How to Attach Toilet Flange to Lead Drain

[saturdayplumber]

I need advise on how to attach a new toilet flange to an existing drain pipe made of lead. The lead drain pipe is soft enough that I was able to reshape the lip to the shape of the new toilet flange (ie: make it round again). But now I would like to learn how to attach a new flange to the drain.

Note: The house is a one story slab on grade, so the lead drain pipe goes thru the slab to the main drain line under the slab.

I have purchased a Brass Toilet Flange, assuming that is the best type to match up with lead.

This whole project started when I removed a toilet in my house to look for a water leak, only to find half of a toilet flange and it wasn't even attached to the drain pipe.

Can I do this project myself without damaging the lead drain pipe or should I call in an experienced plumber.

Thanks in advance for your help and advise.

Saturday Plumber

[mrcaptainbob]

Wow! Never heard of a lead drain pipe before! Well, if there's no cracks in it, and that new flange comfortably sets down into it, I don't see why it wouldn't work. I might suggest that you drill holes in the 'crete and set in either plastic or some other type of non-rusting screw anchor material and use stainless screws for that flange. Another thing, check the floor for level. What I usually do is to dry set the bowl in place and pencil mark it's outline. Pull that back up and set down a nice level relatively thin layer of grout inside that line. Set the bowl down along with the wax ring and bolts and squish the bowl down. DON'T use the bolts to snug it down, as that will bust the flange. Just sit down on it and make sure it squishes down and then check the bowl for level. THat grout will take up any irregularities in that 'crete. Once you have the bowl down and set in place , snug the hold down bolts/nuts and clean any grout that squished out and make a neat fillet. Use some grout sealer over it or you can clean it flush and lay in a bead of calk around the base to keep out any moisture intrusion.