I'm replacing a shower drain for the first time, as it leaked to the point that my kitchen ceiling started crumbing (there is now a ~2 foot hole in it, exposing the shower drain pipes). Looks like I have two issues: the former owners never caulked the drain flange, and the fiber gasket under the floor looks completely corroded and if there is a rubber gasket under the floor I cannot find it. I was able to remove the rubber caulking gasket between the 2" PVC and the drain body, and was hoping that all I'd need to do was unscrew the body from the locking nut. However, perhaps not surprisingly, when I rotate the body and locking nut rotates as well. Is there a tool or way to secure one while I rotate the other, or does the only way to remove these involve something more destructive? Thanks, Ed

Sounds like someone put a tail piece on the drain and used a compression washer? Most shower pans are screwed together through the top and bottom flange, or maybe that's what you have and then a tail piece. In any event, see if you can have someone hold the bottom flange or ring with a pair of channel locks and then use a drain tool to unscrew the top. You can also use a pair of slip joint pliers in the drain and a crescent wrench to turn them as the base is held. The last one I installed was a bottom flange with extension, a rubber washer and a drain flange that screwed into the base, just like a tub. Simple and easy.