I am looking at repairing a leaking shower drain. The existing drain has the rubber gasket on top of the tub. I thought you would use silicone on the top of tob and put the rubber gaset then friction ewasher on the bottom side of base. Any thoughts on this

Good morning Robert,

"I am looking at repairing a leaking shower drain. The existing drain has the rubber gasket on top of the tub. I thought you would use silicone on the top of tob and put the rubber gaset then friction ewasher on the bottom side of base. Any thoughts on this?"

You bet I have. Shower drains are installed with a rope of plumbers putty or a layer of silicon jel under the lip of the drain, (see image) next and under the shower base the rubber washer and last the fiber anti-friction washer followed by the large retaining nut. If the shower base is not bedded and "gives" a little when you step into it the chances are the seal under the lip will rupture in time and you will have a leak. A shower base may be bedded by forming a mound of mortar or cement under the base around the drain and letting the base squish it down when you set it. Allow the cement to cure and set up before using the shower. Good luck, Tom