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bob1670 · Feb 8, 2005, 09:23 AM

I have a leaking shower drain on the 2nd floor. It is a corner stall by EL Mustee. It has a stamped metal flange with a lead ring mating it to a copper pipe.

I'm confident that I could remove the lead ring but am unsure what to do after that. Can I reuse the flange? Do I need to get a plumber to re-lead the flange? Is there an alternate method that would be secure?

I have the downstairs ceiling open so I can see the pipe but access from the bottom is limited.

What are my options?

Thanks in advance.

Bob

speedball1 · Feb 8, 2005, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by bob1670

I have a leaking shower drain on the 2nd floor. It is a corner stall by EL Mustee. It has a stamped metal flange with a lead ring mating it to a copper pipe.

I'm confident that I could remove the lead ring but am unsure what to do after that. Can I reuse the flange? Do I need to get a plumber to re-lead the flange? Is there an alternate method that would be secure?

I have the downstairs ceiling open so I can see the pipe but access from the bottom is limited.

What are my options?

Thanks in advance.

Bob

Hi Bob, ( You're going to love this answer.)
If the leak is coming from the lead joint, the repair will take less then five minutes and won't involve changing out anything, or if you're handy calling in a plumber. This advice is coming to you from a old time plumber that cut his teeth on lead joints.
To stop that leak all you need to do is to recaulk the original lead joint. To do this you will need a set of inside and outside caulking irons. Your local Rent-All or a plumbing shop should be able to furnish them and instruct you in their usage. If not click on back and I'll walk you through the process.
Cheers, Tom

bob1670 · Feb 8, 2005, 10:55 AM

I am a bit handy, use to be a mechanic for dealership for 25 years but this lead ring is new to me.

Could you please explain the process?

THanks for such a quick response!

speedball1 · Feb 8, 2005, 12:00 PM

Originally Posted by bob1670

I am a bit handy, use to be a mechanic for dealership for 25 years but this lead ring is new to me.

Could you please explain the process?

THanks for such a quick response!

No problem. Pick up a set of inside and outside caulking irons and a small ball peen hammer. The bevel on the iron being used will always look twards the lead joint. Place the inside iron and work your way around the inside of the lead joint next to the pipe. Don't beat it too hard or you may crack the bell of the soil pipe. That why I suggested a smaller hammer. Do the same on the outside of the lead ring. Work your way around the bell compressing the lead as you do so. This should take care of the leak. To test your work, tonight remove the strainer and jam some wet rags down the drain to make it water tight. Now run 1/2" of water in the shower and let it set overnight. The water level should remain the same and there should moisture visible. Regards, tom

bob1670 · Feb 8, 2005, 12:14 PM

Thanks once again Tom.

If I understand it correctly, I will essentially be just pushing the lead down and towards its original sealing surface([outside - inner circumference of the flange area] and [inside - the outer circumference of the drain pipe]).

The speed of the replies and their concise simplicity is great. I really appreciate this.

speedball1 · Feb 8, 2005, 07:02 PM

You got it! Good luck and let me know how you make out. Tom

bob1670 · Feb 14, 2005, 11:02 AM

Tom,

I thought I would need a plumber to put a NEW lead ring seal in for me. Your solution worked EASILY.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate the repair info.

Thanks again.

Bob

speedball1 · Feb 14, 2005, 12:37 PM

Originally Posted by bob1670

Tom,

I thought I would need a plumber to put a NEW lead ring seal in for me. Your solution worked EASILY.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate the repair info.

Thanks again.

Bob

That's why we're here, Bob. Glad to have been of service and if you ever have a problem, (of any sort) AskMeHelpDesk is here. Tom