Concerned over modified toilet and large user weight

[JonnyUK]

Thanks everyone. I am now kinda worried after reading all those replies. I also noticed what looks like a thin white glue trail down the side of the pan on the side closest to the wall that is not as easily seen, I really hope it wasn't a piece that broke off during cutting and then glued back on, I will have to ask the plumber. There is also glue underneath the toilet on that side for some reason.

 

[Madrab]

That pic's really blurred, can you take a clearer one?

Even then, I find it hard to believe an experienced professional would risk chopping up an enamelled toilet up like that, too easy to crack the whole thing, even a hairline would stuff the bowl. That just isn't right, did the fitter come recommended?

 

[just pumps]

Looking at the last picture I wonder if the guy added cement where the cut in the pan is for added surport.
To the OP : Try poking under this area with a wire coat hanger to see if he has done this.

I`ll ask again.

 

[JonnyUK]

I`ll ask again.

Sorry, I will check later and let you know. I think it is a trick of the light, I think we are just seeing the dirt around the hole underneath, but I will check with a prodder later tonight. I have no idea what is meant to be under a toilet as to what should be there.

 

[JonnyUK]

That pic's really blurred, can you take a clearer one?

Even then, I find it hard to believe an experienced professional would risk chopping up an enamelled toilet up like that, too easy to crack the whole thing, even a hairline would stuff the bowl. That just isn't right, did the fitter come recommended?

He is my cousin (so my parents nephew), but he is a qualified plumber for many years. The thing is, I feel I can't blame him as I spoke to him last night and he said my mother really didn't want things dug up to move the pipe, so he was acting on her instructions really as cutting it was her idea, although she is not a plumber so I realise he could have said it can't be done, but maybe being her nephew he also perhaps found it harder to say no. Sadly I wasn't about during this discussion as I would have tried to overrule her as best as possible as she is almost 80 and I would worry about her safety too (although she isn't overweight like me). He said to me he has never cut a toilet before. I will try and take a better photo but it is so close to the wall it is hard to get a good focus. I will have to ask him about that glue tomorrow as it would worry me even more if that was a piece that broke off just glued back, but it might not be.

 

[just pumps]

Sorry, I will check later and let you know. I think it is a trick of the light, I think we are just seeing the dirt around the hole underneath, but I will check with a prodder later tonight. I have no idea what is meant to be under a toilet as to what should be there.

Nowadays pretty much nothing is put under a pan however pans used to have cement put under them and I`m wondering if the guy has done this to surport the cut out area.

 

[teaboyjim]

Have you thought about the loo frame to use as a stopgap?

 

[JonnyUK]

Nowadays pretty much nothing is put under a pan however pans used to have cement put under them and I`m wondering if the guy has done this to surport the cut out area.

He didn't mention about using cement under there when I said I was concerned last night, but I will have a look. Are most toilets hollow underneath with only the rim that touches the floor ? They are not solid ceramic under ?

Have you thought about the loo frame to use as a stopgap until you decide what to do?

Not sure about a loo frame, seems a bit drastic, but I understand when it comes to safety it might need drastic action. The only saving grace is the toilet appears to be more front heavy as far as weight sitting goes. So I would tend to sit more middle to front then back. See below for side view for what I mean. I might use a frame but I might try a couple of nights first and make sure I keep hold of the sink next to me while pressing my feet down acting as a support rather than keeping my feet off the ground. If anything feels unstable or creaks, I will use a frame. The below pic is just to show toilet from side, before cistern is put on. Glue mark is on other side sadly, will get photo of that later.

 

[just pumps]

He didn't mention about using cement under there when I said I was concerned last night, but I will have a look. Are most toilets hollow underneath with only the rim that touches the floor ? They are not solid ceramic under ?

Yes hollow underneath with only the rim touching the floor, some may have the center area touching the floor.

 

[Madrab]

He is my cousin

That explains it then. Only in those circumstance could I see that being done to agree with family but even then he should also felt as the nephew to have suggested the proper way to do it, rather than accommodate by agreeing to cut a fair sized section out of the back of the pan and possibly left it dangerous.

It really needed to be a different design of pan with an S trap.

 

[JonnyUK]

That explains it then. Only in those circumstance could I see that being done to agree with family but even then he should also felt as the nephew to have suggested the proper way to do it, rather than accommodate by agreeing to cut a fair sized section out of the back of the pan and possibly left it dangerous.

It really needed to be a different design of pan with an S trap.

Thanks. I wish I was asked in ordering up the new bathroom as I would have made sure everything was perfect first with things like that.

Yes hollow underneath with only the rim touching the floor, some may have the centre area touching the floor.

Sadly it has not been cemented, what we can see is the floor, trick of the light. I put my bendy camera in there and took the below pic, I am guessing all that white stuff is the glue inside the toilet for the section I mentioned. I used the toilet for the first time tonight and prayed, all seemed okay, I just made sure my feet were pushing me up all the time so I was semi-grounded.

 

[flameport]

That toilet has been totally ruined, and is now entirely unsuitable for use by anyone.

You need a new toilet, and a new plumber to install it properly.

 

[HERTS P&D]

That corner has been siliconed back on, sitting on that toilet is taking a risk!

Andy

 

[Madrab]

Yup, as suggested, you cant cut a ceramic toilet without the risk of it cracking or breaking and that's exactly what's happened, that toilet is now scrap and shouldn't be used by anyone.

There is no way of checking if there are other hairline cracks or damage and it could easily collapse when anyone sits on it, not just someone with more generous weight.

It needs put in the bin and the correct pan fitted.

 

[Gasguru]

Total bodge job...he's no plumber.
Get the right toilet for the job..