Toilet flange is bent and below the level of my finished floor

[BDezz]

I found a leak in my upstairs bathroom that was coming down to my main floor and found it was coming from my toilet when I flushed. I pulled the toilet up and removed the wax ring. The stainless steel flange, however, was bent where the closet bolts connect to it. The flange itself is also 3/8 inch below the finished floor and I understand it's supposed to be flush with the floor to 1/2 inch above it.

Can I just put a tall wax ring on top of the flange despite the fact that it is bent? I'm assuming the answer to this is a resounding no.

Can I just cut out the steel part that is bent and put a replacement ring or do I need to replace the entire flange? I should use an extension kit to raise the height of the flange, right?

Thanks.

 

[Jeff Handy]

Pictures will help diagnose.

 

[BDezz]

There is a link to a picture in my post, I realize now that it's hard to notice. I can take more pictures if this isn't quite clear. Thanks.

 

[BDezz]

Here is another picture that better shows how the steel ring is bent.

I have several ideas and would like advice on what is the best option.

1. Cut out the bent pieces of the existing ring and put a new steel repair ring on top of the existing ring without removing the old one it. Seal with a thick wax ring. Does stacking 2 rings steel rings on top of each other make a waterproof seal?

2. Cut out the steel ring entirely with a dremel and replace it with a new steel repair ring. Seal with a thick wax ring.

3. Do either 1 or 2 and combine it with some kind of extension to get more height on the flange.

I guess my 2 main concerns are: What do I do about the corroded steel ring and do I need to do anything to make up for the 3/8" recessed flange. Thank you.

 

[arctic bill]

I do not like plastic toilet flanges. I used the old fashion lead toilet stubs. they could cover a multiple of mistakes not necessarily cased by the plumber. such as 1) floor higher than expected , no trouble with a lead stub.
2) the owner install tile with out your knowledge . so that now the lead stub is 11 inches from the wall , no trouble with lead . cut in front and hammer lead forward. Install quick plug behind.

3) You need to move the toilet an inch or two for any reason lead will let you .
4) install a repair sleeve no trouble
the old plumber know what i am talking about.