Purchases tend to come with trade-offs, whether that’s quality versus price or efficiency versus longevity. But sometimes, a product will check all the right boxes you need. When a customer’s closet flange fails, Oatey’s Fix-It Repair Ring uses high-quality materials, lowers long-term repair costs, and helps get your team to the next job in less time.
Launched in July, the model features stainless steel construction for exceptional durability and corrosion resistance, according to the maker. Repair flanges like the Fix-It Repair Ring help plumbers quickly and efficiently replace old mounting flanges, or repair broken ones, without replacing the entire unit. Since flange issues are a common problem, that’s a significant time-saver, according to Oatey Product Manager Melissa Obradovic.
“Using the Stainless Steel Fix-It Repair Ring streamlines the process considerably. Depending on the condition of the floor and complexity of the repair, it might save anywhere between 10 and 30 minutes,” Obradovic says.
Short- and long-term costs are an important factor for any repair job, and in that assessment, Obradovic says the Repair Ring is a good fit on both counts.
“In the short term, the upfront cost is very similar to that of a new closet flange and may even be slightly less,” Obradovic says. “However, … when [materials and labor] are considered, using the Fix-It Repair Ring is ultimately more cost-effective.”
Obradovic says that ease of installation is core to the product’s design philosophy. Each Repair Ring includes 10 mounting holes to accommodate different flange brands for universal compatibility, and four slotted mounting tabs allow for angled screw installation across a range of floor conditions. T-bolt slots have optimized lengths to prevent bending during installation and ensure level, leakproof installs.
“Once installed, the Stainless Steel Fix-It Repair Ring performs as if a brand-new flange were in place,” says Obradovic. “As long as the product is installed correctly, it prevents leaks and provides a lasting repair that will match the lifespan of the toilet itself.”
Oatey relied on plumber feedback to create the Repair Ring in its current form, from recommendations about ideal T-bolt slot length to the increased demand for stainless steel itself.
“During customer visits across the U.S. leading up to launch, plumbers responded enthusiastically to the stainless steel option,” Obradovic says. “Service plumbers in particular appreciated having a durable, professional-grade choice that fits seamlessly into their workflow.”
800-321-9532; www.oatey.com
