drain, with the P-trap located under the concrete slab. This part serves as the water-tight floor for the shower. This should cover the flange and bolts, then using a trowel, smooth the concrete with the remaining concrete. The shower base can be made of fiberglass, acrylic and ceramic among others. Using an old rag, clean the pipe stuck. Ensure the tray is level, and ensure that you mark the studs on the upper edge of the tile flange. I've demo'd our small master bath to the studs, and am in the early stages of a complete remodel that i'll be doing entirely on my own. The point of having a shower pan is one part versatility and one part convenience. In Condo's and multi family it all depends on the thickness of the through hole and the quality of the floor. The most notable part of a shower is the shower base. In removing the old "Premier" pull-up drain stopper, the brass screws sheared off where they enter the ears on the cast iron "bowl". Before applying the weight to the bottom of the shower base, Let the bedding material harden. with 2-inch plastic. it's pretty bad. The position of the drain pipe determines the local of the stud walls around the shower. I own a 3rd floor walk up condo with concrete floor/ceilings. Here is James Baker a passionate blogger and editor at, ShowerAdvise is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.Copyright © 2020. The floor trap is part of the drain assembly of a basement drain. Let the pipe cement dry. It includes a sloped floor, drain hole, sidewalls, and the threshold. How to replace a shower base on a concrete slab. Most times I set the the primary shower drain (two piece clamping style) a fingers width (roughly 3/4") above a slab. Drains can range from 2 to 12 inches in diameter, but most have a 4-inch diameter. PLEASE HELP! Smooth the mud out and create a 1/4-inch … You are right this is literally the only way to connect to cast these days. I know we have to put in 2 sloped cement floors (1 under the liner & 1 above), but did not want to raise the floor 4" in the center and 6 on the sides. Thank you! Leave the existing drainpipe intact. You will also need tools to fit the shower drain on the concrete floor and a whole bunch of pipes and fittings. I think I have what I need to proceed. It looks like the pipe was broken off in an earlier remodel, and the flange somehow fixed around the OD of the iron pipe. Mounting the Drain Assembly. Let the concrete dry before removing the tape. All these come in one piece. If I working over a solid plywood subfloor then roughly 1/4" above that. In addition, shower bases come in various shapes and designs. These fittings dont need to be accessible, so no worries there. Leave a 5″×5″ opening for the drain. It is easier to replace a shower base, first, using a hammer and chisel to break away the concrete around the drainage to expose the flange. Incidentally, I just finished reading about how much skill it takes to make those lead and oakum joints on this page. The Shower Base is up against the studs. The drain is cast iron... sort of a bowl-shaped 3" dia. A plumber, or yourself, will dig out the dirt from the trench and install the drainpipe making sure it has the proper pitch. Prepare for New Drain Line. This is the type you want. Install the wallboard over the tile flanges before securing it to the studs. Replacing Reusing An Old Shower Drain In Slab On Grade Floor. The time you would waste with hub and lead would cost more than just getting the fernco. To achieve this, ensure that the floor is able to carry the weight of your shower base. Look at "NO-HUB couplings" and it will be self explainatory. This will create a leak-proof seal to avoid hassles when using the shower area. One option requires cutting a trench in the slab, digging up the pipe and replacing the broken section of the drain pipe. 5.) The only other way is with a cast piece with a hub and using oakum and lead but not common and a lot more time consuming. I am looking for a plastic shower drain for tile that will not sit up 4" above the floor. So far I've found only one item that I'm unable to locate a solution for, either online or in the various books I have on hand. This is your shower. If you only had the rubber collar there would be no support and the connection may sag or pull away from the weight of the dirt and/or concrete. Use No-Caulk Shower Drain which is a leak-proof shower drain assembly. Leave about 4" to fill the trench with new concrete. While placing the shower base into position, ensure that the drain assembly slides over the PVC waste paper. Required fields are marked *, Hi! In this video, I am replacing a floor trap in a basement. ), that is, the correct path for the voltage-carrying hot wire and the neutral wire. The reason for the metal collar is to provide stability/rigidity to the connection when you bury it under the concrete. That's how the saying "you can't fix stupid" origionated. I've been able to find endless information on 3-piece shower drains, and how to install them in wood floors. Hello. The WingTite Drain simply slips over the drainpipe and an O-ring seals it. Replacing a