Robert Laws wrote:
Thsi was discussed in 2004 but I would like to ask for further advice.

I am fitting a new WC to a 1960s vintage soil pipe. The pipe is cast
iron and joined with lead which appears to have been cast in place (not
foil wrap). I want to remove the last 'extension' piece (about 4"
long) which will leave the remaning 'female' pipe at pretty much the
exact correct height for my new WC.

The advice in the previous discussion was to dig out the lead bit by
bit and to wiggle the pipe by hand working it loose. A 1/4" wood
chisel (old) was suggested as a good tool for the job.

My question is: why is it not possible to undo this by putting a
blowtorch on the cast iron pipe that is to be removed and to heat it
until the lead melts? Is there a danger of explosion? a nager of
cracking athe iron of the bit I want to retain?

Has anyone 'dug out' lead from such a joint? Can it really be done in
a reasinable length of time? Would a plumber do it that way?

thahnks,

Robert

In the past I cut off a cast iron waste pipe where it came out of the
wall and used a plastic adaptor you get from the builders merchant. It
worked very well and was quick and easy to do. There are several types
of adaptor that will accomodate various amounts of missalignment. You
can use a special ratcheting cutter that allows you to shear off the
socket end off the cast iron pipe. All you do then is apply the special
grease supplied to the 'fins' on the adaptor and push it into the waste
pipe. You then shove the the bog waste pipe into the adaptor and job
done.