Flange turns but will not come off

[Eric R]

My subflooring is damaged so I need to remove the flange, replace the subflooring, and reinstall the flange.

This flange freely spins but looks like it's not meant to ever come off. Is that true? Is it Plummer time?

 

[Ryan Symons]

The flange is permanent. Two options:
1. Cut the pipe and replace as necessary
2. Remove flooring leaving flange intact then frame/cut new subfloor as necessary to have a seam centered on the flange. Slide the subfloor under the flange

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Eric R]

I prefer your option 2 but theres not enough space on the right side to adequately support the floor.

So how do I cut it off? The flange itself is metal.

The flange is permanent. Two options:
1. Cut the pipe and replace as necessary
2. Remove flooring leaving flange intact then frame/cut new subfloor as necessary to have a seam centered on the flange. Slide the subfloor under the flange

 

[Ryan Symons]

You have to cut the pipe between fittings somewhere. Then replumb. I just stub the pipe, lay subfloor and flooring. Come back and cut the stub to the correct height with an inside pipe cutter and install new flange.

 

[Terry]

You can cut the metal flange, lift it off and then replace it later. Normally just one cut will be needed to remove the metal flange and then you can wiggle it off. Same to reinstall it.

 

[Jadnashua]

Technically, the flange is the whole funnel shaped fitting. The metal ring is part of it used to hold it in place onto the subfloor. If you do cut it off, they do make repair rings designed to fit into the groove that's holding it now. THey're split so you can easily close it into that slot.

Depending on your access, it might be better to cut out the whole flange and then install a new one once your new floor is ready for it. Those flanges are designed to be install on TOP of the FINISHED floor. Numerous ones are not installed that way, but that means you need more care to get a good seal and keep it intact. Plumbers prefer not to use those with a painted steel ring or one made entirely out of plastic. If you cut off the existing ring, select a SS replacement. OFten, the painted steel ones end up rusting, which isn't a great situation.