Hi, I'm looking to install a bathroom in the basement of my house. My house is older(about 40 years) and it has cast iron drain stacks, the rest has been changed over to pvc and copper over the years. Luckily the toilet drain is already in the floor, what's missing is a drain for the tub.

Now my question is, what would you suggest as the best way to install a drain. Right now I'm leaning towards smashing up the floor. What worries me about this is the cast iron pipes, Ive read that I can cut the pipe using a snap cutter and put in a piece of PVC pipping with couplers and then drain into that. This seems slightly scary to me but it also seems like the best option. I thought of a pump system but the person who is going to be using it is elderly and having an 8" step on the tub would probably equal a broken hip.

So anyway, that's where I'm at right now, any info would be appreciated. Also if smashing the floor up and putting the pvc piece in etc is the best option does anyone know of any good guides along those lines?

the toilet drain is already in the floor, what's missing is a drain for the tub.
Why stop with just a tub? Since you're going to hafta run a vent any way why not rough for a lavatory/vanity and have a entire bathroom group.
Here's how.(see image). Discuss more? Click on back. Tom

Well where tehs ink is going to be is directly beside the stack and there is a Y in the pipe that's is lower so I'm just going to tap into that since its right there. As far as the cast iron any tips or anything there? Also do I cement a P trap right into the floor?

Oh also there is a vent right there as well which is lucky.

Well where tehs ink is going to be is directly beside the stack You have a problem if anything is discharging into the stack from above. In that case a vent will have to be installed on the lavatory and the same lay out will work.

do I cement a P trap right into the floor? Youy leave a 12" square "tub dap out" in the floor for the trap. Remember, everything that has a trap must be vented and you can not use a stack that has fixtures discharging into it for a vent. regards, Tom

Can you explain what a "tub dap out" is please? Or if you have a picture that would be good. IM picturing a 12"x12" hole in the floor with the p-trap in it?

Can you explain what a "tub dap out" is
Since the tub waste connects to the trap raiser under the floor level a square hole called a "Tub Dap Out" (see image) is left behind the front of the tub. To allow the trap and raiser to be connected. Remove the access panel from your tub and check it out. Regards, Tom

Cool, thanks for your help.