How do I connect my tub to this drain pipe problem?

Question

The previous owners removed the tub and cut the pipe flush with the floor. Today, I discovered that the chrome pipe goes about 2 inches into the floor then stops. It is inside what appears to be a black plastic pipe. The floor is concrete. Can I just chisel around this, and do you think I can pull the chrome piece out? If I do, then my drain pipe will just fit inside this black pipe. Also how do I connect the tub drain pipe to this pipe. Any suggestions?

Thanks Ed. I'm putting in one of those white plastic drain kits so I won't be using the metal. There is no compression ring around the black pipe as another person was suggesting. I like your idea the best so far. I plan on taking the chrome out, then chiseling about 2 inches down around the black pipe. Hopefully I will be able to somehow join the two pipes.

Answer 1

Usually your concrete floor will have a 12" square open area underneath your tub where the drain pipe comes up. This is so you have access to the trap, which is below floor level, and to give you room to adjust the position of the drain pipe so that it lines up with the tub. If the previous owners removed the tub, they may have filled in this open area with concrete. If so, you should break it out with a chisel.

The black plastic pipe is probably the end of a 1 1/2" ABS plastic P trap. The first link below shows a photo. You may have to cut this away and cement in a new one. The end of your P trap needs a trap adapter like the one shown in the second link (upside down). This gives you a compression seal with the trip lever assembly shown in the third link.

Answer 2

My guess is that you are on a slab, and can't get to the black pipe from below.

If this is the case, perhaps you can collapse the chrome pipe, starting by driving a nail or pointed rod between the pipe and the concrete. Then use successively larger rods. It's going to be tough, but once you get enough collapse, you should be able to remove the chrome pipe. a pair if vice grip pliers will help.

I can't think of a way to get a mechanical seal between the new chrome pipe and the black pipe. Perhaps you can just seal it with a mastic. If there is sufficient clearance between the new chrome pipe and the black pipe, perhaps you could slip in an o-ring for a seal.

Answer 3

You have a crawl space under the house where you can gain access to the water pipes. Or if the tub is upstairs, you may have to go through the ceiling from the floor below. You will have to install a new drain spud in the tub or get a new tub. Added 9/29/07: Until you have gained access to the plumbing and at least have a visual assessment of what needs to be done, you're stuck. We are trying to give you what we know to do based on the information you have given us. It's your problem, not ours

Answer 4

chrome piece was finish part from old tub. since you can see black pipe I;m guessing you can reach it.
just loosen compression ring on black pipe and remove chrome piece.