View Full Version : Shower pan drain replacement
Krazyhomeowner
Sep 5, 2010, 06:15 PM
Ok so there I was, the shower pan is in the trash and the drain is on it's way there too. Now is where the "fun" comes in. The 2" cast iron drain pipe is just flush with the concrete flooring and there are NO threads on the pipe?? Now what all the new drains I see are either threaded for 1 1/2" or 2" Iron or for ABS/PVC. Do I remove some concrete and replace the pipe or is there an adapter that is a compression type of fitting for the flange? I am doing the whole shower in tile floor included, so that means yes I am pouring in a new mortar pan with the membrane in the 2nd coat.
Thanks for any help you can provide.
Missouri Bound
Sep 5, 2010, 07:45 PM
Actually you hit on both of the answers. There is a compression adaptor... although it can't be in the concrete. You will wind up breaking out the concrete and doing it right. (replacing the pipe) But you already knew that, didn't you?
Krazyhomeowner
Sep 5, 2010, 09:44 PM
Well that is not the answer I was hoping for, but if this is the road I must travel then here we go. The concrete is ~ 1 1/2" from the pipe all around, so do I have to remove more? I hope nothing breaks.
Milo Dolezal
Sep 5, 2010, 11:01 PM
I disagree with previous post. No, you don't have to break concrete. Just clean debris around existing pipe. You will utilize same space as was used by the old drain head. That 1 1/2" of space you have now is just about what you need...
Buy shower drain head that fits directly over cast iron. See the pic.... Insert it over the pipe, tighten 3 s.s. bolts and you are ready for Liner or Hot Mop.
Not all Home Depots carry this type of drain but some do. Or you can go to Plumbing Supplier that caters to plumbing professionals. You have to tell them you want shower drain that fits over 2" Cast Iron. They will have it for sure. It runs about $35.00...
Let me know how you did... Back to you... Milo
Kris, sorry to say... but you are buying wrong shower drain from wrong outlet. I don't know any professional stores in Simi Valley since "Larry and Joe's Plumbing Supply" closed its store on Los Angeles Avenue. But if you don't mind to travel over the hill to San Fernando Valley, I can tell you where to go...
Go over the hill, Exit on Topanga Canyon, turn Right (south) and go to Saticoy Street. Turn Left. Cross Canoga Avenue. Then, You come the very first street past Canoga Avenue ( about 30 yards ) to Deering Avenue. Here, you can turn Left or Right - you will have 2 Pro-Plumbing Suppliers in both directions...
If you turn right there is Western States Industries and about 200 yards south is Pyramid Plumbing Supply.
If you turn left there are Leif Ball Plumbing Supply and Ferguson Enterprises. Both stores are next to each other and are about 200 yards in on Deering Ave...
All four stores have this drain in stock.
WSI and Leif Ball are very expensive and have bad service. Ferguson is also on the expensive side but always has it all. However, Pyramid has the best prices and excellent service...
If you go to Pyramid than ask for Tony Reyes. He works behind the counter. He has been our "personal" salesman for over 20 years. He will give you exactly what you need... Tony is the best...
Let me know how you did... Milo
PS: No, you don't thread Cast Iron Pipe. Yes, the edge looks like it was chewed up rather than nicely cut off... but that's how cast iron is.
Kris, here is Pyramid's contact info:
Pyramid Pipe & Supply Co. 7423 Deering Ave Canoga Park CA 91306. Tel.: 818-348-5353.
Let me know how you did... Milo
speedball1
Sep 6, 2010, 06:33 AM
Milo nailed it! Youneed a cast iron flange type shower drain. This drain caulks on with a poured lead and oakum caulked joint. Once installed you may then clamp the shower pan down and mud in the floor. Good luck, Tom
Krazyhomeowner
Sep 6, 2010, 09:32 AM
So I need to "solder" this on to the pipe? Do they make any with a compression rubber seal where you tighten them up from inside the drain? As I said I am pouring the pan.
Milo Dolezal
Sep 6, 2010, 10:31 AM
Tom, I rarely disagree with you - but this time I have to. There is obviously substantial difference in materials used in residential construction in Florida and California.
The drain Kris needs is the one I posted in post #3 : "Instant Set" shower drain by "Lincoln" that utilizes compression rubber seal. The drain and its components slip over Cast Iron pipe that sticks up from concrete slab. All work is done from above. We have been using those for over 20 years...
No caulking, No lead, No oakum, No packing... This is not 1960's. In So.California, you can even say "LEAD" without being sued.
Krazyhomeowner
Sep 6, 2010, 10:44 AM
I will check with Pyramid tomorrow and see what they have in stock.
Thanks guys,
speedball1
Sep 6, 2010, 11:22 AM
Milo, You can disagree with me as much as you wish. I realize it's been over 20 years since I plumed in a flange type shower drain ( I did get that right didn't I?) and there are newn products out there that I know nothing about until you newer guys educate me. And for that I thank you.
Krazy, Listen to Milo! He has the inside track. Good luck, Tom
Missouri Bound
Sep 6, 2010, 11:29 AM
Krazy, you've got some great answers. Take the easiest route. My experience comes from old school ideas and it seems like better ways to do things have come along. Good luck to you.
Milo Dolezal
Sep 8, 2010, 08:21 PM
Follow up: Kris, did you have time to go to Pyramid ?
I was at Pyramid yesterday. Talked to Tony, the counter man. I told him you will be stopping by one of these days. He knew right away what you need.He even offered to run your purchase through my account so you save few bucks...
Let me know... Milo
Glad to know you already picked up that drain. If you paid only $25 than Tony ran your purchase through my company account. Let me know if you need any help with installing it. Also, picture of your shower pan would help a lot. Here, we could see exactly what we are dealing with. Back to you... Milo
Krazyhomeowner
Sep 8, 2010, 09:16 PM
Milo, I have not had a chance to get in there while they were open on Tuesday, long day at work, and I was in Oxnard all day today. I will try and get in there tomorrow morning.
Thanks for prepping Tony for me, any and all help is great!
Kris
Krazyhomeowner
Sep 10, 2010, 07:02 AM
Milo I went by this AM on the way to work and picked it up for ~~ $25 so far I am happy.
Ill let you know how it ends up.
Thanks for the help, Kris