Step 2 · Expose and Assess Old Flange

With the toilet removed, use a putty knife to scrape all the old wax from the top of the cast iron flange. Use a shop vac to clean up the wax and any other debris. Thoroughly inspect the flange and the point where it connects to the pipe. Confirm that it is a lead and oakum joint inside the pipe hub and assess the extent of the damage to the flange ring. This is the final check before beginning demolition.