Tub drain in slab

[KenH]

I am installing a new Kohler 60x42 to replace a builder's tub that cracked. The drain lines up with the new tub except for one issue. The top of the drain shoe sits about 1/2" - 5/8" BELOW the bottom of the new drain. And it's set into the slab. Do I need to break up the slab and raise the drain shoe? FWIW, the new tub drain stopper assembly reaches to the threads of the shoe, but of course I cannot seat it fully into the shoe. What to do??

 

[Terry]

Normally with a new tub, you're using a new drain. I've almost never been able to reuse the same positioning of an old drain to a new tub. Breaking concrete? I'm used to seeing a 12" x 8" box out in the concrete for those.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[KenH]

Appreciate your quick reply...but can I work with it like it is or do I need to break it out? I would like to think since the tub stopper reaches the threaded shoe, I can get enough screw-in depth to make a good connection. Maybe not.

 

[Terry]

You have the rubber washer between the drain shoe and the bottom of the tub? That is what makes the seal.

 

[KenH]

Ok...I tried to be clear...there is a gap between the top of the drain shoe and the bottom of the tub. Around 1/2". The rubber washer is nowhere near that thick.

 

[Terry]

Ok...I tried to be clear...there is a gap between the top of the drain shoe and the bottom of the tub. Around 1/2". The rubber washer is nowhere near that thick.

That's what I thought. There isn't a way to lose that 1/2" without building it up new.

 

[KenH]

That's what I thought. There isn't a way to lose that 1/2" without building it up new.

Thank you, sir...that's what I thought. Did it yesterday.