How to replace a shower drain cover?

Hi DIY-ers

The shower was fitted with a $50 Gumtree basin style floor that happens to be a bit of an eyesore. But over time it subsided at one end, so the water was unable to fully drain out. When I slipped and fell for the third time the owner agreed to have it repaired by a mate of his 🙄

He tiled it and cut a hole. Turned out it measured 65mm on one diameter and 70 on the other 😣 In the weeks awaiting his return I hunted all the plumbing stores and was told 65mm pipe is a custom order for over $100!

The man returned and the photos show the outcome! The 'donuts' are clear plastic - about the durability of a folder cover.

But I'm hoping Bunnings have come to the rescue 🤞 The Bunnings staff member assured me the outer measurement is 65mm. I'm thinking that if I cut off 25mm with a hacksaw then silicone it to the chrome drain cover. Will that work?

I am at the stage of ensuring I stay downwind of anybody! 😂😂😂

As per, all help and advice warmly welcomed!

Cheers 🤗

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MitchellMc

Hi @Tyro,

Just so we understand correctly. Is the issue that the raised lip on the chrome drain cover does not allow the water to drain correctly?

It sounds like the solution would be to remove the over-sized drain grate and find the next size down that would fit within the tile cutout. You'd then grout around it to seal the gap between it and the tiles. Alternatively, the chrome grate could be removed completely, and the plastic one underneath used. Some tapered grout from the tile down to the plastic grate would neaten the edges of the tiles.

Could you please provide a little more information about what you were considering cutting?

Mitchell

redracer01

Hello @Tyro

Would it be possible for you to remove the brass waste cover so that we can see what the tiles waste area looks like? It seems to me that the tiler has made the cut out too small and your waste cover won't land level with the tiles.

Cheers,

Red

Tyro

My apologies @MitchellMc !

I forgot to paste in the link!

https://www.bunnings.com.au/icon-plastics-pvc-downpipe-stormcloud-socket_p4772085

Cheers 🤗

MitchellMc

Hi @Tyro,

I'm so sorry, but I'm finding it a little hard to follow what you're hoping to achieve by siliconing the 25mm x 65mm pipe to the chrome drain cover. What is the issue you're trying to resolve, and how does this 65mm pipe come into play?

Mitchell

Tyro

No apology needed @MitchellMc - only my ignorance of plumbing! And thank you and @redracer01 for contributing 👏

Now that I have had a good look at what's going on, the need for the pipe is now unnecessary! There was some open spaces directly under the tiles that I wanted to prevent water getting into. Hence the pipe! However, now I see the fix-it man has done something to cover over the gap. The white plastic grate cover just lifted off. So I hope the extra photo helps? I tried to balance the grate over the top so you could see the gap, but it kept moving when it came to snapping the photo. The gap is uneven, the widest only 2mm or so.

It looks the increased height is due to too much silicone around the top, which raised the grate too much.

So I just need to know how to seal the grate in flush with the (crooked tiles. I've got both clear and white silicone for wet areas. Will either of those be enough?

Cheers 🤗

DIYGnome

The white silicone would match the overall colour scheme of the tiles but what is supporting the grate underneath?

Tyro

Hi @DIYGnome

I was thinking of something like this silicone Cat D ring and wedging it in? Hopefully it comes in white! 🤞 I just stumbled over it online. Is there something more suitable you can suggest? Pleeeeze! 😂😂

Cheers 🤗

DIYGnome

Hello @Tyro the D ring is a novel approach, as long as the grate is completely supported and drain adequately sealed (to protect the tile substrata) you should be okay, my concern was related to stepping on the grate when showering and it moving and dislodging any sealant.

Tyro

Thanks @DIYGnome

It looks like the seal idea is a no-goer.

How about if I use a polyfiller to build up a bit of a wall up the sides to place the cover on top? Is it a product that can be used in such an environment? Or is that possible with silicone?

Tyro

Hi @MitchellMc

In the post you wrote entitled How to unblock a shower drain there is a photo of the shower drain. What is the white seal around the silver drain cover? It looks just what I need to get it sealed!

Thanks

Tyro 👋

EricL

Hello @Tyro

That white seal you are looking at is actually the body of the waste assembly. I've placed an image below to give you an idea of what it looks like. The part that you have is just the top section of the waste, mind you there are some floor waste assemblies that only have the top part section and no body attached.

One way to create a ledge for your floor wate to sit on is to build one. I propose using Selleys 50g Knead It Aqua Epoxy Putty and putting it round the inside of the waste right next to the exposed tiles. Just like playdoh you'll need to form it so that water flow away from it, but at the same time form a ledge that will let you place the waste cover on. I highly recommend doing a test fit to make sure that the waste fits properly and is level with the floor.

Please note after forming the ledge with the epoxy putty, please make sure that you've tested the waste cover by putting it above the putty. Above all make sure that the putty has fully cured before you permanently cover it.

There will still be a gap at the side of the waste, but it will at least be now supported from the bottom. I recommend using Selleys 300g White Wet Area Waterproof Silicone Sealant to cover the gap around the waste.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric:

Tyro

Hi @EricL

Thank you a million times! I saw a range of these on the Bunnings website when I first started this hunt, but they are all too big. The hole is 65mm. I've emailed Kinetic to see if they have a smaller size. I also looked at the Bellissi one, but I their website is not too user friendly.

It looks like that epoxy putty will do the job. Fingers will be crossed this weekend when I attack it!

Thank you so much Eric! 🙏🏻🤗

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