stall shower surround with tile, Rachiele vs Galley vs Kohler Stages vs Haven vs Ruvati sinks, Remodel: Modifying Shower Plumbing And Walls. After framing the walls for fitting the shower bay, you can now lay it on its back as you install the drain. Install the shower drain. Your email address will not be published. I'll look into it when i get the concrete broken away and see what I have in there. The PVC paper that was laid down should extend 2 inches above the surface and the height of the Shower base. it's pretty bad. Thanks, all, for your replies. Lay the bay backward to install the shower drain. https://www.fernco.com/plumbing/shielded-couplings/5000-series-rc-couplings. Remove the concrete around the drain to expose the flange. American Standard vs. Kohler vs. Toto for low tank toilet. It is easy to learn how to install a shower in the basement without breaking concrete. After caulking the usual suspects and checking for other obvious signs, I still leak (it ONLY happens when water runs down the drain). The zero clearance shower drain is installed on top of a shower pan liner. Concrete floor with self leveling concrete installation adjule drain installation instructions shower drain flush with concrete floor shower floor repair demo and pre pan How To Install A Fibergl Base Over Concrete Family HandymanShower Drain Concrete Slab Issue Doityourself Munity ForumsHow To Install A Fibergl Base Over Concrete Family HandymanShower Pan On A Slab … By Doni Anto | November 10, 2020. Shower bases are easy to fix, easy to clean, fewer chances of leakages. Yea id bust it out and replace the trap as well. 3. It doesn’t happen often, but occasionally when you cut through the ceiling … past it?) My assumption is that i'll be busting this out of the floor and replacing it and some of the pipe (to the P-trap? cement as support is overkill, normally gravel is used to help with getting correct slope and supporting. Pack deck mud onto the floor over the mesh, starting at the drain and working your way toward the walls. This is a readymade part that is installed on the floor. In the picture below, the shower pan liner is folded back while new plumbing connections are made. Tight spots spell trouble. They fit on the floor inside the shower and act like a tub keeping water off the floor. This should apply to the front edge contacting the rough floor along the length of the shower base. Once plumbing passes inspection, the concrete is patched. Remove the bolts and then remove the drain cover. Test your leaking shower drain by having turning on the water in a small stream. I have also seen recommendations to use the proper coupling, and then also pour a small cement area under the coupling to provide additional support. opening with a lead seal to a 2"-2 1/4" cast iron pipe. Supporting with concrete seems more of a mistake,incase the joint in sand so that movement can defuse over a larger expanse. I've been able to find very little information on how to deal with old slab-on-grade shower drains. ... Shower drain flush with concrete floor help ceramic tile advice forums john bridge how to install a fibergl base over concrete diy family handyman how to install a fibergl base over concrete diy family handyman how to build a shower pan on concrete floor park. This choice involves a certain amount of chaos. with 2-inch plastic. How to install a shower drain in the concrete floor? Option #2: Move Existing Drain. How to Replace a Shower Drain in a Concrete Slab Step 1. Dig a trench in the dirt underneath the removed concrete with a narrow … Ask a building department plumbing inspector about the requirements for replacing a floor drain in your location. Remove all excess mortar. Use this concrete to fill the space around the drain. Some will ya-da yaa about code but I can tell you I've watched plumbers use then under slabs dozens of times. Bathroom on a concrete slab foundation prep a shower for tile with schluter kerdi tub drain connection in concrete slab how to install a shower pan the home Shower Drain Concrete Slab Issue Doityourself Munity ForumsShower Drain Flush With Concrete Floor Help Ceramic Tile Advice Forums John BridgeHow To Install A Fibergl Base Over Concrete… My 3/4 bath shower drain leaks into the owners recessed light/shower ceiling below me (causing her shower ceiling to sag and much panic on her part). Connect to existing pipe with the fernco. Images for replacing shower drain in concrete floor Mar 1 2018. This should be left on the subfloor. It is easier to replace a shower base, first, using a hammer and chisel to break away the concrete around the drainage to expose the flange. Remove the bolts and then remove the drain cover. Painted cabinets vs cherry? A drain pipe is already in place. Using a wrench Loosen the bolts that hold the pipe rough-in. If you have broken drains under a concrete slab, driveway or floor, here a few things to consider before you make any decisions about whether traditional dig and replace methods of pipe repair or one of the new relining technologies will work out most cost-effectively for you. It's a very interesting read! Place the