Help - Removing the toilet flange - '67 Sov

[m.nolte]

Hi All,

I need some advice on how to remove the toilet flange. We have what appears to be a replacement toilet, it is a plastic Thetford. It is sitting on a toilet shaped wooden riser, maybe 1" high, the plastic flange is mounted on top of the riser. It looks like the flange may be an offset flange. Any ideas as to whether the flange would be glued or threaded and what the best way to separate it from the black tank would be? I do not want to damage the black tank but need it out so we can check it and make some floor repairs.

Thanks!

[Aage]

Should be fairly easy to see if it is screwed on or glued. Remove the toilet (sounds like you already have) then remove the wood screws holding the flange to the wood.

There is a tool made for removing the flange, but in case you don't have one of those handy: if you tap on the flange in a counterclockwise direction gently with a rubber mallet and something small enough to fit in the rounded slots, but rigid (a large bolt?) it should move without too much force applied.

Of course, there's always a chance that it's glued, in which this method might either break the glue or the flange. In any event, if it is glued you would have had to break one or the other to get it out.

My flange screws in, FWIW. I imagine your original tank did too, and it doesn't sound like it has been changed out...

A wild guess: the wood may be over the floor because the original plywood rotted out?

The only way to really know that is to rip up the wood (assuming it doesn't just have screws for removal) or remove the belly and black tank.

How about a buncha photos...?

[m.nolte]

Thanks Aage,
I have removed the toilet and the screws holding the flange down. I will try tapping the flange and see what that does for me. If it is glued I will use the sawz-all and cut between the flange and the wood, especially if it is going to have to be broken anyway.
It is entirely possible the floor is rotten or that this was the PO's solution to moving the toilet drain.
Thanks again.

[m.nolte]

Oh, I just realized you have a Sovereign also. Yay! I haven't spotted very many of us on here.

[Sneakinup]

There is a thread on removing the flange without damaging the tank....

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f444...ble-71939.html


Also, I made a tool some time ago to remove the flange. Very simple. You don't get a lot of use out of it, but it sure beats having to buy a new tank.

I also have a Sovereign... 1977... Good luck with yours!

[m.nolte]

Sneakinup - thank you for the tool pic and the link to the thread. I will check that out.
Wow! Another Sovereign, thats great. I will also be checking out your reno thread. Wish me luck - that flange is coming off this weekend!

[m.nolte]

Morning,

This is a little late but its been a busy couple days at work.
I got the toilet flange off! Yay! Thanks for the input.