I have a 60 yr old toilet that needs replaced, it is held down by 4 lag type bolts. Problem is the cast iron pipe is about 1/2 to 1 " above the floor surface. I want to install a toilet that sits about 16" high, should i build a base up to the level and install a flange? and if so what can i build it with so it doesn't look unsightly. Does anyone have a suggestion as to what i should do. People at lowes or home depot have no idea of what i'm trying to do HELP.

Do not build a base. If the flange is sitting on the finished floor simply break the cast iron off flush with the flange and install the toilet of your choice. If the flange is above the floor it must be lowered then break the cast iron off.

the solution might be a simple as my friend from NC suggests.
it is hard to say without seeing the situation.
can you provide a picture?

proper toilet flange mount:



the flange rests ON TOP OF THE FINISHED FLOOR

whether or not you need a new flange would depend upon what you have now

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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

Thanks for the reply, i'm planning on removing toilet tomorrow will see then more detail,been using memory from past. I just know i have never seen another like this since it is just a straight cast iron pipe without a flange.Just a little scared of cutting or breaking an old cast pipe for fear it may shatter or crack and end up with a major repair instead of just installing a toilet.Thanks.

quote; If the flange is above the floor it must be lowered then break the cast iron off.

If the toilet is anchored with 4 screws and the cast iron is higher than the floor, it probably does NOT have a flange. Call plumber to remove some concrete, install a flange, then lower the cast iron, in that order.

You don't show the two notches where a competent plumber would install the bolts. A competent plumber knows how to orient the flange so he doesn't need those "arcs" to put the bolts in the right place. I was in the business a long time before they started making flanges with those arced slots, which weakened the flange.

hj,

not my pic, merely a linked image designed to show ELEVATION

personally, I actually use a square and mark for the two slots you mentioned



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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

I measure to the center of the two slots, but anything works as long as they are parallel to the back wall.

.....or perpendicular to the perpendicular

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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

since both of those would be vertical, the lines would be parallel.

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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

Installing a toilet is the work of a professional plumber only they can do it perfectly. To install toilet you have to turn off the water to the toilet, remove the tank lid, use the rag to pick up any remaining water, disconnect the water supply line. These are the few steps of installing toilet. Its better first you inspect the flange then only use it for toilet installing.