Wetroom Drain Movement

[DavieA]

Hi all, just been asked to look at a wetroom that has a small crack between tile/adhesive and shower tray drain.

When I stand on tiles around the drain there is slight movement. I then to determine if it was a tile issue or tray issue pushed on the drain itself down and there is movement so Im thinking the drain body isnt supported below the tray and the weight of persons in the shower is causing slight movement.

Guy wanted to silicone but i think that would be a temp fix and the best idea I can come up with is to open ceiling below the drain and fix ply and batton to joists before foaming to set and support the drain body so prevent the downward flex.

Does anyone with more experience in this think this is the correct answer?

Cheers

 

[Qwerty]

I would first try to establish how it was all put together. That alone should help tell you if it is movement from lack of support or something else. Taking the ceiling below down is an option worth considering but you may find that there is a network of pipes, cables etc which could scupper your plans.
Is it leaking at all?

 

[DavieA]

No leaks, area was tanked and tray screwed on 18mm ply that was fitted between joists on 2x2 buttons. (which seems correct)

Have saw pic and no support for drain housing ie no box filled with cement or ply. Drain is screwed to base of tray but nothing other than that holding it there. Also only the waste is in between the joists effected ( no cables or pipes which is a result )

I'm quite confident that that's the issue and would think that 2x2 batton and 18mm ply screwed into joists from below before foaming for extra strength would do it.

Hope my description helps?

 

[Qwerty]

From what you have said I would tend to agree that your plan should work. What make is the former?

 

[Dave]

No all drains are cast in-situ.

If it's a polycore tray , it could have debonded .

 

[DavieA]

It was a prowarm wet room try.

 

[Chalker]

Pro warm use an awful trap. It clips in from underneath. You remove the grate then see if the bottom has come off, they have a large "o" ring and are a buxxer to clip back in

 

[DavieA]

This is the linear drain, no rubber seal, it just screws into drain body. 4 screws from above.

 

[Chalker]

Ah that one.
It still has a "o" ring

 

[DavieA]

There's not one there, when I looked at it I thought the same so call the company and was told there wasn't.

Technical said he silicones then pulls tight with the 4 screws.

Have you used the exact drain and should there definitely an o ring?

 

[Chalker]

Pretty sure it's the same waste as "abacus direct" trays. If it is it definitely comes with an "o" ring that fits to the trap before being clamped with the four screws.

 

[DavieA]

Yeah looks the same, strange there wasn't any mention of one online or technical said it doesn't come with one. .

Don't think that's what is causing the movement of the drain but definitely will look into it.

 

[DavieA]

So the latest, opened ceiling and noticed there was lot of play in the ply around the drain where the sheets met.

I put in timber to support the drain and also support the ply sheet joint. So no more movement from below. However although upstairs the drain no longer moves when I apply pressure the 4 tiles around the drain have a little movement when weight is applied.

I'm not really sure if possibly the movement has caused the addy under these tiles to blow.