bit more than can chew

: bought used house first project was to install new toilets. when i removed toilet, the ring that holds 2 attachment bolts was rotted out.there is now no way of holding the bolts in place to tie down toilet.guy at hardware store said i need to chip away cement then cutaway pipe then replace.this sounds like those plastic flanges with a metal ring. it would be a good idea to go to the store and look at the fittings involved so youd know what youre working with. there are a couple of approaches- one is find a plumber with a pipe hog drill, this is a tool that cuts pipe out from the inside of a hub fitting. the other way is to carefully, with a sharp small chisel cut the old flange away from pipe and replace flange.

If their cast iron Id call a plumber and have him lead on new ones.You wont be sorry in the long run.

If this is a plastic pipe with a metal ring, then most plumbing supply stores will have a two piece replacement ring that bolts around the pipe and gives new attachments for the bolts.: bought used house first project was to install new toilets. when i removed toilet, the ring that holds 2 attachment bolts was rotted out.there is now no way of holding the bolts in place to tie down toilet.guy at hardware store said i need to chip away cement then cutaway pipe then replace.

: bought used house first project was to install new toilets. when i removed toilet, the ring that holds 2 attachment bolts was rotted out.there is now no way of holding the bolts in place to tie down toilet.guy at hardware store said i need to chip away cement then cutaway pipe then replace.If I had to do it Id replace the fitting if its metal, or the ring if its plastic, as has been suggested. But if youre not up to it, clean out the old rings as much as possible. Drill two holes into the concrete and drive in lead plugs. Fill the area with toilet seal wax or silicone. Replace the toilet and screw lag bolts into the holes with the lead plugs. Be sure to place a rubber washer on the lag bolts before inserting them into the toilet base so you have a buffer between the bowl and the lag screws or bolts. Do not overtighten or you will break the toilet base. This should last you for many years, but not as long as replacement rings. Good luck.