Replacing Cast Iron Shower Drain With PVC

Users who are viewing this thread

silverrhino

New Member
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Location
Texas
I am in the process of planning a total bath remodel that will include re-building existing shower. Our shower is a 30 X 60 with a center drain and will be re-built using the Kerdi Shower System, including the Kerdi base and drain. Our home was built in the mid 60's and has cast iron drain lines and is built on a concrete slab.

I will be removing the floor tile and mortar bed but had not planned on breaking out the concrete unless absolutely needed. My questions are:
1) I am assuming that the drain cover and assembly is leaded into the system, would that be correct?
2) What is the easiest way to remove the old drain, with the least amount of disturbance to the slab?
3) Am I being totally foolish by thinking there is a way to do this install without breaking into the slab?

I am just trying to get an idea of what this drain assembly looks like prior to starting the demolition, so as not to destroy more than I need to. Any help and/or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
 

hj

Master Plumber
Messages
33,599
Reaction score
1,037
Points
113
Location
Cave Creek, Arizona
Website
www.terrylove.com
quote; 1) I am assuming that the drain cover and assembly is leaded into the system, would that be correct?

Probably, BUT, since it is a "2 piece drain" the waterproofing membrane is clamped between the two pieces, so your new membrane should do the same. But if not, a plumber could crack the drain off without damaging the piping.
 

Jadnashua

Retired Defense Industry Engineer xxx
Messages
32,771
Reaction score
1,191
Points
113
Location
New England
IF you have a traditional clamping drain, Schluter does make a clamping drain adapter for their drain (you may not want the kit, since it comes with a solvent welded version of the drain. There's another big IF in this equation...the existing height of the CI clamping drain may not be at the right height to work with the foam pan...the odds are small. Last, you MUST ensure that the surface is totally level before you try to install the foam tray.

The drain cover normally either just sits there, or has screws holding it in. If it is a clamping drain, there will be 3 or 4 bolts holding it together and if you do use the conversion drain, you MUST NOT THROW THOSE AWAY! It is likely you'll need to remove the existing drain entirely, and while you have that out, inspect the pipe and trap. No sense in putting in a nice new shower with a potentially weak or leaking trap or line...you should be able to tell with careful inspection. My guess, you'll either need to replace the drain and riser to get things the proper height to use the drain in the kit (or the conversion drain), or, you could make your own pan out of deckmud and then cover it with Kerdi using their drain.

Check out www.johnbridge.com for tiling issues and building a shower....lots of tiling pros there that do that for a living on that site. Terry's site is great for the plumbing questions, and other stuff like electrical and HVAC...not as 'deep' for tiling help as that site where that is pretty much all they do.
 

JohnfrWhipple

BATHROOM DESIGN & BUILD
Messages
3,225
Reaction score
102
Points
48
Location
North Vancouver, BC
Replacing Cast Iron Shower Drain With New Foam Shower Pan

We just helped out someone else here on the Terry Love Forum with the same question.

Read this discussion - https://terrylove.com/forums/showth...rain)-install-converting-existing-floor-drain

Covers all the questions you asked.

Not a big fan of foam based shower pans, but that might be because I don't sell any or sell any ebooks telling people how to install them. Maybe then I would be a fan.

You understand that Laticrete, Wedi and Noble Company all make their own shower pans - right? And with there shower pans you can use a slightly easier setting material to install the tile afterword!

Most DIYers like the improved modified thin-sets for installing tiles. Less sag. Better grip. You know - all the things rookies struggle with. Best keep this in mind when choosing a complete system.
 
Top
Hey, wait a minute.

This is awkward, but...

It looks like you're using an ad blocker. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads.

If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. We might be able to do something about it. Thanks.
I've Disabled AdBlock    No Thanks