You would remove the flange, lay the floor and then install a new flange on top of the tile floor. You must have lead pipes if they're close to the top. If so you might consider replacing them. Lead gets old and cracks.

What happened on blowing out the water lines? Did you get wet? I forgot if you had replied.

Hi Lonny,

Yes I did get wet! I think the drain pipes are cast iron, but the flange appears to be part of the drain pipe...I don't see how I would remove it without damaging the drain pipe.

The joint is made with oakum rope and lead poured on top to hold the oakum in tight. You are probably going to add at least 1/2" of concrete board and 1/4" of tile. 3/4" is a pretty big gap for wax. Several plumbers are using the new internal screw flanges that seal with a rubber donut. I don't use them because I haven't watched them for a decade but one could be appropriate for your installation.

To remove the flange you can drill a series of 1/4" holes in the lead and then remove the rest of it with a skinny wood chisel. Then pull out the oakum rope.

If you can get at the pipe and it is cast iron, you could cut the pipe with a sawzall and cast iron blace, and use a rubber coupling to join a new sched 40 plastic pipe with the cast iron. (if thats what you have)

I have the exact situation described here and have removed the subfloor down to the 2x10's due to rot. I have sistered the new 2x10's and then realized I have the same problem as Timbear. My question is...how hard is it to take the flange off and then what do I do to reattach the flange. HAVE to be done by SUNDAY!!!!!!!!! OH NOOOOOOOOO

Any help would be appreciated!!

Thanks,

Joe Dillon

By the way...where is the lead that I am supposed to drill? Rookie at this!

Thanks Again,

Joe

Lonny,

I have been doing some websurfing and a few have suggested flange extenders. DO you believe this will eliminate my problem? I do like to do things right the first time.

Thanks,

Joe