I have a Kohler tub unit I plan to install on a concrete slab (in a very cold climate). I went looking for a drail/overflow at HD and found several ranging from $15 – $59 bucks. I went with the most expensive figuring I did not want to have to get down there and replace it any time in the future. This one is all plastic with a kind of cable arrangement to operate the drain plug. I am used to the old metal kind with a jointed connection running through the drain which I suppose is guaranteed to clog it on a regular basis. Anyway, has anyone had a good or bad experience with these plastic drains with a cable-actuated drain plug?
Also, is it necessary to put something under the tub unit, such as cement or mortar? I did this several years ago with a shower base and I have been happy with it since it doesn’t flex when you are in it moving around. Does anyone use any other material between the tub and the floor, such as expansive foam or something like that? What about between the fiberglass walls and the wodd wal structure to inhibit flexing of the wall?
Thanks in advance for any insight you might offer.
Replies
The plastic overflow is probably OK, but most of the better drain plugs are the "twist-to-open--or-close" type.
Kohler makes them, as do others. (I wouldn't expect HD to be of much help; go to a real plumbing supply).
All the plumbers I work with will bed the stress points in mortar, sand mix or sometimes plaster. The area around the drain is the weak point. We'll put down plops a couple inches higher than the bottom of the unit. Slide the unit on an angle and lower onto the bedding.
If I was going to use foam, I would have to have access to the front (deck situation) or from below, around the perimeter. If you want to try it let us know how it works. I might be tempted to fill the tub b/4 foaming.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
I don't think it is my imagination but I seem to recall an old thread from quite a ways back where a couple guys were really adamant about NOT using spray foam under the tub but to use mortar or a DW mud.
Something about drying and later movement I believe. Wish I could find it as it made sense at the time. "Live Free, not Die"
you know rez the only trouble with this site is all the constant imformation you come across. A genius would be hard pressed to digest it all.
But if you go to the bottom left..........Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
I think this was the one...
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=717.1
Found it using the advanced search in the upper left!
ROAR!
"Live Free, not Die"
Edited 2/18/2005 10:32 pm ET by razz
Thanks everyone for all the good input. I'll take you advice and check out a plumbing supply store for the drain/overflow, if there are any left still in business around here.
OK, I guess the foam was a bad idea. That other discussion onthat link was very helpful. I'll check with the Kohler instalation instructions first to see if the recommend bedding it in something and if so, the Gypsalite or sand mix sounds like the best solution.
Thanks again