I'm helping a friend remodel his basement bathroom, including a new tile shower and replacing the toilet. The old shower was a metal unit and the shower drain is set into the concrete. I'll be putting a new pan in and would like to replace the drain (same location), but am not sure how to connect to the existing, which seems to be set in lead around a cast or galvanized drain line. Is there some sort of adapter that I can use to connect a new drain (preferably adjustable)?
Also, the old toilet was just setting on the slab with a wax ring around the cast drain line, with bolts set into the concrete (now rusted out). Is there a relatively simple way to connect a new closet flange to the cast pipe (currently extending about 3/8" above the slab)?
Thanks,
Roger

Hi Rodger,

It sounds like the old drain was leaded into a cast iron "P" trap with a hub. The lead and oakum joint will have to peeled out and the drain removed. To do this drill down through the lead with a drill big enough to get a screwdriver down underneath and begain peeling out the lead ring. Once the lead is out you can then remove the oakum and the old drain. You are left with the open hub and two choices. You can hire a plumber to caulk in a cast iron raiser or ,(if he's sharp enough to pour a joint and convert to plastic) a PVC raiser. You can then caulk in a new drain if cast iron flange type shower drain or glue in a PVC flange type shower drain.
I have pictured a PVC flange type shower drain but cast iron looks exactly the same.
If you don't wish to hassle a lead and oakum poured joint you can purshase a rubber gasket that fits in the hub and them you can grease a raiser of PVC or cast iron and push it into the gasket until it seats in the hub. You may then install the drain of your choice and then begain to pan the shower and install the rest of the drain. From there the tile man takes over.

As for the toilet. Yow don't need a flange to set a toilet. All a flange does is secure the bowl to the floor. I would drill out the old closet bolts with a 1/4" bit. Then I would get two wood screw closet bolts and plastic inserts to go back in drilled out holes and there you have your closet bolts. Then using a wax seal with a funnel I'd set the toilet. That's the easiest way to do it and the way I'd do it if it were my job. Good luck, Tom

Thanks Tom, I'll try what you suggested - makes sense.
Roger