Chip's Tips - HydroFlame Pro Series Use with Closet Flanges
A frequently asked question I have received, since the launch of the HydroFlame Pro Series product line, is related to the proper use of the 4 in. HydroFlame Pro Series Closet Flange Sleeves (HFP-CF4PL, HFP-CF4PLB, HFP-CF4NH, HFP-CF4NHB) with 4 in. PVC, ABS or no-hub closet flanges.
The challenge of having adequate concrete anchorage for the closet flange is the main issue of concern. The standard anchor holes in a closet flange are positioned very close to the edges of the concrete supporting the sleeve and so the concrete anchors a plumber needs to use have the potential of cracking the cement and thus not properly anchoring the toilet flange to the floor.
It is somewhat of a “catch-22” situation: providing both enough room within the sleeve to accept a 4 in. PVC/ABS closet flange or a 4 in. No-hub closet flange with a no-hub coupling, while also keeping the hole in the floor as small as possible, to provide enough concrete to allow for multiple secure anchorage points.
Using the two outboard slots in a closet flange ring, rather than the holes, allows for anchor points that are further out-board. That is the key here.
You can see in the photos below that the standard anchor holes are very close to the sleeve, whereas the slots on the edges of the closet flanges are further out-board. This is more of a challenge when using the telescoping version of the sleeve (as shown in the photos), since the outer sleeve provides a larger hole in the concrete than the non-telescoping version.
Also note that the 4 in. closet flange sleeves can accept either 3 in. or 4 in. closet flanges and 3 in. or 4 in. drain piping, this provides the opportunity to have quite a bit of off-center movement when installing a 3 in. pipe and closet flange into a 4 in. sized sleeve (with approx. 5 in. of clearance within).
A telescoping HydroFlame Pro Series closet flange sleeve (HFP-CF4PL or HFP-CF4NH) extended for a 9 in. thick slab.
A 4 in. no-hub closet flange set and centered in the top of the HFP-CF4PL/NH sleeve. Note the use of the slots, rather than the holes, to anchor to the floor, allows for concrete anchorage.
A 4 in. PVC closet flange set and centered in the top of the HFP-CF4PL/NH sleeve. Note the use of the slots, rather than the holes, used to anchor to the floor, allows for concrete anchorage.