Installing a FloFX Drain in a SCHLUTER KERDI FOAM PAN!!!

[@joycejeff38]

I stumbled on this channel a few weeks ago and now I can’t stop watching your videos. I had absolutely no interest in remodeling my bathroom until now. Your videos are packed with useful information and for that I thank you!!

[@panosg2715]

ABSOLUTELY AGREE!!! TY!!!!

[@antoniohinojos3808]

Yeah, his quality of work and passion for teaching is amazing. Great content as always!

[@richardmouat9070]

Tile coach I'm trying to start my own business doing renovations. I feel confident in doing tile with all your content that you've put out. I'll keep watching and hit you up when I have questions. Thanks for the content and stay safe everyone

[@JasonSweat-jo1gm]

In my first Schluter shower pan attempt, I caught this video just in time and switched to this flange. It really does seem vastly improved over the Kerdi drain and ended up being cheaper even with priority shipping. As a bonus, they were great to deal with and the grate variety is better at a more reasonable price point. Also, great content: lots of relevant factual information, well paced, and nicely shot.

[@FM-dk1vp]

I just received my shipment from my Tile Coach! Everything arrived in great condition and I can’t wait to get started with our shower! Thanks Isaac, I love you and I love that you’re my tile coach!

[@russelljochim8607]

My company had started to use Flo Fx out here in NC because of your videos! I brought it up to my bosses and it’s been working amazing lately, such a drastic change from the noble drains to flofx, I feel more comfortable using them and it’s much more convenient with the Flofx drain systems and grates.

[@meme-cc8os]

Darn it! I really wish I had seen this video two years ago, when you posted it. I just used the FloFX products for the first time, and they are outstanding! Superior in every way. Thank you, Tile Coach, for the tip.

[@TheContainerGuyTV]

Thanks! Purchased from your site. Keep up with the great videos!

[@TileCoach]

Thanks you!

[@sarrowell]

Can you do a flood test and teardown for the box that you made? I would love to see you run the FloFX Drain through a ban saw after you do the flood test to see how well the mechanical bonding works and if there was any water that made it way through the weep holes.

[@travisk5589]

I sold bet that he is going to flood test this. Seems like he is building this to do a flood test and to get a few videos out of it.

[@mattjudy6780]

I use schluter and always hated how the drain assembly dipped below the collar. I will be buying some of these drains from you!

[@Moose_VII]

I think where the collar dips below their pan is worse, but both are kind of annoying.

[@jmartin015]

I am one of those that asked that question. And let me say it is about time. They should of started with that. IMHO. THANKS.

[@gmoore326]

Boom!!! Subscribed. I look forward to one day working on my own bathrooms when I get a house. Until then, I will continue to binge your videos and increase my knowledge on how it should be done.

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

Great tutorial! I’ll be stocking these from now on 👍

[@jmartin015]

Flo FX, next step, make foam shower pans for your new drain assemblies. That would be awesome if we could order a Flo FX kit.

[@flofx9418]

Right now we love being a "universal" company, compatible with an array of waterproofing membranes. There is a reason we have a multi-color logo. :)

[@Intentionallyalone]

That little drop lip at the schluter drain kicks my ass every time. Not to mention the outer lip too. I’ll be buying flow fx from you from now on. Hello from Indiana!

[@michaellee695]

That bonding flange is nice, however, the company that manufactured it would have gotten a much better and faster return on development cost by designing and manufacturing a set of linear drains. I haven’t installed a single point drain in over 4 years. All my new installs use linear drains.

[@flofx9418]

We have a linear drain in the works! I've been a tile setter since 2003, my only goal is to create awesome products that are high quality and easy to install.

[@-2103]

What is the best linear drain you have come across?

[@Graingwa]

@@flofx9418 is there an adapter for this to go into a three piece barrel drain system?

[@flofx9418]

@@Graingwa Not for this one, The assembly would be ridiculously tall so we nixed it. The square flange comes with the adapter.

[@kurtbilinski1723]

Initially, I was all set to go with a linear drain. I talked to a friend that has one and he said that it plugs up easily and gets kinda disgusting under the grate. Between that and seeing all the tear-out videos of how leaks seem to originate from them, I passed on that, and have a FloFX square drain ready to go.