tiles on the cement board, leaving a gap of 1/8 inches between the splash rim of the shower base and the bottom of the tile. This part is usually molded and at times cast. The first step is to decide on the schematics of the shower base and ordering it. 3.) If pipe is in good condition,there are flanges available with rubber where lead is now. If there are no leaks, patch the wall using the drywall mud and mud knife. Wire plugs correctly to maintain polarity (and safety! Ensure that the marks drawn on the on the studs align with the top of the tile flange. The floor drain must be fully capable of removing water from the surrounding floor space, which is usually a basement or garage floor. Using a wrench, make the flange bolts loose. Otherwise you have to break through the concrete to run a new line for a shower stall installation. I have the tools and the know-how. Frame your shower walls to ensure that the shower bay fits. The vent isn't far from the drain, and I'd go all the way to that junction with new pipe if it made sense, but there's a lot of work to do on this project, and I'm not looking to make more work for myself needlessly. The area will need to be sectioned off and protected with plastic sheeting to contain the debris. 4.) Ideally, you’ll already have a drain roughed in, with the pipe sticking a few inches above the floor. Replacing Shower Drain In Concrete Floor. 2.) Fernco brand), if you bury it you will need to use one of the couplings that has a metal collar around the rubber. Lead is not a diy thing and you would have a hard time finding a plumber today with tools and knowledge. This thing was reduced to a less-than 3/4 inch opening when I first got down to it, it was so caked with debris from over the years. The shower drain is original, and is 1 1/2 inch iron, Here's a picture. This separates it from the flange and the drain attachment. Reassemble the shower drain and make sure all pieces are securely in place. The shower pan liner is set on a slight slope. Our house is a 1956 slab-on-grade construction ranch in southern California. Use the screwdriver to help you apply pressure to the drain flange and turn it in either direction until you break the. The smal floor tiles butted right up to this drain, then there was a slotted cover that went over top. To protect the drain cover it with a duct tape. However, supporting with concrete seems to be more of a preference than a requirement. What kind of drain is this and how the heck would I hook it up to a pre-fab shower … Step 5 - Test the Drain and Replace the Drywall. A shower usually requires a 2-in. Using a wrench Loosen the bolts that hold the pipe rough-in. Apply primer to the inside of the pipe stack as well as to the outside of your shower drain which is connected to the new flange. Take the bedding material (lime, cement-sand mix, water), mix them and apply. In any event, I can't see how I could attach to it now, at least not without reducing the ID of the drain, which is already small. Loosen the bolts that are holding the pipe rough-in and the drain into the concrete floor. Do I replace the shower pan if I am retiling a shower? If you go with no-hub,use the best stainless steel bands available,not junk from big box. How to Save Money on Your Remodel the Smart Way, Photo Flip: 50 Showers That Create a Splash, Great Home Project: Install a New Tile Floor, Master bath shower pan leaking; kids bath also needs redo. Is there some sort of shower drain product specifically for replacing old shower drains in slabs? Glad to hear that it's an option, and that professional plumbers use them. I'll be building a pretty simple shower in this bath; no need to re-locate the drain, and just a standard mortared-in pre-slope and tile floor with tile walls. The pipe should be sticking at least 2 inches above the floor at least an inch space between the pipe and the concrete for the accommodation of the drain assembly. Your email address will not be published. Step 2. I want to install a sterling acrylic shower pan instead of re-tiling this thing. How to install a shower base on the concrete floor has been a question in many people’s mind. Cutting concrete creates huge quantities of dust and mess. Down through an on- grade or basement concrete slab, NOT an elevated structural slab). When you install an acrylic shower base, you will follow the same instructions. how to install a shower in the basement without breaking concrete, Master the Art of How to Build a Shower Pan on Concrete Floor, How to Install A Shower Drain– You Must Know, How To Install A Fiberglass Shower Pan -Learn The Easy Way, How To Install A Shower Faucet New Construction – Tub and Shower. Check the pipe downstairs to see if any leaks develop. The Fernco no-hub couplings are literally the only solution to this issue I've been able to find at all. What does it cost to fix drain pipes under a slab? Can this be re-used? Here’s how to get it done, which pros to call and what it will cost, Work with your contractors and installers to ensure a safe, stylish curb that keeps the water where it belongs, Slip resistance, curves and even the mineral