DIY Rough-In Basement Bathroom: Schluter System Install Guide

Have you ever stared at the capped pipes of a rough-in basement bathroom and felt overwhelmed? Those concrete floors can seem like an immovable obstacle. But what if you could transform that space into a beautiful, functional bathroom without the hassle of jackhammering? This DIY guide will walk you through finishing your rough-in plumbing, focusing on a waterproof Schluter system installation, making your dream bathroom a reality with minimal disruption.

• Understanding Basement Rough-In Plumbing
• Preparing the Toilet Flange on Concrete
• The Schluter Shower Drain Solution
• Building a Waterproof Shower with the Schluter System
• Creating a Sloped Shower Pan with Sand Mix
• Final Steps to a Waterproof Shower
• Additional Tips for a Successful DIY Project
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Understanding Basement Rough-In Plumbing

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s clarify what we mean by “rough-in plumbing.” In a new home, the builder typically installs the basic plumbing for a bathroom. This includes:

• A 3-inch pipe for the toilet, often called the “toilet stack.”
• A 1.5 or 2-inch pipe for the shower drain.

These pipes are capped, waiting for you to connect the fixtures. This is where many DIYers and homeowners get stuck. But don’t worry, with the right approach, you can create a beautiful and functional bathroom without having to break up any concrete. We’ll show you how to avoid expensive concrete work and create a waterproof space.

Preparing the Toilet Flange on Concrete

The first crucial step is preparing the toilet flange. This is essential for a secure, leak-free toilet installation. Here’s how to properly install your toilet flange on a concrete slab:

1. Cut the Toilet Stack: Using an ABS saw, cut the toilet stack perfectly flush with the concrete floor. This provides a level surface for the toilet flange. A flexible hand saw will allow you to get a clean cut right against the floor.
2. Prepare the Toilet Flange: The toilet flange is designed to fit inside the pipe. To ensure a snug fit, use a grinder wheel to slightly thin the plastic of the flange. This is important because a tight fit is often difficult to achieve with concrete surrounding the pipe.
3. Glue the Flange: Apply solvent to the inside of the pipe and the flange. Ensure the flange is positioned correctly, with the bolt locations at nine and three o’clock on a clock face. Push it straight down until it is fully seated.
4. Seal the Pipe: Use a coffee cup or similar object to cover the pipe opening. This prevents sewer gases from entering your workspace and keeps debris out.

Why is this important? Properly setting the flange before installing the flooring ensures the toilet sits securely, preventing leaks and instability. This is a key step in your rough-in basement bathroom project.

The Schluter Shower Drain Solution

The shower drain is often the trickiest part of a basement bathroom rough-in. Traditionally, moving the drain meant breaking up the concrete. Fortunately, with innovative shower systems like the Schluter system, this is no longer necessary.

• Innovative 90-Degree Drains: The Schluter shower drain features a 90-degree turn, allowing you to position the drain virtually anywhere in your shower, regardless of the existing pipe location. This is especially useful when dealing with existing concrete plumbing.
• Cutting the Shower Drain Pipe: Cut the existing pipe coming out of the ground, leaving a half-inch to three-quarters of an inch of stub. This stub allows you to attach the necessary fitting for the Schluter drain.
• Flexible Placement: This flexible drain system means you’re not bound by the original pipe position. You can create the shower of your dreams, even if the rough-in wasn’t ideal.

Building a Waterproof Shower with the Schluter System

When creating a shower, waterproofing is paramount. The Schluter system is a comprehensive waterproofing solution, not just a water diversion system. This means that even if water doesn’t drain immediately, there will be no water damage, ensuring a long-lasting installation.

Here’s how to install a Schluter shower system for your basement bathroom:

1. Install the Shower Board: Schluter board, a half-inch polystyrene foam board, is installed using washers and clips. This creates a rigid and waterproof substrate.
2. Install the Kerb: Set the Schluter kerb in cement on your concrete floor. This creates a waterproof barrier at the shower entrance.
3. Seal Corners: The Schluter system includes cloth tape for sealing corners and inside/outside corner attachments. This ensures a fully watertight seal in all vulnerable areas.
4. Create a Sloped Pan: The system includes a pre-sloped pan. For this guide, we will be creating a sloped shower pan using sand mix for a custom fit.

Why use the Schluter System? It’s versatile, relatively easy to install, and most importantly, it’s a completely waterproof solution, preventing water damage and mold growth. The Schluter system is ideal for DIY projects.

