Quick Q about old lead and brass ferrules?

Hi All!

Im about to tackle the replacement of a leaking LEAD toilet soil pipe/riser.

I read an excellent tutorial post on this list (tho its not about a toilet drain) and have asked a few questions here myself. So,

I understand pretty well what needs to be done but Id sure like to minimize surprises. I live in a very rural area and its an hour and a half to the hardware store (and to a plumber!) Basically, I'd like to buy anything I could possibly need, and then return what I dont use to cover all my bases!

There are a lot of ferncos! Can anyone tell me what would be a normal size for the brass ferrule? 4 inch?

I'm guessing I need a 4 inch to three inch reducer--but Im not sure. If it helps the Cast Iron bell is XH grade.

On that note, are three inch PVC soil pipes the norm now? I see both three and four inch soil pipe/riser flanges...any advantage one over the other?


regards
jim

If you keep it 4" you can use a flange that either fits inside or outside the pipe. Inside works especially well if you are tiling, since you can run the tile and backerboard up directly against the pipe without having to leave room for the flange to fit on the outside of it. This also helps to solidify it from moving horizontally if done well. If the existing pipe is 4", you can keep it the same or reduce it to 3". The biggest trapway is about 2.5", so anything bigger is allowed (typically 3-4"), as I understand it.

Lead pipe

I'm new on this forum; I may have missed something, what are we trying to do? How are you using the term brass ferrule.? More information could help.

When you connect a lead pipe to a cast iron hub, you need something on the inside of the lead to help support it while you make the mechanical connection - the ferrule.

ferrule

If you are using the term "Fernco" in its usual application, then that coupling should not be used for that purpose. You need a "no-hub" type transition coupling with each end sized for the material you are connecting to. You can use a 3x4 closet bend, but since you have 4" and the riser is best if it is 4" why reduce and then increase the size.