How to Take Apart Cast Iron Plumbing

Access a connection location in the cast iron drain. Drill sequential holes into the lead seal around the mouth of the over-fitting of the pipe section using a 3/8-inch bit in an electric drill. The lead seal is usually only an inch or so deep and drilling holes about 1/2-inch apart around the seal will break it into smaller pieces.

Pry out the separate pieces of lead seal using a screwdriver. Tap the pieces with a hammer and screwdriver, if necessary, to break the lead away from the pipe surface.

Pry out the oakum that is stuffed into the pipe fitting to block the lead seal using a screwdriver.

Cut into a span of cast iron pipe, if necessary, to remove a threaded section of cast iron pipe using a chain cutter. Wrap the chain of the cutter around the pipe and feed it through the cinch ratchet until the chain is tight to the pipe surface. Use an adjustable or socket wrench to continue tightening the chain cinch until the pipe snaps under the chain.