[@thejflores1219]

6:06 this dip is called a countersink which is a V-cross section hole and there is also something called a counterbore which is the other common hole that’s used mostly for bolts and is a squared U-cross section

[@jakeklassen3702]

So I’m not sure if you know this but the screw holes in the schluter drain are actually not for screws, the holes are there due too the manufacturing process. I heard that on a actually schluter video I believe. They do not recommend putting screws through the flange.

[@flofx9418]

There are zero reasons to have holes in the manufacturing process. We absolutely recommend screws if it will help you secure the flange. That doesn't mean pulling the plumbing system down, but minor adjustments are fine.

[@davewatlingphotography]

@@flofx9418 Why would you need to screw the flange down anyway? Zero reason for it, unless you've cut your riser pipe from the P-trap too high. (Sloppy install) There is absolutely no upward force on a drain from below if it's properly installed. That would be equivalent to recommending you screw down your PVC (saraloy) liner with screws so it doesn't "move around". 🙄

[@flofx9418]

@@davewatlingphotography sometimes the plumbing just isn't plumb and you need to pull down one side 1/4". If you put screws through a PVC liner you're literally putting a hole in the liner. In our flange the holes are already there and you'll waterproof over them. You should get your hands on one of our products and see the quality first hand, I think you'll be impressed.

[@Technogodd]

Awesome 👌 how about the adjustment ring section install? The most important part tough. Can you please show us how to install properly? Your the only guy I trust his work! ✌🏻

[@jelendrez3729]

good tutorial as always. something that i noticed while you were holding both units 1 on each hand, it appears that the flow fx plumbing connection tail piece is much shorter than the schluter. this is appealing because sometimes the distance to the p trap is verry shallow. can you confirm the distance of the bottom on both?

[@jaythefit8817]

This is good to know. I'm from NorCal (Chico and Sacramento) where there are more systems available. Here in Alaska it's extremely limited because of supply and shipping. Schluter is available and Wedi is available but that's about it without high shipping cost.

[@matthewmaher3017]

Awesome job inspiring people while providing details and options for the common person out there! I had to subscribe and purchased the FloFx through your site to support you guys! I live in Antelope and would love to say thanks in person!

[@leebrocato6300]

Thank you for all your great videos. I have a couple of concerns on this one though. Shulter instructs not to use the outer circumference holes to mount these, they state these holes are part of the manufacturing process. The other item is Shluter states to use a non modified thinset for all their products. Not sure why, maybe the polymer is not compatible with the membrane.

[@hmonster1XL]

The bonding flange is bonded to the water waste line. But yeah looks like some improvements were made to the Schluter bonding flange.

[@begalbrew5572]

This had to happen. So happy!!

[@ltfl09]

Can you do a flood test on that? I feel like water would seep under the fabric near the drain since the thinset would suck it up and wick it the collar where the screws are located.

[@TileCoach]

Yes I plan on it.

[@flofx9418]

The fabric itself is anti-wicking, and the hex impressions on the flange surface provide an anti-capillary action when used with a proper trowel. We want to see a v-notch or 1/8" square notch. When you get into thicker mortar layers like a quarter inch trowel, you will see more wicking in ANY system.

[@nonamuss9991]

@@TileCoach do you hydroban these edges?

[@azpcox]

Is the FloFX depth requirement less than Shluters? Had to dig out some slab level concrete to make room for the 4” kerdi drain flange down to 4 inches below grade.

[@flofx9418]

The Traditional Flange in this video is about 1.5" lower profile than anything else on the market. If you're using our Universal square flange, it's SUPER low profile, just 3/4" from the pipe stop to the flange surface.

[@azpcox]

@@flofx9418 thanks for the info!

[@flofx9418]

@@azpcox Any time!

[@edzaffina9785]

Thanks dude! Very cool!

[@BryanL1982]

Always had to fill that little dish with thinset and let it set up before doing smaller tiles that's a great solution

[@fossilkingdom]

I am definitely going to try these on my next install. I really don't like the screw holes for the Schluter, makes it very difficult to get everything set properly without the screw heads popping up and also pulling the edge of the flange down.

[@jbrian53]

Those aren't screw holes on the Schluter drain flange. At no point in any of their installation documentation does Schluter instruct the installer to screw down the flange. The thinset that flows up and around the larger perimeter holes will lock the flange in place when it dries.

