How to Cut a Drain Pipe for the Height of a Toilet Flange
When cutting a drain pipe to fit your toilet flange, you are really cutting the drain pipe to fit flush with the floor because the flange is installed flush with the flooring. So, instead of considering where the flange will end up, focus on leveling the drain pipe with your flooring. If you have not installed the floor, it is best to do so first prior to installing the flange. Otherwise, take steps to leave additional room for your flooring when you mark your cut.
Step 1
Install the drain pipe in the closet bend. Push the pipe all the way down into the closet bend exactly as it will be installed when you finalize the connection.
Step 2
Trace around the edge of the drain pipe above the floor in the bathroom with a marker while holding the marker level with the floor, to mark where the drain pipe lies flush with the floor. If you have not installed the flooring yet, simply raise this measurement up on the drain to the thickness of your floor, or place boards that are a similar thickness to your flooring around the drain pipe before you mark the pipe. This simulates installed flooring.
Step 3
Remove the drain pipe from the closet bend and cut the pipe on the mark with a hacksaw or pipe cutting tool. Or, cut the drain pipe flush while installed on the closet bend with a small hand saw.
Step 4
Add PVC cement primer and cement to the drain pipe and closet bend, and insert the drain pipe in the closet bend. Assemble the remaining parts of the drain in the same way, if you choose to cut the pipe prior to cementing your connections.
Writer Bio
Steve Smith has published articles on a wide range of topics including cars, travel, lifestyle, business, golf, weddings and careers. His articles, features and news stories have appeared in newspapers, consumer magazines and on various websites. Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and journalism from University of New Hampshire Durham.
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