Replies

1. 
   MojoMan | Feb 14, 2004 09:12pm | #1

   If I understand your situation, a typical approach would be to rent an electric jackhammer, open a hole in the slab, let the plumber connect the new drain and make any needed reapirs or corrections to the DWV system, and pour new concrete as needed to patch the slab. Finish off the tile or vinyl as usual. There certainly shouldn't be any need to raise the new tub on a platform.

   Al Mollitor, Sharon MA

1. 
   Duey | Feb 14, 2004 11:07pm | #2

   It is actually just a square shower cabinet, not a tub. Would the same instruction still apply??  Thanks for responding!!

1. 
   MojoMan | Feb 14, 2004 11:51pm | #3

   Sure. Tubs and showers are pretty similar. Be sure you know what's going on with the plumbing under the slab. If you're not using a plumber, be sure you understand how to properly install the trap and vent. This is a good time to repair old mistakes, but once you pour the concrete, everything is set in stone (so to speak).

   One more tip: When you set the shower base for the last time, pour a bed of concrete or plaster (I use Structolite) to form a solid base for the shower. It reduces flexing that leads to cracking and leaks around the drain.

   Al Mollitor, Sharon MA

1. 
   Duey | Feb 15, 2004 01:05am | #4

         The guy at the local lumberyard told me I could use an extended base shower or simply build one 4" high, and route the new drain over and down into the old one. Is this an option to save time and money, or is it an inferior method for which I will be sorry later?  He is telling me the trap and vent are already there and I need only get the water over to the old drain. I would like to avoid breaking out the old concrete, but of course I want it to be done properly! Please respond!   Thanks!

1. 
   MojoMan | Feb 15, 2004 04:51am | #5

   Well, honestly, my gut tells me it would look like a diy job, but a lot would depend on the type of base you come up with. How far is it from the old drain location to the new location? If all the plumbing is below the footprint of the new shower, you might be able to make it look OK. If the raised base must project beyond the edge of the new shower, I think it might look amateaurish.  You might have a pretty high step up into the shower, and that could be a problem for some folks.

   I'm not a plumber, but I guess as long as the distance from the new shower outlet to the old drain is not too great and the old trap and vent are properly done, it could work.

   The concrete work I describe is not that big a deal and might even be easier than messing around with a base.

   Al Mollitor, Sharon MA

2. 
   Duey | Feb 15, 2004 08:58pm | #6

       You raised acouple of good points that I hadn't thought of, Al. The high step up and the DIY look of a base that sticks out. I will probably see if they can either get the extended base shower, if not I may have to break out the concrete and start from scratch! Thanks again for the input!    If anyone else has any thoughts on this please let me know!!  Thanks!

3. 
   NickNukeEm | Feb 16, 2004 01:53am | #7

   Stepping down out of a wet shower is not a wise choice, too much a chance for tripping or slipping.  I'm with Al, open up the slab and replumb the drain.

   I never met a tool I didn't like!