I would like an answer to several questions.

1. I have a rough-in for a shower in my basement. The concrete floor has a 7" diameter hole with a cast iron pipe about 9" down from the concrete surface. There is a round plug in the end of the cast iron with no square in the center for a wrench. There appears to be lead
Around the outside of the plug. How do I remove the plug?

2. Once the plug is out, can I assume that there is a trap in place as part of the rough-in? The house is 40 yrs old.

3. What is the best way to tie in a PVC pipe to the cast iron? And do I need to back fill in around the drain pipe to support it. Like I said, 7" x 9" deep. I'm putting in a Swanstone base.

Thanks,

Dave

No you should assume there is no trap at this point until you get the plug removed and test for a trap. 40 years ago you don't know if they roughed for a toilet, shower or a tub, its just a 4Z"pipe for now. Your Swanstone shower will have a drain opening that accepts a 2"PVC pipe held by a fat black collar, kind of like a rubber ribbed ring. You'll have 2"PVC coming out of the shower and your need to weld tohether a PVC trap. The trick will be getting that 2"PVC to adapt to the cast iron pipe that is held by lead and Oakum. To remove the old cap you should drill 3/8" holes in the lead about every half inch all the way around the cap. Now drive a screw driver point into the lead and start prying, it will peel out and you will see the Oakum. You can pick at the Oakum with needle nose plyer, I have a big fish hook that is straightened into a mini spear, works great.