Ask Me Help Desk - Replace tub with shower

I removed the old tub and exposed the drain pipe. Where the drain pipe comes through the slap there is a 8x8 hole to allow the tub drain pipes to fit.

I'm going to install new drain pipes for the tile shower which consist of a 90 coming out of the main drain pipe then 6" to another 90 that will attach to the shower drain. When this is complete can I or should I fill the hole in the slab with cement so that the shower floor will be solid? The drain pipes will not be accessible after doing this.

I was then going to cut a piece of cement board to lay on top of the shower floor to make it flat before putting down my membrain.

Does all of this sound correct? What do you think about filling the drain pipe hole with cement?

Thanks for your help

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwatkins

I removed the old tub and exposed the drain pipe. Where the drain pipe comes through the slap there is a 8x8 hole to allow the tub drain pipes to fit.

I'm going to install new drain pipes for the tile shower which consist of a 90 coming out of the main drain pipe then 6" to another 90 that will attach to the shower drain. When this is complete can I or should I fill the hole in the slab with cement so that the shower floor will be solid? The drain pipes will not be accessable after doing this.

I was then going to cut a piece of cement board to lay on top of the shower floor to make it flat before putting down my membrain.

Does all of this sound correct?? What do you think about filling the drain pipe hole with cement?

Thanks for your help

I would much rather see you cut the old trap out of the tub drain pipe and run a new trap and stub-up at the desired location. 90's constrict and slow the flow of drainage. This isn't good in a bathroom group that puts hair and grease, (soap) down the drain to build up and clog the system. Sometimes 90's in a drainage system are unavoidable, but in your case moving the trap is your best option. After you get the trap moved fill the open hole up with soil to 4" from the top and cement over. Good luck, Tom

It seems that the trap is buried deep under the slab; I've dug down about a foot and have not seen it. How do you feel about using two 45's to get to my drain? Is it possible that two tubs could be using one trap? Once I get my plumbing complete and I fill the hole with cement; is that enough to hold the base of my tile drain in place?

This is my first home and I'm learning as I go, I really appreciate all your help.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwatkins

It seems that the trap is buried deep under the slab; I've dug down about a foot and have not seen it. How do you feel about using two 45's to get to my drain? Is it possible that two tubs could be using one trap? Once I get my plumbing complete and I fill the hole with cement; is that enough to hold the base of my tile drain in place?

This is my first home and I'm learning as I go, I really appreciate all your help.

If it were me I'd tunnel down to the trap, (it has to be in side the box,) and extend the pipe and install a new trap and raiser, but since the job isn't going to be inspected anyhow go for 45's or long sweep ells. No, it's not possible that two tubs would be tied into one trap. If you fill the hole up to 4" from the top and pour the rest cement the floor should provide a solid base after it cures. Cheers, Tom