installing a closet flange on a lead stub out??

14 years ago

We had a large garage built last year with the plumbing roughed in. We are now starting to frame and plumb the bathroom and found the toilet drain is lead in the concrete. We realize we probably should have specified what we wanted back then, but we weren't familiar with anything but iron or PVC and figured either would be fine.

It is set in concrete and we'd rather not go through and get it out to replace with something else. Can we diy a closet flange on the lead or do we have to try to get a plumber out? We've done plenty of iron/pvc closet flanges in the past and always used a flange that goes inside the drain to avoid having to chip away concrete.

I can't find any instructions on installing a closet flange on a drain pipe which is why I'm wondering if a plumber is needed.

We'd rather not have to call in a plumber as it means taking off work and not necessarily them showing up that day - been there done that. We might be able to find another company - but we're rural so not that many to go around.

Comments (6)

manhattan42
14 years ago
The builder or plumber who installed lead pipe may have violated your local plumbing codes by using that material.

Lead drains and waste pipes are prohibited from being used under most modern plumbing codes except where used as repairs to existing lead pipes in existing buildings.

If lead bends or pipe was used with a newly built garage and newly installed plumbing rough-ins, you very likley have an illegal installation and should contact your local plumbing code office for guidance before going further.
lyfia
Original Author
14 years ago
LOL - I'm sure it violates code somewhere, however there are no codes where we live. The only thing that had to follow code and be inspected is electrical here by the electric company before they'll hook up service.

I wish we could pull the code card and get this fixed.
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brickeyee
14 years ago
"I'm sure it violates code somewhere, however there are no codes where we live."

I hear this a lot, and almost every time it turns out to be incorrect.

What is usually actually missing is an inspection program to force code compliance, NOT the requirement to follow code.

Many times the code requirement is passed at the state level, but the counties (or other sub-municipalities) are left to enforce the code and fail to do so.

If you actually stated your location more detailed advice could be provided.
lyfia
Original Author
14 years ago
Actually, I've found that even if we had code enforcements here it is not a code violation in the state. I found the following link and this is what we have and seems to have instructions for what I need to do which I should be able to do.

Here is a link that might be useful: Lead stub out - scroll down
manhattan42
14 years ago
"LOL - I'm sure it violates code somewhere, however there are no codes where we live."

I hear all the time that 'there are no codes where we live' only to find that the builder and owner has absolutely no clue that there ARE Codes in place for their jurisdiction and that they ARE required to build to a State or Local standard.

That said, unless you provide more information about precisely where you live including WHAT STATE and WHAT MUNICIPALITY so that we can determine under what Codes you are required to build...NO ONE CAN HELP YOU and you are wasting your time here.

So please provide the information asked.

And I thank you in advance.
lyfia
Original Author
14 years ago
I'm not sure if you saw my post above where I mention it is not a code violation to have a lead stub out here. Turns out it is quite common to use when you have a slab. I'm in TX and called the city of Austin and found this out. We are not part of that municipality, but it was one of the cities where I managed to get an answer. I tried Houston as well and just got the run-around.