey flange will be going on the inside rather than the outside, maybe its best to leave the old flange in place? I will be replacing some of the water damaged floor boards and installing some blocking on the joists. I figure I could drill holes through the old flange in order to mount the new flange to the new subfloor/blocking.

Thanks!
Matt

 

[Terry]

I normally leave the cast flange in place and reuse it. New closet bolts while you are at it.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[MattinLa]

I normally leave the cast flange in place and reuse it. New closet bolts while you are at it.

Ok I never considered that. It'll be about an inch lower than the finished floor once complete. When I took out the old toilet it looked like there were 2 wax seals stacked on top of each other. Is there a preferred method to make up the difference between the flange and the toilet?

 

[Terry]

I often stack two wax rings, or you can go with the flange inserts too. One inch below is a ways down there.

 

[Reach4]

Take a look a the Danco Hydro Seat is like repair ring with a tail. It maybe useful for the less experienced.

Or enough wax is good. Just don't de-compress wax. Have shims in place before dropping the toilet.

 

[MattinLa]

Great thanks all! Now that I look at it, should only be 1/2" below surface.