Plumbing in the Home/Installing a toilet

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Expert: Dana Bostick - 7/2/2009


Question
We added an addition on to our house which included a bathroom. I am getting ready to install the new toilet, but the flange has a covering where the opening should be. I have installed a toilet before, we remodeled our other bathroom, but the hole was already there. My question to you is how do I get the hole there? It looks like I should be able to just turn it and it opens, but its not and I was scared that maybe that was not how it opened and I didn't want to break it. I have looked up installation on the internet, but no one addresses this issue. Any suggestions you have a would greatly appreciate. Thank you ahead of time.

Answer
Hello Jennifer,
This is a cap or plug the plumber installs to keep construction debris out of the line and to keep sewer gases from coming back up into the house.
If you can find the plumber, ask them how to take it off. It is either a "jim cap" that has a wing nut in the center that you loosen to remove the plug or it is a plastic "knock out" type that you actually break out to expose the opening in the closet ring. If you can send a picture, I could tell.
Best,
Dana

Plumbing in the Home

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Dana Bostick

Expertise

Pretty much any residential plumbing questions. For "item specific" details such as a specific model of fixture, I will need to research and there may not be any useful information available. Note: I live and work in Southern California. We do not, as a rule, use hot water or steam heating systems, oil fired boilers or private water wells so my knowledge in those areas is pretty limited. There are others here on AllExerts that can probably answer those questions better.

Experience

Retired Licensed General Contractor with Plumbing, HVAC and Electrical sub-licenses. Active Certified InterNachi Home Inspector and Infrared Thermographer

Organizations
InterNachi

Publications
SearchWarp, Article Alley, www.DIYHomeInspection.blogspot.com, ActiveRain.com "Rain Maker",

Education/Credentials
30 years in the trades, Licensed General Contractor, Certified Infrared Thermographer

Awards and Honors
InterNachi Certified Property Inspector, Listed FHA Fee Inspector, HUD Mobile Home Inspector

Past/Present Clients
Home buyers, sellers and owners, Investors, Commercial roofing companies (infrared roof scans for moisture intrusion)

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