A method for providing a mechanical seal assembly involves the steps of: providing first and second flanges (10) of standard configuration; providing a metallic seal element (32) having first and second faces, wherein each face includes an annular seal surface (42); and modifying each of said first and second flanges in order to produce a new metallic seal surface (28); wherein the annular seal surface (32) on each of the first and second faces of the metallic seal element is complimentary to the new metallic seal surfaces (28) of the respective first and second flanges for sealing engagement therewith.