I need to replace the seal under my comode. This is an old home built in the 50's. The come has four bolt fastening. The bolts are rusted and broken off. The two front bolts are anchored in ceramic tile. First how do I get the old bolts out? Second can I get by with using just the two back bolts.

I appreciate any and all suggestions.

The DIY GUY

the only time you need the front bolts is if you have a lead closet bend under the toilet.
if you have cast iron or copper then they are not needed.

If you are not able to unscrew the bolts, then they will need to be cut. A sawzall, or roto tool can be used.

Thanks Packy for the info. I will look closer to determine if the lead closet bend is in place. My other concern is the p- trap. When the helper removed the lavatory he just cut the metal p-trap off. This left a short horizonta stub of metal pipe protruding from the wall. The walls are tiled. My fix is to use a rubber joint connector with clamps to make the new connection. Do you have a suggestion? Thanks for your help.

The DIY GUY

Thanks North Carolina Plumber for your info. The bolts I am concerned with are imbedded in the tile floor. I don't know how they are anchored. Epoxy? threaded insert in the floor? They are rusted off level with the floor. Do you have a suggestion? Thanks for your help.

The DIY GUY



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if the toilet is that old and your budget allows, replace it with a new low flush model.
if you pay a water/sewer bill, you will save the cost of the new toilet in a couple of years.
as for the trap, yes you can replace by using a sheilded rubber clamp. it is done all the time. most likely it is plain old 1 1/2 inch pipe you are working with.

you aare right. The pipe is 1 1/2".

For all practical purposes the front bolts are decaorative and we used to just "dummy" them with nuts and bolts through the bottom of the bowl.