Dumb / impressive tile thwarts repair

[Boberonicus]

The old oval-footed toilet in my parent's bathroom has died / cracked. After removing the toilet, I discovered that the tile was custom cut to match the toilet.

Not surprisingly, the toilet I've purchased has a different footprint (longer, less wide).

I do NOT have the original tile. What do I do now?

 

[havasu]

1) Find a toilet with a bigger footprint
2) Find matching tile
3) Replace the tile completely
4) use a whole bunch of caulking
5) ?

 

[breplum]

Or buy a toilet footprint cover


https://www.amazon.com/Oatey-31259-...ocphy=9032015&hvtargid=pla-311177168763&psc=1
A poor choice, for sure.

 

[Boberonicus]

Thanks for the good ideas. Let’s assume I can find a close match for the tile. Do I then (somehow) chip out the rounded tile pieces? Surface prep?

Given this is beyond my pay grade, should I trust a handyman to the project?

 

[havasu]

It is a very simply diy project or something a handyman SHOULD know how to do.

 

[sawguy]

It is a very simply diy project or something a handyman SHOULD know how to do.

 

[sawguy]

Looks like the same tile on the wall. Could you ' steal' some from behind the door or somewhere else and cover with a mirror or picture?

 

[Mitchell-DIY-Guy]

Impressive tile cutting, absolutely. Dumb? You bet. The toilet (and flange) should sit on top of the finish floor, not imbedded into it. Why? To prevent issues like this! What were they thinking?

Perhaps you can find a similar looking tile as others note.

 

[Boberonicus]

Thanks for all the help. I think I'll jump to a tile forum to understand the best way to remove / match / prep / install.

The other issue (not visible in the picture) is that I'd like to replace the "ring" that holds the two upright support bolts. I couldn't see an easy way to remove it. The existing bolts are threaded but headless. Could the ring be cemented in place? Or do I just have do more digging around? I don't understand how it's secured.

As for this:
> It is a very simply diy project

You must be a master handyman. For me, a "very simple DIY project" is hanging a picture on a wall or changing a lightbulb.

 

[Mitchell-DIY-Guy]

@Boberonicus, it's difficult to tell from the photo exactly what's there beyond the cut tile.

What kind of waste pipe is there? Is it PVC (white plastic), cast iron, ABS (black plastic) or something else?

Is this on tile board, mortar base, concrete slab or wood sub-floor?

Yes, if you don't have the tools, it could be beyond that of a simple DIY project. If its a bit beyond your comfort level, focus on finding a suitable tile replacement, and then hire a handyman with references. It should be in the wheelhouse of most skilled "handymen for hire" who are pros.

 

[havasu]

I understand "simple" is varied for different people. I am a cheap arse. I'd rather keep money in my pocket and learn how to do something with my own hands. If you feel this is above your capabilities, call a few hungry handy men or women and ask how much they will charge to take care of your needs. As far as the toilet bowl, they should be removable and slide out.

 

[SHEPLMBR]

Looks like someone set the toilet then tiled around it

 

[sawguy]

Looks like someone set the toilet then tiled around it

You're late to the party!

 

[SHEPLMBR]

You're late to the party!

yeah I know.

 

[Boberonicus]

> What kind of waste pipe is there? Is it PVC (white plastic), cast iron, ABS (black plastic) or something else?
> Is this on tile board, mortar base, concrete slab or wood sub-floor?

All excellent questions. I'm now remote and can't provide further details. Thanks for all the council and advice. I'm now on the hunt for a Boulder CO based professional to tackle this. I have become a supporting member of the forum.

Robert

 

[House Doc]

If the flange is in good shape I would fill in the space between the flange and tile with mortar/thinset to bring it up to the tile level and use the "baseplate" from Amazon. Not really the "professional" way but quick and easy.