[nancy rieder]

How do you connect a plastic flange to lead pipe and keep it from moving

[ballengerb1]

Is it safe to assume the end of the pipe is threaded?

[nancy rieder]

I don't believe it is threaded we can't remove the pipe and go with pvc because the pipes go under the kitchen and who knows where else I was told I would have to dig up the floor in bathroom and kitchen.

[ballengerb1]

I think we are talking about a cast iron drain pipe, right? Sometimes folks call a drain pipe a lead pipe even if it isn't lead. Is this possibly your situation?

[massplumber2008]

Hey Nancy:

I am picturing a lead pipe underground with 1 inch of lead or so bent over at top of floor.

I am also picturing that there is little concrete around this pipe.. Or is concrete intact around the lead pipe..?

If concrete intact then there are a few options available to you:

(1) You can try a twist and set pvc replacement flange (see pic.#1)... here, want to lightly lubricate rubber seal and try to twist and set into the lead pipe WITHOUT DAMAGING PIPE, of course. Then secure flange to concrete by pre-drilling holes and securing using tapcon cement anchoring screws or similar (see pic. #5)

(2) Could also purchase a brass closet flange (see pic. #2)... sets into lead slightly, then secure to concrete using TAP-CON screws or similar

(3) Could also secure a flange extension flange (see pic. #3) over the lead pipe using tapcon or similar screws.

There are more flange options as well... but check these options at home supply store first.

Then want to install toilet using a wax gasket with HORN (see pic. #4)

None of these options are ideal... but they should work for you. Ideally you would rip floor up to cast iron piping underground and replace with new PVC pipe or similar (I bet cast iron is within 3-4 feet of toilet underground).

You really don't even need a flange in this case....but if twist and set works, I would recommend that you use it seeing as this is concrete.

Let me know what you think of options... if have more questions... glad to help... Mark

[ballengerb1]

Mark, I never even thought toilet.

[massplumber2008]

Bob... I am not sure either... ;) She said plastic FLANGE to lead pipe..?

I assumed toilet because we have lead pipe up here in Boston quite often to this day for toilets. Most of the time we replace... sometimes we don't and will usually install a twist and set flange, secure and install toilet.

But... I could be wayyyyyyyy off here!

Can't wait to hear from Nancy! Talk soon... Mark

Although she did mention kitchen which suggests I may be even further off base... thought I would throw it up though... ;)

.

[ballengerb1]

Haven't seen hide nor hare of lead in years. Shot gun shells aren't even lead anymore. Come on back Nancy and tell us is this a toilet flange you are working on, us old guys are easy to confuse.