How to repair shower drain flange?

[Wobbly74]

Hi - I have a shower drain that has failed. The waterproofing failed and the yellow tongue substrate below the tiling rotted out to the point that someone could put their weight on the drain and broke it around the flange. The remainder of the flange has been removed and you can see from the attached photo that the substrate on top of the joist has rotted due to the failed waterproofing.

We're planning on doing some building work at the house in 12-24 months so looking for a short term fix that will make it operable but doesn't involve a fully bathroom renno. The room is tiled floor to ceiling and the tiles are way out of production, so it seems that any option involving cutting the floor out won't be possible as the tiles around the show would all need to be replaced to allow contiguous waterproofing to be applied to the floor and wall?

The only option I can think of would be to remove the frameless shower screens and place either an acrylic stand-alone or tile-over shower base over the existing tiling (something like this), seal this against the walls and then place the frameless screens on top of the new shower base. Any major issues with that?  I know that's far from optimal, but really looking for something that would be functional and last a couple of years. What would be best to use to bond the shower base to the existing tiles?

Thanks.

[EricL]

Hello @Wobbly74 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your shower drain. 

I recommend engaging the services of a licensed plumber as they will be able to give you a definitive answer in regards to your idea. Although the shower tray and an acrylic shower liner are waterproof, I'm afraid installing a waterproof coating around the area can't be bypassed. Looking at the picture, it appears that the flooring frame has been affected by the water leak as well, I suggest having that section inspected before you place anything heavy above it.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Wobbly74]

Thanks for the reply Eric. The framing for the floor is still fine, what you're seeing there is the yellow tongue board breaking down because of the water damage. The frame itself under that area is still solid. So yes, far from optimal, but the boarding felt ok when I ran my finger an inch or so further away from where the flange was.

[EricL]

Hi @Wobbly74 

It's good to hear that the framing is still in good condition. But just to be on the safe side, I would encourage you to do a thorough inspection of the bottom area of the floor to make sure that the leak did not cause any secondary damage to the surrounding area.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @Wobbly74 

Welcome to the community And you have  given us an interesting one for sure!

I am also concened about that yellow tounge particle board and how far the moisture has penetrated 😕 I would definently be getting a blumber or builder in to inspect the substrate area as it may look and feel ok but wont be. The moisture already in it will want to keep traveling. 

I would suggest not to do a temorary fix but save the dollars (and it prob will cost $$$$) for the permanant solution. While writing this I was wondering if there are any other failure points that may be there that havnt been seen? One problem can mask others and I really dont trust water to be nice.

Not an easy answer, bathroom waterproofing never is.

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @Wobbly74 

Unfortunately I can't see any temp fix that may cause you more concern in the long run. The fact the yellow tongue is already rotting is a major concern and that only what you can visual see on the surface. My recommendation would be to make this a priority over any other renovations. It will require the entire shower to be scrapped, which most likely extend to other parts of the bathroom to ensure waterproofing is maintained.

Having said that, enlisting a qualified plumber to check the condition and see if they can extend the life to a more affordable time would be  worth the spend. 

Nailbag