[@davewatlingphotography]

I don't know what Schluter part number you're buying that doesn't include the grate assembly but every drain kit I buy (I install about 50 showers a year) has everything in it, including the grate assembly. Part number KD2/ABS/E. Also, there is absolutely no need to screw your flange down unless your ABS/PVC riser piece has been cut too high. There is no upward force on a drain from below. Plus you have about 45 lbs of tile, thinset, and grout sitting on top of that flange once it's cured. It's a moot point to screw it down. The ONLY thing I agree with is the little dip around the adjustment flange, which is easily over come by just using stiffer thinset. To completely void a manufacturer's lifetime warranty for such a trivial problem seems like a complete disservice to your customers. My customers love getting a registered lifetime warranty sent directly to them by Schluter.

[@adamderoches8723]

That was my first thought... haha put a whole schluter system in and ruin it with the flowfx drain. To me that drain is fixing a non existent problem. Even the dip is mitigated, when I install I level that with a bit of thinset. Wouldn't mind those drains on a poured shower though

[@dwsolberg]

I get the comfort of a warranty, but what really matters to me is that it doesn't leak. In reality, any warranty claim will be denied unless it was installed correctly, which would mean it didn't leak.

[@davewatlingphotography]

@@dwsolberg ask your customer this: "would you like a lifetime manufacturer warranty by a world renowned, billion dollar company or just my word that it won't leak?"

[@adamderoches8723]

@@dwsolberg so then why would you need a different drain? It's not cheaper and have never had an issue with schluter drains.

[@dwsolberg]

@@adamderoches8723 No reason. Pick the one you prefer.

[@StevenAdamczyk-s1k]

Hi Issac! Attempting to remodel a bath with roughly 3x5 shower. Will you recommend a drain placement? I’ll probably use the Schluter pre sloped tray. Wondering if center drain would be better than offset. I have to move drain regardless. Your thoughts? Thanks! Enjoy your channel.

[@michaelsutton4544]

I'm glad to see that alot of shower system parts are compatible with each other but here in va beach virginia if the job is permitted the inspector will fail it all shower systems parts must match. Schluter to schluter. Wedi to wedi and so on. Do inspectors in California allow mixed shower system parts?

[@flofx9418]

There are a few areas of the country that want to see complete systems. Most areas understand that installers can choose the absolute best products for their installation.

[@antoniohinojos3808]

Honestly, I think scoring the underside with a blade would be a quick solution to any worries you might have of it not sticking. I live in DE so naturally Schlüter can be found easily but between the two, Flow FX does seem superior.

[@StoutBuildingCo]

Does this flange void the schluter warranty?

[@joefaulkner3686]

What locks the top drain in ?

[@nailbndr9869]

too late now, but you thinset it in place

[@PeterYurkins]

Hello Tile Coach, Can I use a Schulter grate in the Flo Fx flange? TY

[@gotshun]

Hey Isaac. I'm using a Schluter PVC Drain Shower Flange. I wanted to know if I can use the Ardex 8+9 to seal the fleece around the drain? I ask this because I watched one your videos about the Schluter Drain Flange and I wanted to know if the Ardex will prevent the fleece from peeling off and will the Ardex waterproof it? Thank you sir for the great videos and expertise!! Pete.

[@460sw3]

How much water do you use to mix your MML for your banding and sheet membrane? I find if you mix at the high end it's still not enough to make it good for this purpose. I add a little more than stated on bag to get it more loose

[@michaeltreen8785]

I’ve had a flange pop up.

[@randygirden3088]

If the Kerdi drain flange is already installed, can you use the FloFx drain?

[@mikebari3225]

No issues with modified thinset drying ? Schlutter says not to use modified at all on their membranes

[@TileCoach]

All set is modified

[@kentrenshaw3265]

Doesn’t the flange need to be screwed down even on concrete?

[@swsherifbok4542]

love your video, how can I get the flange , I am in Ontario Canada

[@lejohns7245]

Hey, Issac. I purchased a FLO FX Traditional Drain kit. How wide (diameter) does the hole need to be in the substrate to attach the drain to my 2" waste pipe. I can't find this info anywhere. All the info in the install PDF is for the original square shaped unit. Thank you.

[@brendawells7025]

Could you do a vid of a complete install start to finish with tile ? Also schluter gives u there corners for water proof I’m assuming you don’t get them in the flo x kit . Prob buy them separate? Also with schueter drain you measure down to drain to cut 2 inch pipe to fit do you also do this with this drain ? Thanks for any input would like to try one of these on my next install. Also i see you use a. 1/2 x 1/2 trowel to install pan with multi max lite i though i like the idea of a thick trowel. I didnt realize you can use multimax . ?

[@charlottenee8018]

When you do a short, it might be good to address differences between the FLO FX TRADITIONAL BONDING FLANGE and the FLO FX BONDING FLANGE in your shop????

[@billycarson3408]

Thanks Isaac, I’m gonna try it on my next shower

[@shan4292]

Issac is a master. Would note on this video that screws come in more than one size and that flex isn’t necessarily bad if avoiding cracks. Also, why use a foam pan? Costs a lot more and is inferior in every way imaginable.

[@brendawells7025]

Also with you be doing lineal drains in the near future?

[@bryanjhandyworks]

When will flowfx make a linear drain??? I might wait for that until I remodel my own shower

[@leebannister3759]

The only thing I wasn't clear about was how far down do you actually cut your ABS pipe?

[@hausman1984]

Where did you get drain collar? Did you monster garage it from the kerdi membrane?

[@RightOnJonCrane]

Looks great Isaac!!

[@DayTrader__]

Hey friend, I am a new subscriber. Watched several of your videos and loving them! Thumbs up on all of them I’ve watched. I have one question. Thoughts on the rubber shower pan liners? Ty in advance. 🙃

[@tracyblack9983]

If installing on a concrete slab could you screw the flange to the concrete using concrete screws?

[@aaronfreeman3567]

I see on the web page there is not a tileable drain for this new system? what are my options?? can i use the kerdi one??

[@Theferg1]

Great video and info! I was told to use laticrete platinum 293 to intall my shower pan? Should I just go with what use used? Thank you!!

[@chriscolvin1602]

Dang..dude just smoked schluter drain design lol..love it

[@carguy1312]

In this video you say you use that white color Multimax under your foam pans but about three days ago there was a video where there was a gray color what I assumed was a standard thin set when using the RSS pan. Was that required by that company for install? Or was there some specific reason that was used that you might share with us? Thanks for any wisdom and knowledge!

[@nonamuss9991]

Wouldn’t the weep channels just get occluded with the thinset when you anchor it?

[@alec1113]

Hello , tried to buy the FloFX from your site . Unable to purchase . Do you still recommend the drain , thank you

[@doug2202]

What size and type screws are you using to secure the flange? I assume you want to be secured to subfloor below pan?

[@hugogonzalez237]

Can you Add 2" inches of water for inspection ?

[@mrdavester]

Will the schluter grate work in the flowfx drain?

[@mikechan231]

What I wonder is… will these bonded flanges delaminate over time (0-10 years)? I seem to remember videos of tear outs where the bonding flanges delaminated.

[@johnkorte4570]

Great video! Would Custom Building Prolite be comparable to latecrete multimax?

[@JustDooItDude]

I’m an old school paper, lathe and float guy. Pre float, vinyl, final float. I want to switch to the drain. Can you make a video for me. What to do….

[@vinniecolosimo2956]

Doesnt the glue hold it down?

[@screwgunsupernova]

Ok @tilecoach you convinced me. First time doing a tub to shower conversion here. I will have my plumber moving the location of my drain as I am expanding the footprint of the shower. My one question… if anyone can answer it is, the schluter flange kit comes with the pre sized styrofoam spacers for the flange… so I could have my plumber install it with the spacers, and then in could come back in, remove them and put in the Kerdi shower pan. I don’t see that the Flo Fx has spacers like that for this application. Any advice or clarification is appreciated!!!

[@bbuffington8366]

Can you use with goboard preslope wedge system?

[@vby9588]

i use coarse sand paper and hydroban on the back of the drain flange to improve bonding.

[@ct9040]

How would you use this with a tile -in grate?

[@Theferg1]

Great video bro!! Will this drain work with Laticrete shower pan? Thanks 👍💯

[@timothycloney1453]

Big “if” here, because it seems like a great product, but what if something fails because of using a product that schluter won’t accept liability on? I am a strong believer in not putting together Frankenstein waterproofing systems, just in case there is a liability failure beyond workmanship, so I have been stuck on doing complete schluter systems but would definitely enjoy using that drain system for sure!

[@flofx9418]

We're looking into the possibility of picking up the lifetime system warranty. Not yet, but it's not impossible. Schluter makes great products that do not fail as do we. You also need to understand that these warranties are product warranties, not an all encompassing shower warranties like some would believe. 99.99999% of failures really are installer error or due to jobsite conditions like deflections or excessive settling. The warranty from pretty much any brand would cover a product failure.