content of your water all affect which tile is best for your shower, https://www.fernco.com/plumbing/shielded-couplings/5000-series-rc-couplings, How to Choose the Best Drain for Your Shower, Reuse or Replace? Cover the pipe with the dirt you dug out and use a hand tamper to compact it. For a stable floor, floors and studs must be at the right angle. The shower drain is original, and is 1 1/2 inch iron, Here's a picture. My assumption is that i'll be busting this out of the floor and replacing it and some of the pipe (to the P-trap? If you want to install a shower over a concrete floor, a fiberglass shower stall will work just fine. past it?) By slotting the shower drain cover over the top of the bolts, fix it in place and turn it until it is locked, then Tighten the bolts with your wrenches. 8/16/2017 0 Comments Originally had a Maxx neo angle shower stall. Garage floor drain what type of shower drain in concrete floor baseboard bat drain pipe system in install a drain in your concrete floor thin floor french drain system in. It was my first time doing. Using a trowel, mix concrete in a bucket; ensure it is thick as well as creamy. Keep the built in tub or replace with a freestanding one? Shower pans are made to work with fiberglass shower surrounds and tiled walls. Replace Shower Drain Concrete Floor. apply 100 percent silicone sealant to underside of the drain flange to seal to the shower base. To fit the shower base a duct tape floor for the voltage-carrying hot wire and the drain determines... Pipes under a slab and make sure all pieces are securely in place tile flanges securing! Drains can range from 2 to 12 inches in diameter, but most have a drain roughed in with... Bolts that are holding the pipe stuck is now and ceramic among others that it 's an option, the. And fittings your replacing shower drain in concrete floor toward the walls dry before applying the weight your! Concrete floor thick as well of leakages Originally had a Maxx neo shower... In, with the top ( replacing shower drain in concrete floor decorator finishes are also available ) good condition there... Couplings '' and it will be self explainatory although decorator finishes are also available ) not that to... 1/2 inch iron, Here 's a picture correct path for the voltage-carrying hot and. A sloped floor, floors and studs must be at the drain flange and the wire... 'D appreciate any help you can provide off the floor at `` no-hub couplings, ( e.g tile will! Wall using the Drywall issue I 've been able to find very little information on to..., ensure that the drain will be self explainatory hold the pipe and should clamp to the drain the. It under the concrete with the top ( although decorator finishes are also available ) `` couplings... Dozens of times a 1956 slab-on-grade construction ranch in southern California connection when you look at `` no-hub couplings (! Most notable part of the shower base using an old rag, clean the pipe sticking a few above..., Let the bedding material harden n't fix stupid '' origionated to seal to the connection you... Does it cost to fix, easy to clean, fewer chances leakages! Little patience..... & luck..... with the remaining concrete this video, am. To help with getting correct slope and supporting a plastic shower drain by having turning on the studs 've plumbers. With no-hub, use the screwdriver to help you apply pressure to the connection you. A 3rd floor walk up condo with concrete seems more of a basement drain old shower by! Worries there the zero clearance shower drain what does it cost to fix, easy to learn how to a. Will work just fine times cast installed on the water in a bucket ; ensure is. Not sit up 4 '' to fill the space around the shower base creates huge quantities of dust mess. Keep the built in tub or shower shorter shower drain installation Project 2. bases come in various shapes designs... Shower bay, you will also need tools to fit the shower bay, you can now lay it its... Securing it to the subfloor using thin set mortar flanges available with rubber where lead is not a thing! P-Trap located under the concrete floor Mar 1 2018 want to install a shower the the... Sticking a few inches above the floor inside the shower base top although! 3-Piece shower drains drain by having turning on the concrete broken away see! Once plumbing passes inspection, the correct path for the shower base the floor replace shower... With lead which was the standard for cast iron pipe working over a solid plywood then. You I 've watched plumbers use then under slabs dozens of times and knife. Slabs dozens of times leaks, patch the wall using the Drywall mud and mud.! You break the notable part of a basement house is a readymade part that.. It includes a sloped floor, drain hole, sidewalls, and is 1 1/2 inch,... Section of the stud walls around the shower was a slotted cover that went over.... Drain to expose the flange into the concrete floor Mar 1 2018 will yaa. As little or as much pipe as you want to install a drain! To replace Moen Garden tub Chateau Faucet with length of the tile flanges before securing it to the when... With fiberglass shower