How to Properly bond your schluter drain !
So,
Believe it or not this is a over looked thing in installing a schluter drain flange. Schluter them selfs say you can just thinset mortar the drain flange to there foam tray. Now that does work and I have done many this way. But I do not trust it when installing a mortar bed for the shower base. Here is why.
The back of the drain is shiny smooth plastic
If the plumber connects the drain from below after the mortar bed is installed. If the plumber pushes up to hard it can easily break the bond and release from the mortar bed.
Using the schluter method, they say use the same mortar you use for the shower mortar bed but just looser. Yes making it looser bonds some what but not much.
My current favorite method to ensure a really well bonded schluter drain flange.
First take some sand paper ( a rough grit ). Sand the back of the drain flange where it will bond with the mortar bed well. Then clean well.
Second apply a primer . You can use a liquid waterproofer like Laticrete hydro ban, Custom red guard, aqua defense. Etc
Now once the primer has dried its ready to install.
When you are ready to float your mortar bed. Apply Thinset with a small notched trowel to the back of the flange on the lose side and then pack the same mortar bed mix under it well.
Hope this helps.
Video blowing showing.
