Lead Seal in Shower Drain

[David Mitchell]

I have a leaking shower pan drain and am having trouble removing the lead seal from between the ABS pipe and the drain collar. Is there a secret to doing this aside from sitting on your butt and prying it out? I have purchased an Oatey brass drain with a mechanical rubber seal that should work around the 2 ABS if I can ever get the old drain out. I have tried using a soldering gun to melt the lead but it doesnt put out enough heat. I have used a Dremel grinder and a hammer and screwdriver. There must be a better way. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

[Marc StumboParticipant]

: I have a leaking shower pan drain and am having trouble removing the lead seal from between the ABS pipe and the drain collar. Is there a secret to doing this aside from sitting on your butt and prying it out? I have purchased an Oatey brass drain with a mechanical rubber seal that should work around the 2 ABS if I can ever get the old drain out. I have tried using a soldering gun to melt the lead but it doesnt put out enough heat. I have used a Dremel grinder and a hammer and screwdriver. There must be a better way. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. drill a whole bunch of holes all the the way around . then pry out the lead. best to let wife do the work it keeps the kids from learning new vocabulary of four letter words. have fun.

[Marc StumboParticipant]

Anyon who used lead to seal a drain to an ABS was an idiot. The hot lead would melt the pipe, and caulking the lead would just deform the pipe, instead of sealing the joint I assume the drain collar is iron, in which case you can break it into pieces and then remove the lead from the pipe. Before you connect the new drain make sure that the pipe is not deformed from the lead installation. If it is cut it off and couple a good piece on to connect the drain.: I have a leaking shower pan drain and am having trouble removing the lead seal from between the ABS pipe and the drain collar. Is there a secret to doing this aside from sitting on your butt and prying it out? I have purchased an Oatey brass drain with a mechanical rubber seal that should work around the 2 ABS if I can ever get the old drain out. I have tried using a soldering gun to melt the lead but it doesnt put out enough heat. I have used a Dremel grinder and a hammer and screwdriver. There must be a better way. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

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