Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    desertmtnbkr's Avatar
    desertmtnbkr Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Mar 24, 2012, 06:46 PM
    Type of cement for shower pan
    I recently floated a shower pan using Quickcrete sand mix. This was done on an already formed shower base (sunk about 5 inchs) concrete slab. I used a latex fortifier in the sand mix and I thought all had gone well until two days later when I checked it, the sand mix had not adhered to the concrete base and had almost warped up in a couple corners. This was laid about 2.5 inchs deep at the edges and as much as an inch at the drain. In fact, tapping around the base, it was evident it had not adhered anywhere. This was proven when I decided to pull up the pan and it was way too easy just peeling off the concrete slab. Should I have used a bonding agent? Was there some other prep I should have done to the concrete base to prevent the lifting? In reading the Quickcrete instructions, it stated I couldn't use both the bonding agent and the fortifier. Any advice on what I should have done would be appreciated.
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
     
    #2

    Mar 25, 2012, 07:25 AM
    Hi Mtnbkr

    I can't see the existing concrete pan, but I don't usually save these unless I am sure I am putting a new vinyl liner over the old pan... are you?

    Is the existing concrete base sloped to the drain? If not, you need to lay the concrete/cement so that the base slopes to the drain. Then you would install a layer of tar paper down (protects vinyl liner) and install a vinyl liner and proper drain assembly (so separation is not such a major issue, right?).

    Next, you would TEST the water tightness of the pan by closing off the drain and filling the pan to set overnight... check for leaks.

    Install gravel rocks around the drain weep holes and then install concrete/cement and if you want, install some chicken wire for added strength... slope the floor to about 1/4" pitch per foot (like you did in your last pan).

    I would recommend a THICK FLOOR MUD for your shower pan... sold at most tile stores... guaranteed not to crack.

    That's my thoughts. If you'd like to discuss more just let me know, OK?

    Mark
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
    Plumbing Expert
     
    #3

    Mar 25, 2012, 12:59 PM
    You should have taken a chipping hammer and chip the existing concrete floor all over. Then, give it a coat of Concrete Bonding Agent. Proceed with installing concrete reinforcement steel and pour your new concrete slab.

    However, it is not recommended to install slab less then 3 1/2" thick. Anything less will make new concrete to crack very easily. I suggest you use 5000 psi concrete mix for this application.

    As far as steel reinforcement goes, you can use 10x6 wire mesh or 3/8" rebarts. You can even pre-drill several holes in existing concrete and epoxy 3/8" rebars to it. Bend them when dry and attach rest of the rebars to it.

    Hope that helps. Back to you. Millo

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

What type of tree to plant near cement porch [ 1 Answers ]

I've made a stone flowerbed in front of my cement porch. I would like to plant a small tree in that bed. There are two pvc pipes sticking out of the ground inside the bed. How will that affect my planting

Installed the shower pan and forgot to put in the shower drain first... oops! [ 8 Answers ]

I have a 3x5 fiberglass pan installed (built in with framing on top of it) and no way to get the drain attached. Argh. Is there any way to deal with this without ripping out all this work?

What type of cement do I use to repair bottom of inground pool [ 0 Answers ]

Hi, I'm replacing the liner on my 16x32 inground pool, it has metal walls and cement bottom, some of the cement has eroded and I would like to patch it, what kind of cement is used and do I need to treat existing cement before new cement will adhere? I live in Ontario Canada, which freezes during...

Proper shower pan install utilizing exsting basement shower drain [ 6 Answers ]

I am remodeling a basement bathroom. I demo'd the shower and its tile to reveal rotted framing. I believe this is due to an improper or (more likely) not existent shower pan -- there was no water proof membrane between the tile/thinset and the framing. Can I build a proper shower pan...

My shower drain is raised above the shower pan by 3/16" causing standing water [ 2 Answers ]

I have a fiberglass shower stall where the bottom has either slumped or the stall was installed wrong to begin with (it has no support beneath the surface that I stand on). The drain sticks above the level line so I have about 3/16" of standing water. I cannot easily access the bottom from the...


View more questions Search