Step 4 · Remove the Lead and Oakum Seal
With the flange ring removed, you must now remove the old seal. You will see a ring of soft, dull gray lead inside the pipe hub. Carefully drill a series of small, shallow holes into this lead ring, being cautious not to drill too deep and hit the cast iron pipe wall. Once the lead is perforated, use a flathead screwdriver or the cold chisel to pry up a section of the lead ring. Use pliers to grab the lead and peel it out of the joint. Below the lead, you'll find a tarred, rope-like material called oakum. Use needle-nose pliers or a screwdriver to pull all of the oakum out of the joint. Vacuum all debris from the area.