Shower renovation - edges of the shower pan are covered up by a thick layer of compound. Not sure how to proceed. Any good resources for non-cookie-cutter renovations?

Submitted by allicat828 t3_z83ah5 in DIY

1940s house, original plumbing, and I believe the bathroom was renovated in the 70s.

They put a thick layer of compound on the wall (perhaps it wasn't flat) and it covers most of the perimeter of the shower pan. I was thinking of breaking out the shower pan and repairing that part, but I fear it may put the new shower pan slightly too close to the toilet (not to code). The compound also isn't in great shape.

I can't find anything similar online. In general, I have trouble finding beginner/intermediate-level videos for specific issues outside of the basic renovation process.

Any recommendations would be appreciated!

Pictures: https://imgur.com/a/04m3w1Z

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Comments

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beedub14 t1_iy9i2mx wrote

Tear it all out to the studs and subfloor

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Hypotheticall t1_iy9jimm wrote

no repair OP that shit is all going to crumble against new stuff and is a mold trap, you need to rip it all out to the studs.

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SeveralPoopEmojis t1_iy9jye8 wrote

Agree. Its 20 years past its lifespan already. Get rid of whatever is there and start from scratch. That's the only way you'll be certain it's done right.

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allicat828 OP t1_iy9tlvb wrote

20 years indeed - the hot water knob in the shower wouldn't budge, so you could either taking a hot shower or a scalding hot shower. Had to turn on the sink during the summer.

And I kid you not - after taking the fixtures off in the shower, the hot water that previously fed the toilet turned cold and the sink was no longer scalding right after turning it on. It's been two days and already an adventure.

I was hoping to avoid taking it down to the studs but that honestly might be less work anyway.

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scotus_canadensis t1_iyadrvl wrote

Any work in a bathroom should be undertaken with the understanding (and willingness) that you might have to gut it.

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allicat828 OP t1_iyat8jy wrote

Yes, I was hoping to avoid it but I suspected a few leaks and was prepared for the worst. I was originally going to use a contractor, but he's booked for the foreseeable future, and my shower started leaking. So I'm attempting myself - baby steps!

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mirado_shadar t1_iyayhb3 wrote

Best of luck. I'm afraid I have the same adventure in the bathroom coming my way as well. Check the incoming pressure from the city line. Our local water runs a 2in line into a single family house. Pressure regulators are something the local plumbers mention after a few calls.

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allicat828 OP t1_iyb2elx wrote

Good to know, thank you! And best of luck to you, too!

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l397flake t1_iyamuba wrote

Can you put an offset toilet flange, maybe that can get you close enough to the toilet clearance, it’s hard to tell without knowing the bath dimensions/layout. I am surprised it doesn’t leak with the pan offset from the wall.

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allicat828 OP t1_iyasub6 wrote

There were a few minor leaks where the caulking had failed, but otherwise it was pretty solid! The offset flange is an interesting idea - if I end up taking it down to the studs, there should be enough space, but I appreciate the suggestion!

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canadas t1_iybfo6i wrote

I'm not an expert, but a house that age I'd consider an asbestos test before I started ripping things apart

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allicat828 OP t1_iycll1e wrote

Definitely a good thing to keep in mind. I'm quite confident the original bathroom floor has asbestos.

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jawshoeaw t1_iybzzkv wrote

It seems bad at first but gutting is often less work overall. I’d take it down to studs, probably only one day of work. Wear an N95!

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