Cast iron DWV

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Zach

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Another question about my 1928 home. I'm working on a currently gutted half bath on the 2nd floor. DWV is currently cast iron. The standpipe runs up to the bathroom, horizontally to the toilet, horizontilly to the lav, and then vertically to the roof for vent.

The bathroom has had problems with a leaking toilet flange in the past, as evidenced by water damage. The pipes and connections all look great. The flange though, does not. It's warped and cracked.

It has been suggested to me that I replace the cast iron with PVC. But I'm thinking "if it aint broke, dont fix it" applies here. I'd like to leave the piping alone, cut the ears off the cast iron flange, and use one of those "cast iron replacement" closet flanges with an adjustable, mechanical connection.

Does this sound reasonable? Or would it be a better idea to pay a plumber to replace the flange with another one made of cast iron? Any reason to not leave the rest of the pipe alone?

Thanks,

Zach
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Plumber1

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flange

I thought you said that it's broken.......
Then why wouldn't you want to replace it rather than a cover it up ?
Couldn't look at myself in the mirror if I used that repair bracket.........
or screwed it to thr floor.......
 

Zach

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plumber1 said:
I thought you said that it's broken.......
Then why wouldn't you want to replace it rather than a cover it up ?
Couldn't look at myself in the mirror if I used that repair bracket.........
or screwed it to thr floor.......

The top of the flange is broken. It appears the connection to the pipe is ok.

And I'm not talking about using one of those brackets to repair an ear on the flange, but a complete replacement flange (one that bonds mechanically inside the existing flange). Click here for flange info

I'd like to make a repair that will last a long time. I prefer doing things myself. So if this is just as good as having a plumber replace the lead flange, then I'd rather go this route .. if it's not nearly as good, then I'll have a plumber replace the whole flange instead..

thoughts?
 

hj

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flange

I would not do it, especially on the second floor. In 1928 cast iron pipe was cast in a different way than the modern pipe is. Because of that there can be a internal "offset" where the molds came together, and an internal mechanical seal cannot handle that condition. It is very easy for a plumber to "knock" the old flange off and lead/oakum a new one one. It is a matter of just a few minutes time and gives a lifetime of security.
 

Zach

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Sounds good to me. I'll let a pro take care of it.

Thanks for the replies!
 
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