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How to level puddle flange?

I have recently installed a puddle flange into a concrete shower floor and because the original house plumbing was not quite vertical and because of different slopes of the existing floor my puddle flange is about level with the concrete on one side but is about 5mm below the concrete on the other. Because of the slopes on the floor I have decided to use sheets 300x300 of 90x90 smaller tiles(if this makes sense). I do not wish to grind down the higher concrete as this would make the slope too great on one side. Any ideas for filling this area before the waterproofing is done please.

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Accepted answers

JacobZ

Hi @Pado,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, and thank you for your question.

Is the puddle flange perfectly level in both directions?

If grinding the lip would make the slope too great on that side, then logic would say the puddle flange is not level. If this is the case, then I would suggest lifting it and using Structural Repair Mortar to pack out the low side of the puddle flange before reinstalling it.

If the flange is level, then, unfortunately, the only option I see working is to grind back the concrete.

Allow me to tag @TedBear, @Nailbag and @Dave-1 for their thoughts.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

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charlie0123

I think water flow in cement is not entirely based on gravity. Instead, it is significantly influenced by capillary action which may even be against gravity in some instance. Water can move through mortar in all directions.

JacobZ

Hi @Pado,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, and thank you for your question.

Is the puddle flange perfectly level in both directions?

If the flange is level, then, unfortunately, the only option I see working is to grind back the concrete.

Allow me to tag @TedBear, @Nailbag and @Dave-1 for their thoughts.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

Pado

Thank you Jacob’s for your help. Unfortunately the puddle flange is glued into slightly out of plumb pipe work and siliconed to concrete. I often over engineer things! The puddle flange is a little out of level unfortunately but I have butchered another puddle flange to try to build up the low area by glueing part of the butchered flange on top. If I did this would it affect the legality of of the puddle flange? It does make it close to level

Nailbag

Hi @Pado

Unless I am missing something, you maybe over thinking this. Remember there is waterproofing and a layer of tile adhesive to go on top which could be applied to compensate.

Nailbag

Pado

Thanks Nailbag, you are quite correct, I do have the tendency to over think and over engineer things. I just like to get things right. I have been known to completely rip things up and start again but in this case I am damn sure I do not wish to do that. Thank you for your helpful reply, I will go along with that. My only issue, that I will just have to suck up is getting the smaller tiles level around the floor drain. Thanks again for your constructive suggestions.

Cheers

Pado

Dave-1

Afternoon @Pado

My thoughts are along the line of @Nailbag's. As in the tiles and the adhesive that will be used that may bring the surfaces to the level you require.

Dave

JacobZ

Hi @Pado,

If you have major concerns, I'd suggest speaking with your plumber to ensure everything will work.

Like @Nailbag and @Pado, I don't think there's any real reason to worry. As long as the water is flowing to the puddle flange and the ground is properly waterproofed, you shouldn't have any real issues.

The tiles and their adhesive will account for any minor changes in level, and anything that gets underneath will be captured by the waterproofing and flow towards the waste.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

Pado

Thanks for your assistance JacobZ and others who have commented, very helpful.

Pado

Nailbag

Hi @Pado

You very welcome and of course if in any doubt just speak with your plumber first some peace of mind.

regards Nailbag

billy3

you really should avoid

any form of drilling and screwing in the shower area ,i am a bathroom renovator for 30 years .

JacobZ

Hi @billy3,

You're absolutely right on that point.

If drilling can be avoided in a shower area, especially after the waterproofing has been completed, it certainly should be.

Jacob

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