[ansis]

In remodeling a second floor bathroom and I eliminated a flooring layer which resulted in the top of the brass flange on the cast iron waste pipe about 1 inch above finished floor.

Read all the posts and the solution that appealed most to me was to push the flange, via taps with a 2x4, to the right level. However after a number of pretty good whacks, it doesn't budge. I don't want to crack the cast iron. Am I being too gentle/impatient?

[massplumber2008]

Anis... is it a brass flange or a cast iron flange that has been leaded into place.. Let me know?

Brass flange does not connect directly to cast iron pipe... must be a transition or it is a loose piece. Cast iron flange has a lead ring that joins flange to pipe.

A picture would really help here... ;)

Let me know...

MARK

[ansis]

I guess it's not a brass flange. Hope the pictures help.

[massplumber2008]

Hi Ansis.

If beating down on it with a 2"x4" and hammer didn't lower the flange then you could take a hammer and a cold chisel and crack the old flange off. Here, you would use the chisel to create a crack along the height of the flange... in the thin area where the bolts would insert. The idea is to crack down through the flange so it falls off. You could also use a diamond sawblade in a grinder (use safety goggles)

Then you would need to get a new cast iron flange and some lead and oakum and install/pour a new oakum/lead joint... or get a plumber in to install AFTER you install the flooring.

Really is best to remove the old flange and set flooring so when install the new flange it will have something under it to screw new flange into.

Let me know what you think...

MARK

[ansis]

Thanks for your help, Mark.

I'm very impressed with this site and people like you willing to help and answer questions (sometimes silly ones) from DIYers like me.

The oakum/lead process seems out of my skill range so unless I can knock down that cast iron flange, I'll probably call in a plumber after I set my floor. I'd like to make one more try at knocking down the flange. I assmue it's more sharp raps of the hammer on the 2x4 rather than heavy handed blows.

[massplumber2008]

Ansis... try rapping on the 2"x4" pretty hard side to side.. see if that helps.

Otherwise, I want you to get a drill with a 1/4" drill bit and I want you to drill the lead ring around the inner flange OUT. Here, you will drill down about 1.0" to 1.5" in a series of holes and then take a large flat screwdriver and see if you can PRY the lead ring up and out of the flange.

There is an OAKUM material under the lead ring that will need to be loosened and then removed by spinning the flange until oakum loosens.

Then install the floor, being sure to leave enough room around the pipe so that a new cast iron flange can be installed.

Using the drilling method will guarantee that you won't crack the sanitary tee fitting
In the wall... ;)

Let me know how you make out...

.