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vurtman · Mar 7, 2008, 05:45 PM

I am removing a fiberglass shower base. I can't seem to get the thing out, and it seems connected to the drain. I have used a chisel to try and remove and sealant, but no success. What are my basic steps?

Eric D · Mar 7, 2008, 06:14 PM

What type of flooring? Is there a basement?

Eric D

vurtman · Mar 7, 2008, 06:42 PM

It is on the second story of a two story home. I assume there is just wood flooring. I can tell that there is a metal or iron pipe, and around it (between the pipe and the base) is a very soft metal that can be slowly chiseled off. Not sure if this is what I am supposed to do though...

Eric D · Mar 7, 2008, 08:58 PM

I wish I could be of more help, but it is hard to tell what you are dealing with from this distance. Have you tried to disconnect the drain cover from on top?

Keep us posted on what you find.

Eric D

massplumber2008 · Mar 8, 2008, 05:55 AM

Vurtman:

Take a sawzall and cut around the drain pipe in the shower floor... CUT a big hole around the drain... say 8" around..and not too deep (say 2" dep cut)... that will allow you to get the unit itself out easily.

Then can tackle the drain. The drain is either leaded/calked in or it is a rubber sealed joint. If it is lead you will need to drill out the lead (hook drill bit... about the width of the lead ring around pipe... into drill and drill a series of holes around the drain). Here, drill about an inch or so down and should hit a soft oakum material.. do not get this hung up on drill.

Finish removing lead as best you can using drill.. then with sharp, hooked tool, reach in and pull the oakum strips out of the drain. That should allow you to get the drain off.

If rubber seal, once cut out floor then should be able to lift/twist the drain up and off the pipe (BUT have someone holding pipe against you or could break the pipe.. ok?).

If PVC pipe below shower, you may just want to cut the pipe and couple onto it later... but only after base has been cut out.

Let me know your thoughts... MARK

vurtman · Mar 8, 2008, 06:36 AM

Based on your info, I am pretty sure I am dealing with lead. Fun fun! I will give your comments a try today and let you know.

speedball1 · Mar 8, 2008, 08:28 AM

based on your info, I am pretty sure I am dealing with lead.

To remove a poured lead and oakum joint take a 3/8" drill bit and drill a few holes down past the lead and into the oakum.. Push a screwdriver under the lead ring and lever it up. Once it's free you can began to peel the lead ring out. Now pick out the oakum and you can pull the joint apart. Good luck, Tom

vurtman · Mar 8, 2008, 11:19 AM

Thanks to all. It was lead and drilling holes and prying it out was the trick. I really appreciate it. Now onto putting the new base and shower in... there may be more questions to come.

speedball1 · Mar 8, 2008, 11:21 AM

Anytime! Tom