[@timothycloney1453]

@@flofx9418 thank you for sharing that. I hope you the best in the continued success of your product and business.

[@quantumforce4998]

I thought Schluter recommended the pan to be installed with unmodified thin set?

[@EastMenloPark1650]

Ay the end of the install I notice there was play with the grate flange. Is that normal ?

[@paulkiefer3893]

It still only works with the OEM drain covers? Is the grate the same on all flofx ?

[@Kirtirajsardesai]

Do you NEED TO put the Kerdi waterproofing circle on the flowfx bonding flange? Or that is optional

[@willrich68]

I bought the multipurpose flo fx drain but I decided to go with the Kerri pre sloped board. Will this drain work?

[@Graingwa]

Is there an adapter for the round flange to go into a traditional 3 barrel Oatey shower drain? I saw your video on the square Flo fx but I just got the round and am having trouble getting it to go into the oatey drain.

[@KenMeiss-kz2rh]

Is the universal adapter from flowFX compatible with this drain?

[@billlittle5194]

Watched you for a bout a year now, very impressed with your detail and comparisons, so i am in the process of installing my walk in shower, i have curb and is about 3'x6' and doing a dry pack base. i have a kerdi drain flange that my plumber already installed about 1/2" off the floor, but i also installed the kerdi membrane with the ultra light thinset to seal my plywood prior to setting the concrete- hope this is ok?. so once i have got the drypack complete (and will use your wall guide suggestion to get the slope correct) i also purchased the 5 gallon Pale of the Laticrete waterproofing membrane and intend to coat the complete cubical with this. WILL this be ok ? thanks and keep up the great work

[@rickyjackson3950]

Will it fit ladicretes foam pans

[@jeffp7958]

Are you expected to screw that flange in if you are installing one of these on a concrete subfloor? I’m building a shower in a room that has a concrete subfloor but also has a crawl space under it.

[@norbertbajgyik1607]

Hi, whats the difference between the round and the square one ? thx

[@georgeghannam690]

Hello, will the round flofx work with preslope hydroban?

[@taylorringer731]

Can you use other grates with this? What size would I look for? 4 inch? 4 1/4 inch?

[@TileCoach]

It has to be a flofx grate

[@diybasics6270]

Nice job, do you use the same 2" dimension when setting the drain for a mud bed or is it different.

[@iker99able]

What screws uses ?

[@lallen968]

hello, do you have any product to paint the tile or tub? anything good?

[@keovongogh4094]

Thank you for this tutorial it is so helpful!

[@Shawnpd72]

Another great video

[@jeffpope8014]

Another awesome video, your videos have helped me so much,,,I will keep ordering all my flow effects from you as well as those awesome shirts, from a general contractor here in Arizona a big thanks your the man

[@wmmichaud]

I would like to try one of these, I remember my first kerdi shower and the drain really set me off, thought i screwed something up with the drain since it sits low, trying to build it up with thin set with small tile is a pain and messy. These drains look very promising but shipping is twice the price of the product for canada :(

[@herrrnn]

my guy is goated

[@doubledragon9530]

Would this also work with a Laticrete hydro ban shower pan?

[@Cotto1122]

Reached out to Flofx and they stated should be similair install to Hydro Ban since systems are similar

[@7_0_sav5]

You don’t need to use a liquid membrane over this pan before tile?

[@conradcoolerfiend]

No. For normal shower use, it’s not necessary. It’s just extra insurance. Or good for a shower that’s used all throughout the day every day like gym showers or something .

[@MoneyManHolmes]

Instead of that circular piece at the end, could you just use liquid brush on membrane? Does it bond to the top of the Flow FX drain?

[@conradcoolerfiend]

@@MoneyManHolmes why would you want to do that.

[@flofx9418]

@@MoneyManHolmes The circular piece is awesome and highly recommended.

[@DONDZIO]

is it ready for tilable drain ?

[@kevinhurni9297]

No, Flo FX website says their tile-in grate is still only compatible with the Universal Bond Flange, which isn't compatible with Schluter Shower pan. Only the Traditional Bond Flange is compatible.

[@bmarkie4103]

Who said you can't fit a square peg in a round hole?

[@SK-or3rs]

I'm just concern how well plastic under grate will hold, seems all other manf. prefer to use metal for grate holder, should be some logic behind