Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    skiberger's Avatar
    skiberger Posts: 562, Reputation: 41
    Senior Member
    		  
    #1

    Nov 6, 2005, 11:10 AM
    Removing lead fitting from cast iron pipe
    What is the best way to remove a threaded stuck lead fitting from a cast iron section? The fitting was from a lead sink drain pipe and it connected to the cast pipe at the toilet elbow. I tried a pipe wrench and a hammer to try to budge it but no go. I want to thread new PVC into the section of cast for new drain lines. Can I use mapp gas to heat the fitting?
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #2

    Nov 6, 2005, 01:13 PM
    " Can I use mapp gas to heat the fitting?"

    If you're sure the male threaded fitting's lead and not a brass Midland Bushing then you may melt it out with a torch. However, that's messy and will leave melted lead in the threads that can be difficult to remove. A much easier way would be to saw the fitting down to the threads and simply peel it out.
    Good luck, Tom
    skiberger's Avatar
    skiberger Posts: 562, Reputation: 41
    Senior Member
    		  
    #3

    Nov 6, 2005, 01:56 PM
    Speedball,
    At first I thought it was galvanized, then I started knawing at it w/ pliers and it turns out to be a big lead fitting. Would heat at least soften it up to be able to turn it out or is it just better to just keep peeling it apart w pliers?
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #4

    Nov 6, 2005, 03:37 PM
    About the time it begins to get soft it's right on the verge of melting and if you soften it down enough to turn it you'll just tear it up with a wrench or a pair of pliers. The safest way is to peel it out of there. Tom
    skiberger's Avatar
    skiberger Posts: 562, Reputation: 41
    Senior Member
    		  
    #5

    Nov 6, 2005, 06:55 PM
    Thanks Tom, that's what I'll do. Mike
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Removing cast iron / lead joints [ 4 Answers ]

Hi; I have a vertical 2 inch cast iron vent pipe that I need to remove to install a medicine cabinet. I have cut it in one spot with a sawzall, but there is also a joint in it where I would like to separate it. The joint appears to be poured with lead. If I heat it with a propane torch to get it...

Cast iron soil pipe [ 1 Answers ]

Hi I would appreciate very much if someone could clarify some questions I have on oakum/lead joints I have 3 horizontal hub and spigot joints to repair on 4" cast iron sewer pipe. The pipe itself is @ 5 years old. I would like to know if this is the correct way to solve this problem... ...

Lead Pipe/cast iron [ 4 Answers ]

Hi! I just removed drywall to fix a drain from a bathroom sink. I found 1.5" soft lead pipe from the p-trap to a 3" hub on the cast iron stack. Can I use some kind of coupler from the lead pipe to new plastic or do I need to replace the entire length of pipe? If I need to replace, what's a good...

Cutting cast iron pipe [ 7 Answers ]

Hi, I have a project I am working on in the basement and I need to tie 3" plastic into 3" cast iron. I will be renting a ratchet type cast cutter. The cast comes out of the basement floor and goes straight up to serve the first floor bathroom. What I would like to do is cut a section out of the...

Cast iron waste pipe [ 2 Answers ]

My husband and I have just bought a 32 yr old house and have started updating some of the fixtures. In our 1/2 bath the previous owners installed a pedistal sink with brass fixtures (p-trap, hot cold valves). We are changing all things brass to brushed nickel. So we took out the sink to paint...

View more questions Search