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.

 

[CT-18]

If you are going to demo the pan and start over, cut a larger circle around the drain and get the pan out of there. That may give you access from the side to undo the nut holding it to the pan from the underneath