Reattaching 4 bolt vintage toilet

[DanielJ]

Hello,

First post here, and new to things plumbing.

I’m working on putting a 4-bolt toilet back into place.

The bolts connected to the ring are still useable, though seem bent inward…

Main problem is the bolts that were originally embedded in the concrete floor were totally corroded. Placement of these can’t be changed because I’m using the same vintage toilet.

Is there any way to seat some new bolts in their place?

Also, would you attempt to replace this flange/ring?

Photos attached.

any advice would be of great help. Thanks!

 

[Twowaxhack]

I can’t see the flange because it covered in old putty or wax. Can’t see what type pipe because a rag is in it covering it up.

The front bolts are not necessary, just caulk the bowl to the floor.

 

[DanielJ]

Much appreciated

I think it’s a putty. Totally filled in the cavity on the underside of the toilet.

I’ll try to excavate a bit better and get a better picture.

Good to know about the front bolts though!

 

[DanielJ]

Tried to take off some of the putty from the flange. Looks like cast iron maybe?

original pipe is a bit jagged at end suggesting maybe it was broken at some point? parts of the pipe are a bit higher than the flange (circled)

 

[Twowaxhack]

I wouldn’t replace the flange unless it’s broken.

 

[DanielJ]

Seems to be fine. Thought the toilet was leaking from the seal which is why I took it off. But then figured out (after I had removed toilet) that the woven metal sheath/line near shut off valve was dripping straight down above the seal very stupid. guess ill take the opportunity to replace all the tired seals and bolts on the toilet…

thanks again for the help

 

[Twowaxhack]

Just clean the surfaces good. Wax will not stick to that old putty.

I’ve had to use a hammer snd chisel to clean that hardened putty from bowls and flanges. Just be careful not to break anything.

 

[DanielJ]

Good to know. I’ve been working at it with a flathead and hammer but may get a proper chisel today.

So a wax seal would be a replacement for the putty? In other words, I don’t need both?

Was just wondering if the putty also offers structural support to the toilet, as it seemed to fill out most of cavity on the underside of the toilet stand.

 

[Twowaxhack]

Good to know. I’ve been working at it with a flathead and hammer but may get a proper chisel today.

So a wax seal would be a replacement for the putty? In other words, I don’t need both?

Was just wondering if the putty also offers structural support to the toilet, as it seemed to fill out most of cavity on the underside of the toilet stand.

Putty was used to set bowls when that toilet was first installed. You can still use it today.

You don’t want both they’re not compatible.

Clean all the putty up and use two wax seals without the plastic horn or an extra thick wax without the plastic horn. If you go the two wax way, form the two wax seals into one thick wax. Trust me. ✌

 

[DanielJ]

Great info, thanks!

So just making complete certain here, the putty wasn’t used to seal for gases/moisture as well as well as for internal support for the weight of the toilet? (like a sort of mortar?). If it had that dual purpose I would think it might be better. Thoughts from a novice, heh!

Here’s a photo of the underside.

 

[TomFOhio]

Put the seal on and forget the puddy. Your going to end up getting puddy in the drain and plugging it
up. If you have the front covers just put a little caulk under them to hold in place.

 

[DanielJ]

Put the seal on and forget the puddy. Your going to end up getting puddy in the drain and plugging it
up. If you have the front covers just put a little caulk under them to hold in place.

Gotcha. That will make things easier.

It seems like there is another metal ring before the main pipe, which seems to be softer metal. I didn’t excavate the putty there yet because I’m not sure if it’s needed there. Also the chisel seems to carve up this metal very easily. Would you still try to remove all the putty here? (Pic)

As I mentioned before the main pipe seems jagged and uneven so I’m wondering if the putty is filling in gaps.

 

[Twowaxhack]

Use a wire brush to clean the entire surface clean of putty. The soft metal is lead.