I have a 1964 house with cast iron piping. I'm trying to add a tub to a shower drain configuration and need to disconnect a cast iron joint. It appears as though a lead sodder has been used. Joint will spin, but not come out. Please advise?

Here is the way I get the poured lead joints apart when I want to save both parts of the joint. Use an electric drill with a drill bit of about 1/4 inch, start drilling holes down into the lead that you can see. After you have made a hole in the lead where you can tell the lead is completely cut into you can then use a hefty screwdriver and insert it into the hole and try to pry one end of the lead out, it is not a simple job and don't expect it to jump right out. If you don't have any luck then drill another hole a couple;e of inches away and try the prying again. In drilling the holes you will drill into some hemp rope as you go through the lead, this is normal it is what seals the joint, the lead only holds it in place.

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Originally Posted by letmetellu

Here is the way I get the poured lead joints apart when I want to save both parts of the joint. Use an electric drill with a drill bit of about 1/4 inch, start drilling holes down into the lead that you can see. After you have made a hole in the lead where you can tell the lead is completely cut into you can then use a hefty screwdriver and insert it into the hole and try to pry one end of the lead out, it is not a simple job and don't expect it to jump right out. If you don't have any luck then drill another hole a couple;e of inches away and try the prying again. In drilling the holes you will drill into some hemp rope as you go through the lead, this is normal it is what seals the joint, the lead only holds it in place.

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Thanks for the response. Worked fine. Ever have any luck sealing this type of joint? From you description, it sounds like once a joint of this type starts to leak, its best to replace it (maybe the whole connection with PVC) rather than try to seal it somehow.

You can connect this joint using an ABS caulking furrell along with PC4 and oakum. The caulking fuerrel will fit into the cast hub and the PC4 is a rope like substance that you pack around the ABS fitting and then dampen. It will then harden like cement. You can then insert the proper fittings for your new fixtures and connect to the cast with an M.J. clamp. Don't forget a vent for your new fixtures.

If you have a "lead and oakum joint", and that is what you had, ever starts to leak you can reseal the joint to you packing tools and pack the lead back down tight the oakum to seal it again.