Underneath my washing machine I ran into a unusual drain configuration. The machine drains into a threaded 2" od pipe that runs into a cast iron bowl, about 12" diameter, but the pipe threads into the center of the bowl, so there is no overflow and if there were there is no way for it to get out. There is a trap beneath this rig and then the whole run goes into a vertical cast iron drain pipe. This has a lead and oakum seal that I want to take out so I can run new drains up from it. What's the best way to proceed without cracking the pipe I want to keep?

To remove a poured lead and oakum joint take a 3/8" drill bit and drill a few holes down past the lead and into the oakum.. Push a screwdriver under the lead ring and lever it up. Once it's free you can began to peel the lead ring out. Now pick out the oakum and you can pull the joint apart. Good luck, Tom