Self-levelling or screed? How to replace drain grate?

Reno64

Hi there,

1.  I have pulled up tiles in laundry and toilet area and about to remove old toilet.  Next step will be to fix floor before tiling.  The floor had a screed in toilet and laundry which was different to the hallway - just concrete, where tiles were also pulled up 

I have seen a few different things of prepping floor but bit confused as to whether I need to self - level or screed like a shower due to drain in laundry.  If I self-level it will not fall to drain?? 

2. the drain grate in laundry is aged yellow (I'm sure it was white once) plastic.  How can I replace it as it will look out of place with new tiles.  The plumber who capped all fittings didn't want to touch it, which makes me think too hard a job.  Said it was the tilers job.  But I want to have a go at tiling the area.   I have tiled before on walls but not floors.

Any advice would be appreciated.

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Reno64. It's amazing to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about screening a floor.

For your floor prep, since you need a slope towards the drain to create fall, using a screed would be the better choice rather than a self-leveling compound, which tends to set flat. A screed will allow you to create a slight fall towards the drain, which is essential in areas like laundries where you have a drain. Builder's cement would work well for creating a custom slope. Start by dampening the existing concrete. Next, mix up a batch of cement with two times the recommended rate of water. Brush this over the surface of the concrete. Mix up your next batch per guidelines and add some Bondcrete into the cement to aid adhesion. Apply this over the area. It's important to add the cement before the watered-down coat has dried.

As for the drain grate, it’s often difficult to find an exact replacement that fits the old fitting, especially if it’s aged. You might need a plumber to remove the existing fitting and replace it with a new, modern one. You want to consider checking with a plumber specialising in drainage work, as they might be more familiar with waste replacements.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell