My parents house is about 35 years old and their old shower pan has rusted through causing water to run out into their living room. We have begun removing the tile and it appears that the there is sand under the tile and/or maybe cement? Can someone tell me for sure and how in the heck do I get it up? We are using a sledge hammer to remove the tile but I am hitting soft sand at this point. I guess I can just scoop up the sand but is there cement under neath and how do I get it cracked up?

It appears that you have deteriorated, disintegrated, bed of cement under the tile. Usually, cement disintegrates into sand-like material if your drain didn't have "weep" holes. Cement was damaged by constant presence of moisture caused by condensation.

You have to lift it up and reinstall it. Buy correct drain with weep holes. Attach it to existing drain, water-proof (hot mop or PVC liner), repour concrete floor, and install new tile floor.

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Originally Posted by jennacoy

My parents house is about 35 years old and their old shower pan has rusted through causing water to run out into their living room. We have begun removing the tile and it appears that the there is sand under the tile and/or maybe cement?? Can someone tell me for sure and how in the heck do I get it up?? We are using a sledge hammer to remove the tile but I am hitting soft sand at this point. I guess I can just scoop up the sand but is there cement under neath and how do I get it cracked up??

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Is the shower on a slab or a wood floor? Take the tile and mortar out down to the flooring. Is there a shower pan and a flange type shower drain? (see image). Let me know, Tom

Hi all:

Hey, Jennacoy... If you find hardened cement that simply won't come out by hitting with a sledgehammer then you may need to rent a small chipping or demolition hammer... see picture below.

This simple tool will break that floor out with very little effort. Wear safety goggles when using.

Otherwise answer questions from above... let us know if need more... MARK

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I have yet another question!

My parents shower caused water to run into their living room. They have not used the shower for over a month which has allowed the mold and walls to dry completely.

This house is really old. I have taken up the tile, mortar bed and thin set off the walls. Once the mortar bed was gone, the drain and pipe is actually going through a Terrazzo floor. I am unable to see any piper other than the shower pipes anywhere. :(

The shower faucet has been dripping for quite a while and is still dripping onto the floor which appears to be gathering around the drain. My question is.. do you guys think that my only problem is the dripping faucet and that once it is replaced, my running through the wall issue will be gone? Or do I need to go through the floor and see what is going on underneath? The old pipes under is cast iron. I do know that I need to replace the drain.

I do hope that I am making some sense.

Jenna,
I went back and retrieved your original post and answers that dealt with the same problem.

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My question is.. do you guys think that my only problem is the dripping faucet and that once it is replaced, my running through the wall issue will be gone? Or do I need to go through the floor and see what is going on underneath? The old pipes under is cast iron.

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Once the faucet's replaced you will have to remove the old drain and replace it with a cast iron flange type shower drain, (see image).. The lead and oakum joint in the old drain will have to be taken out and a new joint poured and caulked in the new one. This sets you up to pan out the shower base. Good luck, Tom

Your photos show quite a damage to your walls and floor. Looks like you have mold growth on back wall too. In my area, this situation would be considered a health hazard.

You have to install properly water-proofed shower pan and correct drain. There is no compromise. With properly installed shower pan your faucet may drip 24/7 - but water will not enter your framing.