Replacing a Rotted Floor Under the Toilet

If rot is limited, a two-piece steel closet flange support may be all you need.

By the experts at The Family Handyman

From The Family Handyman

Q  While replacing my toilet wax ring, I noticed that the floor directly under the toilet flange was rotted out. Do I need to rip out all the flooring and replace it, or is there a less painful solution? Help! we're down to one toilet!

A  If only the area directly below the flange is rotted, you can install a two-piece steel closet flange support. It goes under the flange and transfers the load of the flange and toilet (and you) out onto more solid surrounding wood. But if your floor is severely rotted, say more than an inch beyond the flange, you're stuck replacing the flooring around the toilet. Order a flange support for about $18 from Sioux Chief Inc. (800-367-1568   www.siouxchief.com). The company offers one type for cast iron flanges and one for plastic or brass.