Toilet flange issue - reno

[Burnaby]

Hi,
I'm getting close to finishing this bathroom reno, and one issue I have is that I'm replacing the old vinyl adhesive flooring with ceamic tiles. So there will be an extra 1/2 inch to compensate for. My real problem is that when I removed the old toilet, in addition to the wax ring, there is a very pliable lead "lip" that was partially torn off when the toilet was removed. I'm going to have to replace the brass (I think it's brass) flange because it's bent. What I'm wondering about is the lead "lip". What is it exactly, and what are my options? My friend who is a plumber is coming over this week to look at it, but I thought I'd get some addtional opinions. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

 

[majakdragon]

I am guessing that you house is very old. This lead indicates that you have lead drain line connecting to cast iron piping. You will probably find that you can tap the lead down evenly around the discharge hole. I suggest using extender ring(s) to raise the height of the flange.

 

[Burnaby]

I assume you mean tapping it down on the inside? Would it make a difference if I cut the loose part off all together? I was planning on using a flange extender, I was looking at the Fluidmaster wax free bowl gasket.
Thanks for your reply

 

[majakdragon]

No, do not remove any of the lead. The part folded over is actually part of the lead pipe and is kind of like a flange in-it-self. I just meant to tap it down flat go it would not interfere with a flange extender.

 

[Burnaby]

Ah, got it. I'll be working on it this evening, thanks again!

 

[Mr_David]

I've been repairing plumbing for a long time and have heard of lead drains but never seen one. Must be more typical on the east and older side of the country.
majakdragon, sounds like you've had some experience with that stuff.

 

[majakdragon]

When I started my apprenticeship in 1970, lead was still being used for some applications, such as shower pans. We also had to know how to repair things from the past. It is now a lost art.

 

[phishfood]

I have seen this type of lead "boot" once before, in the crawlspace under an old house. It was leaking between the cast iron and the lead. The whole house needed repiping, but the owner didn't want to spring for it.

 

[majakdragon]

Yeah, they were good in their time, but the time has passed.

 

[Burnaby]

Well my plumber buddy hasn't made it over yet, but for the most part this seems pretty straight forward. One more question though (and probably a silly one at that) so please bear with me, I assume you mean tap it down flat on the inside (kind of folded over) so it doesn't interfere with the extender?