Cast Iron Waste

[Mitch]

I am about to fit a new close coupled WC and cistern and could use some help. Problem is that the old wc had a flush pipe in to the pan and because the one I am replacing it with is close-coupled I will need to cut the old cast pipe back quite a bit. What is the easiest way to do this? Should I just attack it with a hacksaw or is there an easier way. Also the cast pipe has a large flange on the end, does it matter that this will be gone when I come to fit the new wc? Sorry if this is obvious to you guys but a bit scared to cut the b____r off and then find I need the flange. Regards, Jim.

[Tony Bryer]

Generally you connect the pan to the pipe with a Multikwik type connector which pushes into the cut end of the soil pipe - no collar needed. B&Q Warehouses and plumbers merchants have a variety of these which will accommodate almost any situation. See

iron is brittle but generally fairly soft so will cut with a hacksaw (suggest new blade if in doubt) without too much problem, though an angle grinder and metal cutting disk is easier.

[Oliver]

If you use an angle grinder get a GOOD mask, mine was a cheapy and ended up producing something that I can only imagine originated from the crap that was found in the pipe!!!

[The Natural Philosopher]

Othersd have told you how to connect.

I will tell you what I did to cut - admittedly a plastic - pipe slightly BELOW floor level...

It involved a an angle grinder disk, and a bolt and an old backing disk from a disk sander, mounted on the front of a standard electric drill.

This allows you to cut from INSIDE the pipe, but beware, it needs a very steady pair of hands. And cast iron will probably throw out sparks and bits of molten metal, so gloves and glasses are a must.

I do not recommend this unless you have to, but it does work.