Bathroom Subfloor Undergoes Leak Repair

It's usually only necessary to raise the flange if you've significantly raised the floor - typically a couple of inches or more. If you have ABS plumbing, this is simply a matter of cutting the riser pipe between the flange and the elbow below it, and gluing couplings and a short piece of pipe to lift the flange to the desired height. If there is not enough space between the flange and the elbow to make the cut and install the coupling, then the project gets a lot more involved and will probably require the services of a licensed plumber. Also, if your plumbing is cast iron, I would strongly advise that you not attempt the repair yourself but leave it in the hands of an experienced, licensed plumber.

If it does turn out to be only an inch, then a much easier method is to double the wax ring. You would use one standard ring - the type with the plastic "horn" on the bottom - along with an extension ring that is all wax, without the horn. Make sure all of the old ring has been removed from both the flange and the toilet. Let both new rings warm to room temperature to make them easier to work with, press the extension ring on top of the standard ring and mold them a little with your hands to get a good seal between the two. Press both of them firmly against the bottom of the toilet, then lift the toilet into place on the flange. Gently rock the toilet side to side as you press down to get a good seal, then install the bolts.