1915 toilet

nicholas bonham-carter

This toilet in the Chapel I am working on seems to have no lag screws holding it down to the floor. As you can see, there is something looking like a pipe plug on the side. Is anyone familiar with this and its method of attachment?--NBC

Steamhead

Might be a pin or something under that plug.

The floor flange may be a non-standard type. Replacing this toilet could be a nightmare............

vvzz

Hopefully it doesn't have to be replaced. This looks like a really nice unit.

vaporvac

Mine are the same vintage, but different set up. what is the issue with them.

JUGHNE

Is the plug/cap located such that it would have drained all the water out of the WC trap? Long shot but perhaps drain down to prevent freezing?? Just like the steam boiler system would drain down for the same protection from freezing.
Was there gas there in 1915 or was the boiler coal fired? Usually evidence left by a coal room or shute opening. Coal fire may not been up 24/7.

Could the bowl have been set in wet mortar mix like a tile? Don't think the mortar would adhere to the tiles, are those marble?

Steamhead

Is there a name on it anywhere?

Fred

It looks like it may be set on a bed of mud/putty. I would think that plug is to drain or maybe run a snake into it to clear a clog??

nicholas bonham-carter

I'm sure it has putty or beeswax underneath, but how is the stool anchored to the floor?--NBC

JUGHNE

Can you see anything under the floor from the basement?

nicholas bonham-carter

There is a space between the finished basement ceiling, and ground floor, but no apparent access hole found yet.
The pipe from tank to stool is leaking at the lower joint. Both the tank, and stool joints are horizontal, with the 1.5 inch pipe having 2 bends to hit the tank connection (closer to the wall), and the stool, (further from the wall).
I might look in the archives here and see if there might be some information on alternative toilet configurations.
The second bathroom has a more conventionally mounted toilet, held down by 4 lag screws.--NBC

nicholas bonham-carter

Now I wonder if the connection between stool and waste line isn't some sort of bayonet, or Dzeus fastener arrangement.--NBC


https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dzus_fastener

JUGHNE

I pulled an old WC from early 50's. They used some cement type material as a wax, the bolts were long rusted away. Their "gasket" and the flush valve was what was holding the china bowl in place.

I could see setting the bowl in mud.....but without bolts and holes as a setting guide it would be hard to land it in place IMO. Maybe mark the footprint position with pencil on the floor and then use that as the target. Does the floor seal leak when water is poured into the bowl? If not maybe good to go as is.

But a hacksaw blade could probe under the china to feel for whatever. Could find a 100 years worth of DNA there.

Fred

I'm wondering if the fastners are from the underside (cast iron flange) up into some sort of nut that was cast into the china base. Or, if the base design is made in such a was as to slide and/or turn onto some sort of flange lip.

nicholas bonham-carter

I am thinking along those lines as well.--NBC

JUGHNE

If you had cause to reset the 2nd WC, you could maybe see if the floor flange is unique us some way or some old evidence of securing the bowl down. This is assuming that they are both the same age.