Hopefully this makes sense. I can take pictures if needed.

My 50+ year old cast iron flange appears to be joined to my cast iron drain (4" I think) on the outside (pipe inside) by a oakum and lead joint.

While removing the old wax ring I noticed that a 1/2" chip of the oakum/lead ring came off. Everything looks intact and there are no leaks, but I wanted to repair that "chip".

Local plumber suggested plumbers expoxy to built it back up, then a silicone sealer to finish the patch. Would this work? Or is there something better?

I realize that I could drill out the lead and pry it off, then replace it all, but I'd like to avoid that if possible seeing how everything looks to be intact otherwise.


In case it wasn't clear, this is my toilet flange that I am talking about

Hi Capy...

You can use the epoxy... certainly can't hurt here, but if only a real small "chip" you may not need to do anything at all. Lead is typically poured to almost 1 to 1.5" depth... ;)

You could also take a dull chiseland recaulk the lead joint a bit. Here, take a cheap, dull chisel and peen the lead in abit so it butts up tight to the flange and pipe. Let me know if you want more instruction on this.

A picture would really help here...

MARK