Plumbers and home handymen often run into the same frustrating issue during toilet installations: flooring that is installed too tightly around the waste pipe. This leaves little to no room for a traditional flange, which is designed to sit over the pipe. Without proper spacing, the installation becomes difficult and time-consuming.
In many cases, professionals are forced to cut away finished flooring just to create enough space for the flange connection. This adds labor time, creates unnecessary mess, and can increase the risk of damaging surrounding materials. It is a common issue in both new construction and renovation projects, and one that often is not discovered until the installation process begins.
Greg Sesser and Mike Johnson, both experienced in plumbing installations, encountered this issue repeatedly in the field. On one particularly demanding day, they installed 15 toilet flanges and had to enlarge the floor opening for every single one using an electric saw.
Frustrated by the inefficiency, Sesser joked about the likelihood of carpenters leaving enough space around the pipe. “Don’t bet on it.”
After a long day of extra work, the two recognized that the problem was not going away and that the industry lacked a practical solution. Instead of continuing to work around the issue, they decided to solve it.
The original concept developed by Sesser and Johnson was called the E-Z Set Herkle Ring. It introduced a simple but impactful shift in design. Instead of installing over the waste pipe, the flange would install inside it.
This inside-the-pipe approach eliminated the need for additional floor clearance. It also removed one of the most time-consuming steps in the process, which was cutting away flooring to make room for a traditional flange.
As the product evolved and moved toward commercialization, it was later renamed Twist-N-Set. The updated name reflects the simplicity of the installation process and the ease of use for both professionals and homeowners.
Twist-N-Set is designed to install directly inside the waste pipe using a tapered thread and a threaded expansion gasket. This allows the flange to seal securely without relying on the surrounding floor space.
By shifting the installation method from outside the pipe to inside, the product simplifies the entire process. Fewer components are required, and the installation can be completed more quickly with less effort.
This design is especially useful in situations where flooring has already been installed too close to the pipe, or when replacing broken flanges in more challenging environments such as cast iron pipes set in concrete.
One of the main advantages of Twist-N-Set is the time it can save on the job. Eliminating the need to cut flooring reduces labor and helps keep projects on schedule. For plumbers handling multiple installations, this can add up to significant time savings over the course of a year.
The product is also versatile. It works for both new construction and repair applications, making it a practical solution across a wide range of plumbing scenarios.
For homeowners and DIY users, Twist-N-Set simplifies what can otherwise be a complicated installation. The design reduces guesswork and helps ensure a secure connection without specialized tools or modifications to the surrounding area.
After developing their concept, Sesser and Johnson sought professional assistance to move their invention forward. They worked with InventHelp to submit their idea and were referred to a licensed patent attorney who secured patent protection for the design.
The invention was later reviewed by Oatey Company, a leading manufacturer of plumbing fittings and supplies. After extensive evaluation, including prototype development and testing, the company moved forward with commercialization.
Twist-N-Set was introduced to the market and added to Oatey’s product line. The company invested in manufacturing and brought the product to retail and wholesale distribution channels across the country.
Today, Twist-N-Set is available in major home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Ace Hardware, as well as through plumbing supply distributors nationwide. It has gained strong acceptance among plumbers, contractors, and DIY homeowners.
The product is often recommended in handyman blogs and home improvement resources as an effective solution for raising or repairing a toilet flange, especially when flooring changes create installation challenges.
With more than $25 million in retail sales, Twist-N-Set has proven its value in the marketplace and continues to be a trusted option for simplifying toilet flange installation.
This specific client’s invention is a financial gain. The typical client will not achieve this level of success.
This product was licensed to Oatey Company, a company in InventHelp’s Data Bank. Amazon, eBay, and Walmart are not.
Our talented staff of writers, researchers, animators, 3D printing modelers, and website facilitators are ready to get to work for your idea.
Our client services team is available to help ensure your invention services are delivered as smoothly as possible.
InventHelp offers patent referral services which have resulted in over 10,000 patents secured for our clients.
InventHelp has thousands of companies in our Data Bank who have agreed to confidentially review new ideas.
