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badplumb · Mar 15, 2008, 06:35 PM

I'm about to replace the shower pan but am at a loss on how to disconnect the drain from the existing pan. The picture attached show the drain with the cover removed. There are no screws that I can see. There appears to be a rubber gasket of some kind between the riser pipe and the flange. This gasket is really, really tough. I'ver tried grasping it with needle nose pliers and prying with a screwdriver. Neither was very effective in doing anything except removing a small piece of the gasket. How large would a gasket like this be? Is there another way to remove it? Since I'm replacing the pan, I'm not adverse to cutting it but just want to make sure I do not irreversibly ruin the riser or drain pipe. I guess I could cut the drain body also but again am concerned about damage to something important.

I've searched the internet and this site without conclusively answering this question. Your comments are appreciated. Thank you.

doug238 · Mar 15, 2008, 07:03 PM

The gasket must come out. In replacing you will use a different drain adapter. Is this a concrete or wood floor?

badplumb · Mar 16, 2008, 03:21 AM

The floor is wood. It is on the second floor of the house.

speedball1 · Mar 16, 2008, 04:47 AM

Sure would help if we knew the material the drain pipes are made of. Most shower base drains>(see image) are secured by a large nut under the base. If your pipes are plastic the drain will have to be cut out. You say,

I'm about to replace the shower pan but am at a loss on how to disconnect the drain from the existing pan.

I don't see a shower pan, I see a manufactured shower base and if you're going to replace it why not take a saws-All and cut around the drain and simply lift it up and off? You may then cut the shower drain loose from the trap raiser. You may have to cut the raiser back and couple on a longer piece to bring the trap raiser back to grade. Good nluck, tom

doug238 · Mar 17, 2008, 08:50 PM

The rubber gasket seal needs to come out. The cast iron pipe must be cut. I suggest replacing the trap and using pvc and I am guessing you will go back with tile and a rubber pan. Secure the trap so it does not sag, cut the floor at a bevel so the first level of the tile shower drain is level or 1/4" below floor yet the floor is carrying the weight of the drain.

ckellymoon · Jun 29, 2012, 10:08 AM

I think I'm going to sawsall the whole shebang and replace the flooring an the raiser.

massplumber2008 · Jun 29, 2012, 11:41 AM

Hi Ckellymoon

Is there a question we can help you with?