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Dom · Aug 7, 2004, 01:37 PM

Hi, Tom was asking for more info but I wasn't registered, took care of that. NOW question is how is the flange removed from my old shower basin. I removed all tile sheetrock and basin to replace it with a four piece fiberglass unit. I can not remove the flange. Here is what I know: The drain is a 2 inch cooper pipe. The flange attached to it is all metal, The area between the two is filled with lead or solder. (Maybe as Tom said "Poured Lead") I tried twisting, chiseling, and even added heat from my little propane torch, nothing. I'm afraid to damage the 2" pipe - do I need a plumber? DOM

speedball1 · Aug 7, 2004, 03:34 PM

Hi Dom, Glad you made it over. you still haven't told me what material the shower drain was made of or if you're working on a cement , tile or wooden floor so I'm going to assume that it's a cast iron drain joined by a lead and okum joint and situated on a wooden floor with floor joists. If the drain's cast iron I would break out the flange and chisel out the lead ring. Melting it out takes more heat then your torch provides and if there is wood floors and joists you have a fire hazard. If the drain is brass and soldered in you have two options. If you have enough stock on the 2" copper raiser up from the trap you can cut the pipe, remove it and the drain , and use a 2" DWV coupling to bring the raiser back to grade or you can melt the solder joint out.
Remove the strainer and direct the flame inside the pipe next to the solder joint and away from any wood. At the same time put pressure on while you're heating the joint and keep a steady pull while twisting the drain to break it away from the pipe. Once the solder joint's broken, pull the drain off at once. If you leave it too long the solder will set up and resolder itself. More questions? I'm as close as a click. Cheers, Tom

Dom · Aug 8, 2004, 07:08 AM

Hi Tom, It is a copper pipe and it is inside of a wooden floor with only about 1/2 inch cut out. When I tried to apply flame the solder did begin to melt a little maybe I just didn't apply it long enough. I'll try again as you sugggest, applying heat to the inside of the pipe and twisting off the drain. I think attempting to cut the pipe would be a mistake as I would also have to cut away the plywood flooring. I'll give it a go and let you know. Dom

speedball1 · Aug 8, 2004, 11:51 AM

Hey Dom! Of what material is the drain made of?? Brass? Cast Iron or PVC. When you see the word, "assume" in one of my answers that means that I didn't get enough information from the asker and I hafta start guessing. :( In order to help I need ALL the information I asked for. :D If the drain is cast iron you might not need a torch to remove it. :) Now, (for try #3) What exactly is the drain made of??

Dom · Aug 8, 2004, 12:23 PM

Tom, the drain is made of metal not sure what the part that goes around the basin looks like stainless steeland the part below the goes around the pipe is cast iron, the pipe is copper, Dom

speedball1 · Aug 8, 2004, 12:47 PM

Thanks Dom, You have a cast iron drain with a poured lead and okum joint. This can be removed without a torch. Take a cold chisel and whack hell out of it making sure you don't whack the pipe. Once you get a crack or a piece knocked out you can target in on the remaining cast iron pieces. When the drain is remover you will be left with a ring of lead. Take a sharp wood chisel and cut through the lead ring. You may now peel it off and be left with the 2" copper raiser. Do you have the replacement drain or may I help you find one? Regards, Tom