Creating a Sloped Shower Pan with Sand Mix

Creating a proper slope in your shower pan is crucial for effective water drainage. Here’s how to achieve this using sand mix:

1. Attach the Drain: Attach the elbow fitting to the stubbed-out pipe, then attach the Schluter drain fitting to the other side, ensuring a secure connection.
2. Pour the Sand Mix: Pour the sand mix around the drain, filling any voids and creating a stable base.
3. Create the Slope: Using a trowel, push the sand mix towards the corners, creating a gentle slope towards the drain. The goal is to have water flow efficiently to the drain.
4. Flat Base: First, use the sand mix to create a flat base around the drain, ensuring a solid foundation.
5. Final Slope: Then, apply another layer of sand mix to create a consistent slope from the edges to a half-inch thickness at the corners, ensuring proper drainage.
6. Use a Level: Use a level to ensure the slope is consistent and even, avoiding any pooling of water.
7. Set Overnight: Allow the sand mix to set overnight, ensuring it’s fully cured before continuing.
8. Apply Waterproofing Membrane: Once the sand mix is dry, apply thinset to the surface and embed the Schluter waterproofing cloth. This creates a waterproof layer over the sloped pan.

Why sand mix? It’s affordable, readily available at most hardware stores, and has excellent flow properties. It easily fills gaps and helps create a smooth, sloped surface. However, be aware that it needs to set overnight before you proceed with the next steps of your project.

Final Steps to a Waterproof Shower

Once the sand mix is set and the waterproofing membrane is embedded, you’re ready to finalize your shower installation. This process is simple:

• Install Corners: Install the inside and outside corner pieces with thinset, ensuring a secure, watertight seal.
• Tape the Seams: Use the Schluter cloth tape to secure all seams and corners, creating a continuous waterproof barrier.
• Prepare for Tile: You’re now ready to install the tile of your choice, knowing you have a waterproof foundation.

The Benefit? With the Schluter system, you don’t need to worry about a dramatic slope. Because the system is completely waterproof, there’s no risk of water damage, even if the water doesn’t drain immediately. This gives you greater flexibility in your design.

Additional Tips for a Successful DIY Project

• Blocking: When pouring the sand mix, ensure you have proper blocking behind your shower walls to prevent the mixture from spilling into the basement.
• Eye Leveling: While levels are useful, you can often achieve a good slope by eye, ensuring a smooth transition to the drain.
• Thinset: Use thinset to attach the waterproofing membrane and any corner pieces, ensuring a strong and lasting bond.
• Schluter Drain Options: While we discussed the 90-degree drain, consider other Schluter drain options to best fit your specific needs.
• Tile Installation: Be sure to use a high-quality thinset when installing your tile for a long-lasting and beautiful finish.

Conclusion

Transforming a rough-in basement bathroom doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With innovative products like the Schluter system and a bit of DIY know-how, you can create a beautiful, functional, and waterproof bathroom without breaking up any concrete. By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to tackle this DIY project with confidence and achieve professional results.

Ready to get started? Toolbox has all the tools you need to complete this project. Swipe Right to Rent the Tools for This Project!

FAQ

1. What is rough-in plumbing? Rough-in plumbing refers to the basic plumbing installed in a new home, usually consisting of capped pipes for the toilet and shower.
2. Why is setting the toilet flange on concrete important? Setting the flange before the flooring ensures the toilet sits properly, preventing leaks, instability, and costly repairs.
3. What are the advantages of using the Schluter system? The Schluter system is a versatile, reliable, and completely waterproof solution, ideal for showers and other wet areas, ensuring a long-lasting installation.
4. Can I move my shower drain with the Schluter system? Yes, the 90-degree turn in the Schluter drain allows you to position the drain anywhere, regardless of the pipe location, giving you flexibility in your shower design.
5. What is sand mix, and why is it used? Sand mix is an affordable and readily available material used to create a sloped shower pan, providing a solid base for your waterproofing system.
6. How long does sand mix take to set? Sand mix typically needs to set overnight before you can continue your project, ensuring a stable surface.
7. Do I need a dramatic slope with a waterproof system? No, because the Schluter system is waterproof, the slope does not need to be dramatic, providing more flexibility in your design.
8. What is thinset used for in this project? Thinset is used to attach the waterproofing membrane and any corner pieces, ensuring a strong and lasting bond, as well as tile installation.
9. Where can I learn more about the Schluter system? Check our website for seminars and more information on how to install the system properly and get the best results.
10. What tools do I need for this project? Toolbox offers a wide range of tools for rent, including saws, mixing equipment, levels, and more, all delivered right to your door, making your DIY project easier.