Drain plate doesn't lay flat.

Martyp · Nov 3, 2009, 12:43 PM

I had a new shower pan installed and the drain plate looks like it is not seated flat. It appears that there is a rubber gasket right below the drain plate. I would normally call the installer back but he did such a crappy job remodeling our bathroom, I never want to see him again. Found out he was on meth. Anyhow, does this drain plate unscrew? If so, should I use a sealer besides the rubber gasket?

Milo Dolezal · Nov 4, 2009, 08:13 AM

That is correct: the gasket should be installed UNDER the pan, not on top of it.

You won't be able to remove it from the top. You will most-likely have to get to it from under neath. If you yank it out - the shower will leak.

Is your house on slab or raised foundation ? Is this shower on 1st or 2nd floor ?

Martyp · Nov 4, 2009, 08:32 AM

There is no way to get to it from underneath as the home is built on a slab and the bathroom is in the basement. They had to jackhammer the concrete to install the drains. Isn't there a way to remove the chrome strainer plate from above?

Milo Dolezal · Nov 4, 2009, 08:36 AM

Ok, there is a hope. You may have drain that is installed and sealed from the top. ( not the one that Tom shows in his sketch). Take the strainer off and snap photo of the inside of the drain. Post it for us to see.

Martyp · Nov 4, 2009, 08:38 AM

Does the strainer snap in or turn in? There are no visable screws.

jlisenbe · Nov 4, 2009, 08:41 AM

Tom, I noticed on your first reply that the diagram referred to using either plumbers putty or silicone. Which one is generally used? I would think the silicone would be a lot easier to use.

Milo Dolezal · Nov 4, 2009, 08:52 AM

Martyp: if there are no visible screws than it is Snap-In drain cover. Take flat skinny screwdriver, put it bet. the drain and cover and pop it out.

Milo Dolezal · Nov 4, 2009, 03:18 PM

Marty, to upload photos:

1. click on "go advanced"
2. click on "Manage attachments"
3. click on "browse"
4. select your photo to upload
5. click on "upload"
6. click on "save changes"

photo will appear

Martyp · Nov 4, 2009, 03:50 PM

Thank you for the tip Milo. Hopefully you get the pics.

Milo Dolezal · Nov 4, 2009, 04:07 PM

Thanks for the photos. It tells the whole story....

Problem: The body of the drain is attached with large nut from under neath. If you somehow take that black washer out, it will create large gap and the drain will become loose. The pan will leak.

I don't see a way of sealing it from above - other then getting under and tightening that nut. My other worry is that that black washer should be installed under neath the pan, between the pan and the nut, and pushed against the pan. That's what seals the drain against leaks. The original plumber got confused and installed the washer on top. That's why it is too high. And of course, that's wrong.

Let's wait for other Experts to join in with their offer opinions...