Use a shielded Fernco or get to work trying to separate galvanized to CI connection?

[charliechuck]

I'm replacing all my galvanized in-wall drain piping with PVC. What is the preferred way to rejoin the new PVC where it goes into a cast iron tee and then into slab floor? I'd like what seems the easy way - use a sawzall to cut the 2" galvanized above the CI tee, put on a 3000-215 Shielded Fernco 2" to 1.5" reducing coupling and then go to town on 1.5 inch PVC from there.

See closeup of the tee - is that lead where I scratched clean and oakum below? Am I smarter leaving that alone and using the Fernco? Or is it wiser to try to break the seal? There are no threads visible. Should threads be there below the lead? Threads or not, what kind of fitting would I replace to transition from CI to 1.5 inch PVC?

 

[nowwhatnapster]

Both ways are viable, but I believe removing the galvanized/lead/oakum is the professional way.

You can search for "drill out lead oakum cast iron" and you'll fine plenty of videos on how to do this. Take care not to drop anything into the pipe if that is a vertical connection.

drilling out lead/oakum joint on cast iron

With the galvanized/lead/oakum all removed, get a donut style fernco that inserts into cast iron hub.

Fernco donut installation