Attaching Kerdi Pan To Tub Drain: Easy Steps To Success

how to attach kerdi pan to tub drain

The Schluter Kerdi Board Kit is a popular choice for waterproofing a bathtub and shower pan. The kit includes all the necessary materials, and the boards can be installed directly on wood studs, providing an underlayment for tile installation. When installing the Kerdi Boards around a tub flange, you have two options: cut a notch in the board to place it over a thin flange, or install the board first and then fit the tub. For a proper seal, it is crucial to cut a hole in the Kerdi membrane for the drain to prevent water accumulation. While some opt for a traditional drain with the flange under concrete, the Kerdi drain sits on top of the pan, raising concerns about its fragility. To address this, some users cut pieces of CPVC to screw the flange down into the subfloor, providing additional support.

cycookery

Cut a hole in the Kerdi membrane for the drain

When using Kerdi for your shower floor, you need to cut a hole in the membrane for the drain. If you don't, the water won't drain and you'll be left with a shallow pool instead of a shower. This hole must be the exact size and in the correct spot.

There are two ways to do this. The first method involves installing the membrane on the floor and then cutting out the hole for the drain. While this method works, it may result in accidentally cutting or damaging areas other than the membrane. It may also cause issues with the bond of the membrane around the drain.

The second, recommended method is to first cut your Kerdi membrane to the correct size for your floor: the width of your floor plus four inches, and the length of your floor plus four inches. Then, grab the cut-out template for the Kerdi membrane from the Kerdi drain box. Remove the inner circle, which is the part you'll be using. Set the template (the circle) into the centre of your drain; it will fit perfectly into the centre depression of the Kerdi drain. Measure your shower floor in each direction to the centre of the template, the little cross, plus two inches. For example, if your shower is 36″ deep by 48″ wide and your drain is centred, the distance to the cross should be 20″ from the back (18″ plus 2″) and 26″ to the side (24″ plus 2″).

Now, you have your drain cut out of your Kerdi membrane in the correct location. You can lay it into your shower floor, and everything will line up correctly without any problems. To ensure the cutout is in the right spot, roll the membrane up from each end to the centre, so when you lay it into the shower floor, the cutout is directly over the drain, and then roll out the membrane from the drain in each direction.

cycookery

Seal the Kerdi pan to the waterproof walls

To seal the Kerdi pan to the waterproof walls, you must first install the Kerdi boards, which serve as an underlayment for tile installation and provide waterproofing. Cut the Kerdi boards to the required size, ensuring that the vertical edges of each panel are positioned over the centre of the studs. If you have installed the Kerdi board above the tub flange, use Kerdi Fix to seal around the bathtub and cover the tub flange. Spread the Kerdi Fix using a small notched trowel, and then apply a minimum of 5 inches of Schluter thinset mortar or unmodified mortar to the Kerdi-Board above the tub flange.

After applying the mortar, use the flat side of the trowel and comb the additional mortar over the area where the Kerdi-Band will be installed. Apply Kerdi-Band and embed the membrane into the mortar and Kerdi-Fix to ensure complete coverage, maintaining at least 2 inches of overlap at all seams. For inside and outside corners, adhere pre-formed KERDI-KERECK-F corners. Use KERDI-BAND for floor/wall connections, and install KERDI-SEAL-PS pipe seals at the showerhead and body sprays.

Additionally, you can use Kerdi-Seal-MV to seal around the mixing valve. For the corners, using a corner bid is recommended. Install Kerdi-Band and finish the corner with a Schluter profile to protect the edges of your tile and provide a clean finish. Finally, consider using Schluter profiles such as Dilex-As or Dilex-BWA profiles on the edges to separate the tiled area from the tub or shower pan, providing a clean and maintenance-free finishing touch.

Replacing Chimney Rain Pan: Cost?

You may want to see also

cycookery

Use Schluter profiles to separate the tiled area from the tub

Schluter profiles are thin pieces of metal that can be used to separate the tiled area from the tub. They are designed to provide edge protection and a smooth, uninterrupted transition between tiles. They are also effective for corners, edges, and transitions on tiled surfaces, acting as solid protection against chipping of tile edges or corners.

Schluter profiles are available in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, solid brass, aluminum, anodized aluminum, textured color-coated aluminum, and PVC. They come in different shapes, colours, patterns, and sizes, allowing for design customisation.

To separate the tiled area from the tub using Schluter profiles, follow these steps:

  • Select the appropriate Schluter profile based on the tile thickness and format.
  • Using a notched trowel, apply a layer of thin-set mortar to the area where the profile will be placed.
  • Press the perforated anchoring leg of the profile into the mortar and ensure it is aligned correctly.
  • Apply additional thin-set mortar over the perforated anchoring leg to ensure full coverage and support of the tile edges.
  • Embed the tiles so that the tiled surface is slightly lower than the top of the profile (by approximately 1/32" or 1 mm).
  • Set the tile to the integrated joint spacer, which will ensure a uniform joint of 1/16" - 1/8" (1.5 - 3 mm).
  • Fill the joint completely with grout or setting material.
  • Remove any excess grout or mortar residue from the visible surface of the profile.

