I have a basement shower that I am replacing. I found that the drain was set in the concrete and the cast iron drain piece was going to have to be chiseled out then replaced. Now that I have exposed the whole cast iron piece I would like to get it off the pipe. Any ideas on the best way to get this done. Here are some pictures of before and after exposure.

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YUP.. I have an idea.. and you won't like it :(

Get a chipping hammer and open that hole up a little deeper and wider... then cut the pipe itself and attach a proper clamp onto pipe... (there is a proper trap going to this.. yes? )

The concrete is not much deeper there... so bite the bullet and expose the pipe/drain.. then you can transition over to new materials which will in long run make for a much better job.

I would cut out enough concrete and remove enough dirt to cut the entire ptrap out.. maybe 2 or 3 inches in back of that... then replace trap and install new strainer... just what I would do.

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I have a basement shower that I am replacing. I found that the drain was set in the concrete and the cast iron drain piece was going to have to be chiseled out then replaced. Now that I have exposed the whole cast iron piece I would like to get it off the pipe. Any ideas on the best way to get this done.
I like lottsa options! Here's another one. First let's get that pesky lead and oakum joint out so you can remove the drain. 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.. You may now pull the drain out. I would use the same trap and raiser to install a new drain on. What will you be installing in its place? A manufactured shower base and enclosure or a custom tile shower? Let us know. Tom


Hey Tom I was able to get the Oakum joint off using your advice no problem! That helped to know what was coming if I did drill. I wasn't sure how hard it would be to get it off with the pipe in the ground and not wanting to mess with it. Thanks again.
I will be building a custom shower using a mortar shower pan. The shower itself is a 34 x 51. I guess the next step that I have a question about is the shower pan. I got a new piece to put back on the pipe. It is a 2" cast iron piece like the old one but I don't want it to be in the concrete again do I? I think it is suppose to be above right? How far above do I put this or if it is to be flush with the concrete how do I fit the drain in and do the shower pan? Thanks for your time! Best regards, Krisha

I guess the next step that I have a question about is the shower pan. I got a new piece to put back on the pipe. It is a 2" cast iron piece like the old one but I don't want it to be in the concrete again do I? I think it is suppose to be above right? How far above do I put this or if it is to be flush with the concrete how do I fit the drain in and do the shower pan? Thanks for your time! Best regards, Krisha
Describe this "new 2" cast iron piece to me. Would this be another drain? I'm not quite sure just what your plans are. Will you be installing a manufactured shower base or will you be building a custom shower pan and tile shower? I have to know. If this will be a custom built you will have to install a cast iron flange type shower drain,(see image, image shown in PVC) if this will be a manufactured base the drain will come with it. Let me know, Tom