Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Shower Drain

I am replacing the tile in my shower. I have it stripped down to the studs. Should I take the shower pan out and look at the drain while I have a chance? Does the drailn have any attachments that I might ruin if I take the pan up? Does the drain that is attached to the pan just slip into the main drain?

If the pan is in good condition and you have not had any leaking I would leave it alone. Some of the older pans were made to last for a long time. If you choose to replace the pan look under the floor for a drain nut to loosen.

If the drain is in concrete or you do not have access to the underside look inside the drain from the top for a cross member with a slot in it. You will have to remove the drain cover to clearly see. There is a nutless type drain that when tightened expands from the inside out thus making a connection with the trap. After loosening the cross member with a screw driver the pan can be detached from the wall and removed.

Good luck.