How can I detach the metal bars circling the drain in the shower pan for a demolition project?
Asked by Ludmila Kalinić 
7 months ago
Last Updated: May 11, 2024
Hey guys, this is my first time doing some demolition work so go easy on me. Everything was going smoothly until I hit a bit of a snag. I was under the impression that there would just be a mortar-filled shower pan, but there are metal bars around the drain that stick out and are surrounded by concrete. How do I disconnect the metal from the drain? Does it just unscrew? This seems to be the only spot where they are connected. Just an FYI, we’re planning on replacing the shower with a bath.
It seems like the bars are there to help create the slope down to the drain. If you manage to get under the concrete pad with a demo bar or flat bar, lift it up off the subfloor as much as possible and then use a mini-sledgehammer to break up the concrete into manageable chunks that can be taken out. The concrete might stick to the bars, but it should also break off enough to allow for removal.
The bars are just laying around. They aren’t connected to the drain. They’re probably just butted up against it. But like I mentioned earlier, use the bar to pry up on the concrete and give it a good smack with a sledgehammer. By prying, you create space under the concrete to make it easier to break.
Get yourself a grinder with a 4-inch diamond blade and start cutting and breaking out………..
When breaking it up near the liner/pan against the wall, begin by focusing on the edges first and then progress towards the center drain.