I'm replacing a shower.. the old pan drain is leaded to the drain pipe. How do I remove the lead? What is the easiest way to proceed? Can I do this myself, or do I need a plumber? Thanks for your help.

"How do I remove the lead?"
I take a 3/8" drill bit and drill through the lead down to the oakum packing.
I then take a screwdriver and jam it under the leadring and start to lever it up so I can peel it out. From there you can pull out the oakum and remove the old drain. Good luck, Tom

Thanks for your help. I FINALLY got it out. 4 inches deep... and NO oakum!
I felt like a miner. Now just need to get the new drain to connect.

Thanks again.

"NO oakum!"

The lead isn't what makes a poured joint a sealed waterproof connection, The oakum as it swells makes the joint hold water. All the lead does is secure the oakum so it doesn't swell right out of the joint. Just thought I'd
Straighten out a misconception that a lot of people have that it's the lead that makes a poured joint hold water.
Regards, Tom