Disclosed are various embodiments for an insert apparatus for a water closet flange. The insert apparatus has an elevated arcuate portion that extends from a first end to a second end, the elevated portion comprising an arcuate keyhole aperture through the insert apparatus, the arcuate keyhole aperture having an eyelet end and a narrowed length; a raised edge positioned along at least a portion of a perimeter of the narrowed length of the arcuate keyhole aperture; a first recessed portion that extends away from the first end of the elevated arcuate portion and a second recessed step that extends away from the second end of the elevated portion; a first clip integral with the insert apparatus extends substantially perpendicular to a plane associated with the arcuate keyhole aperture; and a second clip integral with the insert apparatus extends substantially perpendicular to the plane associated with the arcuate keyhole aperture.