Plumbing (not the aquarium kind)

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[Triggerhappy1]

Hey Roger,
I started a little remodel project in my bathroom that turned into a big mess. When tearing off the floors I noticed the subfloors were completely rotted around the toilet. The toilet flange was pretty much rusted through. The waste pipes are cast iron so I am assuming the flange is welded on? They sell replacements at the Home Depot but I can't take the old one off. I don't want to force it and break the pipe all together. Is there any way I could just repair the the flange?
I know it's a little off topic on this forum but you're the only person I know with plumbing know how that'll give me a straight and honest answer.

[Tangster]

 Its a simple C.I caulk flange the flange is about 1/2 inch larger in Diameter then the stub of pipe its mounted to and there is oakum packed into the flange to seal it around the pipe then a 1/4 ring of hot lead is poured on top of the oakum to seal it thats what hold it to the pipe .. Take a screw driver and just cut the lead ring and then lift it and peel it out then dig the oakum out then the flange will lift off.   If its just the ears of the flange that are missing that the bolts slip into you can get spanner flanges to replace them and not have to mess with the old flange.. the flanges slip[p and clip under the existing flange then you are good to  go..

[Triggerhappy1]

The only part that's cracked is where the bolts go in.  I think I'm going to go with your second suggestion. Since my plumbing experience is next to zilch I want to take the easy way out. The subfloor is pretty rotted so I am pretty sure the leak began a while go.
I really didn't want to call a plumber because this whole bathroom project tapped my budget. Thanks for the advice Rog.

[Tangster]

 Yes well then just get a set of spanner flanges if you can't find them in your area at a Local real plumbing supply house then let me know I'll get you a set sent up... Lowe and H/D may not have something like that ? But thats what happened the flanges broke the bolts where worthless and the toilet and seal broke and it weeped water with every flush.. We had a leak here in a  old Lead closet bend last yr a builder put a nail into the lead waste line . Nail rusted out hole leaked with every flush.. I patched the hole with some old  wax ring until I got my old lead wiping stuff up here to wipe a patch onto the lead pipe.. Old school new plumbers have not a clue as to how to wipe a lead joint.. Like Parallel parking a car these days who knows how to any longer ? Most places removed that from the testing (:

[theexog]

This brings back not so happy memories - we did a complete reno on our upstairs bathroom last year and what was immediately obvious is that in 1900 no one had a clue about plumbing.  What a mess - pipes and vents going in every which direction, rotted cast iron drains, lead pipes all clotted up - and the rusted out toilet flange/oakum/lead seal thingie with of course the rotted floor....  Poor Mr. Exog spent two weeks with his feet in a hole in the floor fixing the mess (BTW I can plumb with the best of them but it drives him bonkers watching me do it, so I capitulate and go watch the telly).

Plumbing's easy - three simple rules:  Hot's on the left; shit runs downhill; payday's Friday.

Good luck with it.  Its really easy and you don't want to pay a plumber (they all used to be lawyers but make more money as plumbers)

[Triggerhappy1]

Plumbing is easy? HA!
For people that know what the hell their doing.
Thing about plumbing is that one F-UP could result in $1000s in new rennovations.
I know what you mean about these old houses though. One little project could open up a whole can of worms. With me it all started with just a little paint and new floors.
I went out and got one of those reinforcement rings and screwed it in on top of the hold flange. Still haven't had a chance to test it out because I spent the last two weeks repairing the rotted subfloor. This week is the moment of truth! We'll see if I will be able to flush without having to wear my hip waders.
I'm surprised OSG hasn't chimed it yet.
I don't think he'd appreciate the plumber comment. 

[Tangster]

 Well when its done right its not easy.. on a old home .. Hell glue and hacksaw and a book now about anyone can do it .. Its when the old stuff is used the new guys have a problem like wiping a lead joint . Not rolling a joint! 

[Triggerhappy1]

Well it's all together and (knock on wood) no visible leaks. Just goes to show you how a little talent and whole lot of silicone could get the job done.
Thanks for all of the coaching!
I love this place!
I mean where else could you get advice on subjects ranging from fish fungus to preventing toilet leaks! :)
Can't beat it.

Hmm, now I wonder if anyone could give me some car repair advice!

[Reefspinster]

Don't you know Roger is a gear head too :)

[Triggerhappy1]

Really?
Damn you found yourself a keeper!
Better not throw this one back in the lake. 

[theexog]

Congratulations - told you it was easy lol

Now even though I can do 12 volt wiring (boat building you know) the AC stuff stumps me so that's where Mr. Exog gets to do his thing.  Hope nothing leaked....

[Reefspinster]

Really?
Damn you found yourself a keeper!
Better not throw this one back in the lake. 

Nobody knows about the lake...who told you?   

[Triggerhappy1]

I won't tell. 

[Reefspinster]

You're next buster brown