help removing cast iron closet flange

**jevard** · 01-31-2008, 02:38 PM

I'm removing a half bath permanently and laying wood floor over it. I need to remove the cast iron toilet closet flange and plug the pipe. I was planning to use a cherne plug, but I need to remove the flange first and cut down the pipe below the sub floor. How do I remove this flange?

http://www.cherneind.com/

**JimmyPipewrench** · 01-31-2008, 02:54 PM

can you access it from underneath? (basement, crawlspace)

**Marlin336** · 01-31-2008, 02:56 PM

I don't believe any of those plugs are made to be perminant. Do you have access to below? Are you on a slab, basement, or crawlspace? Is this line now completely dead or does it carry waste from somewhere else?

**jevard** · 01-31-2008, 03:03 PM

I have a crawlspace and the toilet drain line is dead but ties into the main drain line that is still being used. I may want to tie into the toilet line though, so I didn't want to remove the whole thing.

**JimmyPipewrench** · 01-31-2008, 03:12 PM

cut it off after the toilet elbow underneath with a chain cutter or a carbide sawzall blade and i would use a fernco cap instead. its rubber with a hose clamp an goes over the pipe. but that is just a personal preference.

**patrick88** · 01-31-2008, 07:33 PM

Originally Posted by JimmyPipewrench

cut it off after the toilet elbow underneath with a chain cutter or a carbide sawzall blade and i would use a fernco cap instead. its rubber with a hose clamp an goes over the pipe. but that is just a personal preference.

Yup that is a great way to do it.

hj · 02-01-2008, 04:56 AM

If all you have to do is remove the flange, then hit it with a hammer. or a hammer and chisel, a few times on either side and it will crack in two and then you just pull the two pieces off and then remove the lead and oakum from the exterior of the pipe. The best place to hit it is at the points where the bolt slots are.