LESLIE: Joe in Wisconsin needs some help working on a toilet repair. What can we do for you?
JOE: Well, I’m looking to replace a pretty old toilet with something – well, with a new one, of course – and I’m curious as to the base mount of them. The newer toilets all seem to have a much larger outlet than the older models do. Can I – will it still bolt into the same position or do I need to get another floor – or another drain put in the floor?
TOM: No. For the most part, the flanges still are going to line up, even though the bases might be a bit wider. The actual flange itself is probably still going to be the same. The reason they may look wider is because the traps – the internal traps in the toilets that are low-flow – are actually wider. That trapway has been expanded and it’s also been glazed on the inside so it doesn’t restrict the flow of waste – that’s one of the ways they’re able to make a toilet work with less water – but the actual plumbing connection, itself, should be the same.
JOE: OK. So then there’s no change; it’s just a simple – take the bolts out, drop on the new one and it’ll fit.
TOM: That’s right. It should fit the first time and make sure you replace the wax seal and you may need to get some new bolts but other than that, you should be good to go. OK, Joe?
JOE: Thanks a lot.
TOM: You’re welcome. Thanks so much for calling us at 888-MONEY-PIT.
Leave a Reply