Kerdi Shower Drain Installation

Kerdi Shower Drain Installation is typically performed after the Kerdi Shower Pan has been installed. The Kerdi Shower Drain Grate Installation takes place later as part of the shower pan tile installation. Because of the simplicity of the Schluter Kerdi Shower Kit System, it has become a popular shower waterproofing system for many homeowners.

To install the Kerdi Shower Drain, fill the step in the Kerdi Shower Tray and the areas surrounding the hole in the subfloor with Schluter ALL-SET mortar (or an unmodified thinset mortar) using a trowel. Press the Kerdi Shower Drain firmly into the thinset mortar to ensure full support of the bonding flange. Clean any excess thinset form the bonding flange and prepare to install the Kerdi Waterproofing Collar. Use a 1/4″ x 3/16″ V-notch trowel to apply thinset over the bonding flange and then press the Kerdi Waterproofing Collar over the Kerdi Shower Drain. Center the Kerdi Waterproofing Collar around the drain and embed it into the thinset mortar using the flat side of a trowel. Remove any excess thinset and allow mortar to dry.

This article will outline every step in the Kerdi Shower Drain installation process to ensure that your shower base is completely waterproof.

If you are more of a visual learner, you can learn how to install the entire Schluter Kerdi Shower Kit System (including the Kerdi Shower Drain) by watching my Youtube Video below:

Table of Contents (Skip Ahead to Specific Sections)

How to Install Kerdi Shower Drain: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Apply Thinset Mortar to the recessed portion of the Kerdi Shower Pan

Apply a copious amount of thinset mortar to the Kerdi Shower Pan Bonding

To install the Kerdi Shower Drain, start by applying thinset mortar to the ‘step’ in the Kerdi Shower Tray and the areas surrounding the hole in the subfloor. In order to maintain the Schluter Warranty, it is recommended that you use one of the following Schluter Thinset Mortar types:

You also have the option to apply the Kerdi Shower Drain with any unmodified thinset mortar, but this will void the Schluter Warranty. Apply thinset mortar to the shower pan using the flat side of a trowel.

Step 2: Position the Kerdi Shower Drain in place and Embed within thinset mortar

Position Kerdi Shower Drain in the Center of the Kerdi Shower Pan

Next, position the Kerdi Shower Drain bonding flange in place and center it within the recessed area of the Kerdi Shower Pan. At this stage, embed the Kerdi Shower Drain bonding flange within the thinset mortar by applying firm, even pressure with your hands.

Photo of the Kerdi Shower Drain Bonding Flange after it has been Embedded in the Thinset Mortar

Step 3: Ensure that the Kerdi Shower Pan is level and remove excess thinset

Ensure that your Kerdi Shower Drain Bonding Flange is level before proceeding

Use a level to ensure that your Kerdi Shower Drain is perfectly level. Additionally, confirm that the drain is centered appropriately.

Next, spread thinset mortar around the Kerdi Shower Drain bonding flange, removing any excess.

Step 4: Comb notches into Thinset Mortar and Apply Kerdi Waterproofing Collar

Use a 1/4" x 3/16" V-notch trowel to apply notches to the Thinset Mortar — Use a 1/4″ x 3/16″ V-notch trowel to comb notches into the Thinset Mortar

At this stage, comb notches into the thinset mortar using a 1/4″ x 3/16″ V-Notch Trowel. Next, place the Kerdi Waterproofing Collar (included with the Schluter Kerdi Shower Kit) into the thinset mortar. Be sure that the Kerdi Waterproofing Collar is centered around the Kerdi Shower Drain.

Center Kerdi Waterproofing Collar around the Kerdi Shower Drain

Embed the Kerdi Waterproofing Collar into the thinset mortar by applying firm, even pressure with your hands.

Step 5: Smooth out Thinset Mortar around the Kerdi Waterproofing Collar

Smooth out thinset mortar from underneath the Kerdi waterproofing collar

Finally, smooth out the thinset mortar around the entire Kerdi Waterproofing Collar using that flat side of a trowel. Ensure that any excess thinset is removed from under the Kerdi Waterproofing Collar. At this stage, allow the thinset mortar to fully harden.

Completed Kerdi Shower Drain Installation after the Thinset Mortar has dried

Your Kerdi Shower Drain Installation is now complete!

Once you have completed all of the steps above, you can begin tiling your shower.

If you are ready to begin tiling your Kerdi Shower Pan, check out my “Kerdi Shower Pan Tile Installation Video” below:

Thanks so much for checking out ATImprovements! If you learned something from this project, you might also like these other DIY Projects:

How to Install Kerdi Shower Pan: How to Install Kerdi Shower Pan (Kerdi Shower Tray Installation) – AT Improvements

How to Install Kerdi Membrane: Kerdi Membrane Installation (Step-by-Step Installation Guide) – AT Improvements

How to Install Hexagon Floor Tiles: How to Install Hexagon Floor Tile – AT Improvements

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