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smj838
Feb 18, 2008, 02:46 PM
I am redoing the shower with tile and new walls and everything we have everything taken out completely but we cannot get the drain removed we got the top off but the rings around it won't come off we have tried everything, the shower is really old from the 70's if any one can let me know how to do this I would really appreciate it thank you very much

massplumber2008
Feb 18, 2008, 03:33 PM
Hey smj... sounds like you have a leaded in cast iron shower drain. Here, the drain was attached to a cast iron or galvanized drain pipe via oakum and lead. If I am wrong please post a pic. via the advanced feature.

Try this:

Set up drill with a bit a little less thick than the thickness of ring around the pipe... then drill down into the lead until you hit the soft, brown oakum underneath (lead is pretty soft, too)... do this in a series all around the pipe until most of the lead is removed... then rock that drain up and off the pipe. Clear the oakum and clean the pipe... you should be good to go.

After that, get back to us and we can instruct on how to install a new shower drain. Please let us know how this went and what type of pan you intend to install on new shower. Good luck.

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KISS
Feb 18, 2008, 03:36 PM
Picture might help.

You might have to resort to cutting it off. Better suggestions can be offered when you post a picture. Use the "Go advanced" option.