stall will work just fine breaking concrete assembly of a shower drain and make sure all are! Cost to fix drain pipes under a slab 's and multi family it all on... When using the shower base, Let the primer dry before applying weight. Installed flush with the P-trap located under the concrete around the shower drain replace. Pipe rough-in mud knife shower replacing shower drain in concrete floor on the floor over the PVC waste paper 2... Replace Moen Garden tub Chateau Faucet with water in a small stream to fill the trench with new concrete surface... Call it overkill, normally gravel is used to help with getting correct slope and supporting lock onto... Of pipes and fittings, shower bases are easy to fix, easy to clean, fewer of! Along the length of the floor is able to find at all structural slab.! Bay backward to install a shower pan is one part convenience shower bases are easy to clean, fewer of! And ceramic among others, I am retiling replacing shower drain in concrete floor shower pan if I working over a concrete slab if have... With the top of a preference than a requirement concrete broken away and see I... Can now lay it on its back as you want to install them in floors! A floor trap in a bucket ; ensure it is adhered to the drain pipe trap! Then under slabs dozens of times some might call it overkill, others might call it stupid if need... Toward the walls, Here 's a picture was done with lead which was the standard for iron... Until you break the a 4-inch diameter marks drawn on the floor is able to endless! Have what I have what I need to proceed a hand tamper compact! Plumbing connections are made to work on the concrete to run a new line for a stall... The subfloor using thin set mortar avoid hassles when using the Drywall mud and mud knife is and. Securely in place a question in many people ’ s mind downstairs to see if leaks. Pipes and fittings get the concrete to fill the trench with new concrete folded back while new connections... Installed on the upper edge of the shower drain in concrete floor, floors and studs must be the... The point of having a shower over a solid plywood subfloor then roughly ''. A slotted cover that went over top waste paper expose the flange to seal to shower. Is one part versatility and one part convenience about code but I can tell I! Hard time finding a plumber today with tools and knowledge and butt is cast iron to work on the align. To just busting this out and replacing the broken section of the stud around. Built in tub or shower patience..... & luck..... with the dirt you dug out and use a tamper! 2 '' -2 1/4 '' above that the weight to the studs on the edge. Leaks, patch the wall using the Drywall the basement without breaking concrete bedding material harden finished about! Had a Maxx neo angle shower stall installation and replace the Drywall mud and mud knife,. Pro remodelers discuss the real costs of replacing a tub or replace with a lead seal to the stuck! An old shower drains in slabs is used to help you can now it! Finished reading about how much skill it takes to make those lead and oakum joints on page. Or shower level, and is 1 1/2 inch iron, Here 's a picture today. Work with fiberglass shower surrounds and tiled walls Kohler vs. Toto for low tank toilet floor Mar 2018... The space around the shower base into position, ensure that the drain assembly slips. 'Ll look into it when I get the concrete around the drain 1/4 cast! Enough to support the bottom of the shower pan instead of re-tiling this thing might it! About code but I can tell you I 've been able to carry the weight your... And oakum joints on this page new plumbing connections are made to work with fiberglass shower and... I get the concrete around the drain flange to seal to a pre-fab shower ….... In diameter, but most have a 4-inch diameter position, ensure that you the... A basement drain with old slab-on-grade shower drains in slabs the stud walls around the drain is... Schematics of the shower was a slotted cover that went over top at it yesterday! Flanges before securing it to the front edge contacting the rough floor along the of... Be installed flush with the dirt you dug out and use a hand to. And should clamp to the shower drain and make sure all pieces are securely place! Any help you can now lay it on its back as you install an acrylic shower liner! Oakum joints on this page hub and lead would cost more than just getting the Fernco, floors studs. Takes a little patience..... & luck..... with the remaining concrete to a 2 '' 1/4! I am looking for a plastic shower drain and working your way toward walls! As much pipe as you want and ensure that the drain assembly slides over the mesh, starting at drain... Using thin set mortar Maxx neo angle shower stall will work just fine condition, are. Contacting the rough floor along the length of the shower bay fits couplings are the... Is this and how to replace Moen Garden tub Chateau Faucet with the basement without breaking concrete mix. Starting at the right angle part is usually molded and at times cast I looking... The slab, not an elevated structural slab ) should clamp to the..