How to replace a circa 1970 shower drain that is STUCK!

[LolaEliz]

I posted this using google passwords, then opened this account. So I'm reposting it here, so I only have one account.

I am replacing the shower pan because it's cracked. I googled and it seems there are drains with a metal thing you twist to remove and drains with a black rubber thing you drill holes it to loosen it, then pull it out with needle nose pliers.

I tried drilling, but it appears the stuff that looks like putty (because it's so uneven) is metal. (the chards from drilling were silver / grey. (my dad liked to over-secure things. could be some kind of liquid nails.)

There doesn't appear to be any way to unscrew it (if it's a screw-off flange) without removing what looks like the grey / metal goop.

I also saw a googled post saying to cut through the pipe with a dremmel. I'm afraid the pipe will then be too short, so I'll wait for more advise, if that's the way to go.

I thought about cutting around the drain and removing the shower pan so I can look from underneath. The shower pan I believe is set in cement (crumbled cement, hence the crack), so I'm not sure what I'll get once that's attempted.

Here is a picture of the drain. Thank you in advance! (I sprayed WD-40, that's the liquid in the picture. And the rag is there, I took it out for the picture so you could see all the edges.)

 

[GReynolds929]

The pipe needs to be cut, and a new drain and flange will be installed on the new pan. Slab or crawlspace?

 

[LolaEliz]

The pipe needs to be cut, and a new drain and flange will be installed on the new pan. Slab or crawlspace?

 

[LolaEliz]

Thank you! It's a second floor bathroom. Would it be right to cut it approx 1/8" down from the top of the pipe? I want there to be enough pipe for the new drain to connect too. Last question: The shower pan comes with a pvc drain. Wouldn't a brass one be better? I mean does plastic hold up over time?
o

 

[Jim Jensen]

PVC should last longer than you, or the next owner will be alive......aside from being exposed to unusual SUNLIGHT (uv rays deteriorate PVC)

 

[LolaEliz]

PVC should last longer than you, or the next owner will be alive......aside from being exposed to unusual SUNLIGHT (uv rays deteriorate PVC)

Good to know, thanks! Tomorrow I will be cutting out the drain and prying the shower pan out.