Toilet install - flange slightly below floor surface

[robd1]

Hi, I just had new wood floors put in and they were installed over an old wood floor. The flange is now is slightly lower than the floor surface and also slightly unlevel with the floor surface (also had some foundation leveling done in the crawlspace). It is about 1/8th" to 3/16th" low at the back of the flange and about 1/16th" to 1/8th" at the front of the flange.

Should I use a flange extension kit, a jumbo wax ring or just use 2 regular wax rings? I bought an extension kit from Lowes (Oatey Set-Rite) but it looks like even if I use no spacers that it will be over 1/4" higher than the floor. I also don't like how it reduces down the size of the interior of the drain. I'm open to all suggestions, the existing flange is PVC if that matters, thanks!

Oh BTW, what is the suggested height a flange should be above floor level?

Rob

 

[johnjh2o]

I would use two wax rings. The first one with a horn and the second one a standard wax on top of the first.

 

[TomFOhio]

They make spacers to get the flange flush with the floor. Silicone and screw it down. Used them many time with
a low closet flange with success.

 

[Jeff Handy]

John and Tom are both right, either suggestion of theirs will work.

The only issue with adding an extra PVC spacer flange on top of the existing PVC flange is that you have to get EVERY BIT OF WAX OFF OF THE OLD FLANGE!

If you skimp on cleaning, flush water can eventually sneak through and leak down below.

You need to physically remove the old wax, like with a scraper, old dull chisel, paint stirrer, or putty knife, then keep wiping up with paper towels til it looks like it’s totally gone, even in the cracks and crevices.

Then clean all the surfaces heavily with a wax solvent, such as mineral spirits.

This way, when you goop mildew-proof 100% silicone sealer all over the original flange, then mush the spacer flange onto it, they will become one fused unit.

You should also try to add some screws through the screw holes in the spacer flange, to fasten it firmly to the floor, if possible.
Into the wood or concrete around the old flange.

Sometimes there are existing screws holding down the original flange, just remove those and line everything up and go through those same holes, using longer screws if the old screws don’t get a good bite.

PS I believe the ideal height for a floor flange above finished floor is approx 1/4 inch, but the pros on here can verify that.

PPS Sometimes stacking wax rings can lead to the top one sliding sideways while dropping the toilet, so if you go that route, come straight down evenly.

 

[frodo]

@
TomFOhio

has the correct fix.
I have taken a closet flange and cut the flange off of it
screwed it down, grind the top flush with the floor

double wax ring works also, hesitant to tell a greenhorn to do that

 

[frodo]

John and Tom are both right, either suggestion of theirs will work.

The only issue with adding an extra PVC spacer flange on top of the existing PVC flange is that you have to get EVERY BIT OF WAX OFF OF THE OLD FLANGE!

If you skimp on cleaning, flush water can eventually sneak through and leak down below.

You need to physically remove the old wax, like with a scraper, old dull chisel, paint stirrer, or putty knife, then keep wiping up with paper towels til it looks like it’s totally gone, even in the cracks and crevices.

Then clean all the surfaces heavily with a wax solvent, such as mineral spirits.

This way, when you goop mildew-proof 100% silicone sealer all over the original flange, then mush the spacer flange onto it, they will become one fused unit.

You should also try to add some screws through the screw holes in the spacer flange, to fasten it firmly to the floor, if possible.
Into the wood or concrete around the old flange.

Sometimes there are existing screws holding down the original flange, just remove those and line everything up and go through those same holes, using longer screws if the old screws don’t get a good bite.

PS I believe the ideal height for a floor flange above finished floor is approx 1/4 inch, but the pros on here can verify that.

PPS Sometimes stacking wax rings can lead to the top one sliding sideways while dropping the toilet, so if you go that route, come straight down evenly.

brass or stainless steel screws Jeff. not sheet rock screws
urine eats steel like pac man gobbles points