By following these steps, you can effectively use Schluter profiles to separate the tiled area from the tub, creating a seamless and aesthetically pleasing transition while also protecting the edges of your tiles.

cycookery

Ensure the Kerdi-Board layout is correct

Ensuring the Kerdi-Board layout is correct is a crucial step in attaching a Kerdi pan to a tub drain. Here are some detailed instructions to help you achieve this:

First, determine the layout of the Kerdi Boards, which can be installed either horizontally or vertically. The type of tub you have can influence your layout choice. For instance, a vertical layout might be more practical for a shorter tub. Measure the area you need to cover to establish the layout.

Next, cut the Kerdi Boards to the required size using a utility knife. Make precise measurements and cut openings for any pipe protrusions and the mixing valve. Remember to position the vertical edges of each panel over the centre of the studs. The maximum allowable stud spacing for 1/2-inch thick Kerdi-Board is 16 inches to the centre. If additional support is needed, consider installing extra studs or solid backing.

When installing the Kerdi Boards around the tub flange, you have two options. If the flange is thin, cut a notch in the board, place it on the flange, and leave a 1/4-inch gap between the board and the tub. Fill this gap with Kerdi-Fix and apply 5 inches of mortar above the flange. Alternatively, if the flange is thicker, you can place the board directly on the studs.

Secure the Kerdi Boards to the wood studs using the included washers and screws. Place a washer on the Kerdi-Board seam and attach both boards to the stud with a washer and screw. Drill a single screw through the washer/Kerdi-Board and into the stud, repeating this process until the entire board is installed. Make sure to use only Schluter screws and washers, with a maximum on-centre spacing of 12 inches for the screws and washers.

Finally, seal the Kerdi-Board joints, corners, and fastener penetrations. Apply unmodified mortar and Kerdi-Band waterproofing strips or cut sections of Kerdi waterproofing membrane. Embed the membrane into the mortar and Kerdi-Fix, ensuring complete coverage and removing any air pockets.

By carefully following these steps, you can ensure that your Kerdi-Board layout is correct when attaching a Kerdi pan to a tub drain.

Making Pancakes: Pouring the Perfect Mix

You may want to see also

cycookery

Install the Kerdi-Board kit

The Schluter-KERDI-BOARD-KIT is a popular choice for waterproofing the walls of your bathtub and shower base. The kit includes all the necessary components for waterproofing, including waterproof building panels. Here is a step-by-step guide to installing the Kerdi-Board kit:

Prepare the Surface:

Before installing the Kerdi-Board, ensure the surface is clean and free of any contaminants that may weaken the bond.

Apply Mortar:

Use a notched trowel to apply thin-set mortar to the substrate and/or the Kerdi-Board. Ensure the mortar bonds to the substrate and mechanically anchors the fleece on the Kerdi-Board surface.

Install the Panels:

Firmly press the panels onto the wall, following the specified layout. Align the panels appropriately, ensuring the vertical edges of each panel are centred over the studs. Use a utility knife to cut the panels to size and create openings for pipe protrusions and the mixing valve.

Secure the Panels:

Use the included washers and screws to fasten the boards to the wood studs. Ensure you follow the maximum allowable stud spacing for your Kerdi-Board thickness (e.g., 16 inches to the centre for 1/2 inch thick Kerdi-Board).

Install Tiles:

You can install tiles directly over the Kerdi-Board using thin-set mortar. Choose a notched trowel that matches the tile format, and back-butter the tiles if necessary to attain full coverage.

Waterproofing:

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for waterproofing the Kerdi-Board installation. Seal all gaps, seams, fastener penetrations, and pipe protrusions. Use Schluter profiles such as Dilex-As or Dilex-BWA to separate the tiled area from the tub or shower pan, providing a clean and maintenance-free finish.

Remember to refer to the Kerdi-Board kit instructions for specific details, and always ensure your installation follows local building codes and safety guidelines.

Frequently asked questions

The Schluter Kerdi-Board-Kit includes all the necessary materials to attach a Kerdi shower pan to a tub drain. The Kerdi board can be installed directly on wood studs, and tiles can be installed directly on the board.

Yes, you need to measure the area to be covered to determine the Kerdi board layout before cutting the board. You can choose a horizontal or vertical layout depending on the type of tub. For instance, a vertical layout is more practical for a shorter tub.

You can cut the Kerdi board to the measured sizes using a utility knife. You also need to measure and cut openings for the pipe protrusions and mixing valve.

After cutting the board, place it according to the specified layout. When installing the board around the tub flange, you can either cut a notch in the board and place the board on the flange or leave a 1/4-inch gap between the board and the tub.

To attach the Kerdi board to the tub drain, fasten the boards to the wood studs using the included washers and screws.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment