Toilet Flange Install Height -- Flush With New Tile or On Top of Tile?

[AgentT63]

I'm completing a bathroom remodel and the tile contractor cut around the toilet ABS stub-up intending to install the toilet flange approximately flush with the new tile.

Unfortunately, the opening was cut too large/uneven. The flange is 7-1/4" OD. As you can see in the photos, one side of the flange drops below the tile while the other side rests on top.

Nothing has been glued yet, so I still have options.

For reference, this is a raised-foundation floor. The tile is over Ditra, HardieBacker, and a 2x6 T&G wood subfloor, so there is substantial wood below for fastening the flange.

It looks like I could enlarge/clean up the opening and install the flange recessed with the top of the flange approximately flush with the finished tile, or repair the oversized opening and install the flange on top of the finished tile.

I realize either arrangement can probably be made to seal with the appropriate wax ring, but I'd rather install it the way a plumber would consider best practice rather than compensate for the flange height with the wax.

How would you install the flange and deal with the oversized tile opening shown in the photos?

 

[Kreemoweet]

A properly installed toilet flange sits on top of the finish floor, which in your case is the tile.
They make flange spacers in various thicknesses. I would get one that approximates the
thickness of your tile to sit underneath the flange.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Jeff H Young]

you must have differant photos whats the problem ? you can add w/c spcers in varouls thicknesses or number to achieve your height i guess you would rather have tile guy tile tight to the pipe and then have to drill through the tile ? no problem unless the toilet wont cover the cut out ? I work in real world if the flange is a little low i dont sweat it if its way low like over a 1/2 inch 1/4 low dosent bother me at all but i like 1/4 above finish floor max maybe 3/8 becaus i like a good amont of wax tell you the truth this is no place i use a tape measure or a depth micrometor

 

[omar Khrase]

just install it as it is flush or above it will work well

 

[Reach4]

1. Is the ABS 3.5 inch OD or 4.5 inch OD?
2. It is not clear to me what clearance you have around the pipe. This would matter if you use an outside glue or compression flange.
3. Is the ABS pipe plumb -- at right angles to the finished floor, or is it at right angles to the orange and white stuff?

There are various ways to deal with this.
a. You could use self-leveling commpound to get a level surface.
b. You could taper a spacer ring on a belt sander
c. If the ABS is not perpendicular to the finished floor, another idea comes to mind.

If you plan to glue a flange, I suggest you use a flange stainless steel ring. If you can make use of a compression flange (outside or inside), then the durability of the ring is less important.