major toilet problem
#1
01-02-05, 12:00 AM
major toilet problem
I go to a bar here in town and they have a toilet problem they have asked me to fix for them, so I need your help.
When the concrete floor was poured, it was poured right up to (onto) the toilet. Now the seal is leaking. So, I will have to chisel away the concrete. I have warned the owner that I think there's a good chance that when I chisel the concrete it may crack the toilet too. I'm guessing a cold chisel is all there is to do. Any other suggestions on what I might try? Also, what do you recommend I do to "repair" the concrete, as certainly we don't want to repour concrete right onto the toilet again?
Also, the toilet is plugged up. The owner suspects it's one of those airplane bottles of alcohol that someone snuck in and tried to flush. Plunging does not help in any way, shape or form. When I pull up the toilet if I don't find the blockage what do you recommend I do? A hand auger? Would that even get it?
ANY suggestions you have are greatly appreciated.
When the concrete floor was poured, it was poured right up to (onto) the toilet. Now the seal is leaking. So, I will have to chisel away the concrete. I have warned the owner that I think there's a good chance that when I chisel the concrete it may crack the toilet too. I'm guessing a cold chisel is all there is to do. Any other suggestions on what I might try? Also, what do you recommend I do to "repair" the concrete, as certainly we don't want to repour concrete right onto the toilet again?
Also, the toilet is plugged up. The owner suspects it's one of those airplane bottles of alcohol that someone snuck in and tried to flush. Plunging does not help in any way, shape or form. When I pull up the toilet if I don't find the blockage what do you recommend I do? A hand auger? Would that even get it?
ANY suggestions you have are greatly appreciated.
#2
01-02-05, 12:21 AM
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Hi Noguru, -happy New Year !
-I would first remove the mounting nuts and try to gently rock the toilet loose. Concrete will not stick well to porcelain so it may come off without having to chisel it. If you do have to eventually chisel it just be patient and dont hit too hard. When the toilet is off you may see the obstruction in the base of the tube, or even be able to hold it upside down and shake it loose. I'd raise the flange to floor level ( you can get flange extensions or fit another flange on top of the existing one) and fill the inset depression with concrete or a plywood spacer. When replacing the bowl I would use a seal with the funnel to make sure you don't dislodge it while re-seating the unit. Post back and let us know how it's going
-I would first remove the mounting nuts and try to gently rock the toilet loose. Concrete will not stick well to porcelain so it may come off without having to chisel it. If you do have to eventually chisel it just be patient and dont hit too hard. When the toilet is off you may see the obstruction in the base of the tube, or even be able to hold it upside down and shake it loose. I'd raise the flange to floor level ( you can get flange extensions or fit another flange on top of the existing one) and fill the inset depression with concrete or a plywood spacer. When replacing the bowl I would use a seal with the funnel to make sure you don't dislodge it while re-seating the unit. Post back and let us know how it's going
#3
01-02-05, 09:35 PM
Thank you and Happy New Year to you too Nomind!
The problem is that the nuts are even covered over with cement. I don't know what those guys were thinking when they poured the floor! So, cold chisel it is. It'll take me a while, but I'll let you know how it goes!
Thanks for the good help!
The problem is that the nuts are even covered over with cement. I don't know what those guys were thinking when they poured the floor! So, cold chisel it is. It'll take me a while, but I'll let you know how it goes!
Thanks for the good help!
#4
01-03-05, 09:39 AM
I just had another thought. Could the clog be causing pressure and making the seal leak? Is there any chance clearing the clog would cause the leak to stop? I'm thinking it seems hard to believe that the seal would just start leaking under all that cement and that the leak and the clog would happen at exactly the same times.
What do you think?
What do you think?
#5
01-03-05, 09:59 AM
Member
If the toilet clogged and a plunger was used, it could have broke the wax seal. You are still stuck with removing the toilet to replace the seal. I would try a closet auger in the toilet. It may clear the clog. It is probably strong enough to break a small bottle if that is the problem. Good luck.
#6
01-18-05, 11:41 AM
Thanks to all!
The toilet did crack when I was chiseling which is really just as well. It was a heck of a lot easier removing it that way!
I added the flange extension, poured cement in the hole and put down the new toilet. No leaks and flushes great!
The toilet did crack when I was chiseling which is really just as well. It was a heck of a lot easier removing it that way!
I added the flange extension, poured cement in the hole and put down the new toilet. No leaks and flushes great!
