Kerdi Membrane Around Drain

[fathornet]

Hello everyone. First time bathroom DIY project and could use some help.

I pre-cut the Kerdi membrane for the drain and began applying the thinset. After rolling out the membrane and adhering it to the thinset I saw that the hole for the drain was off a bit.

What's the best course of action here? I used Customblend from HD as the thinset mortar if that helps. Thanks.

[Redlands Okie]

Confused on whats your problem.

If the drain is located correctly with the plumbing then no problem ?
If the Kerdi has a two inch or more overlap with the drains membrane no problem. Does not matter if the hole you cut in the Kerdi is exactly centered.

Is the Kerdi raised up on the bottom right of the drain and not pressed down all the way ?

[cx]

Welcome, Jon.

Wish you hadn't used that Custom Blend, but if you got a good bond (that's the problem) you should be OK. Some Kerdi Fix around that edge, 'specially the part Robert asked about, certainly wouldn't hurt.

Yes, it says on the package that Custom Blend meets ANSI A118.1 when mixed with water, but that's on a particularly good day in small test area perfectly assembled and cured. Please don't continue your shower installation with that mortar.

My opinion; worth price charged.

[jadnashua]

Schluter asks for a premium unmodified mortar...Customblend is an entry level version, good for some things, not so good for use with something like Kerdi. It's good for installation underneath say a cbu, but probably not all that much more.

[Lou_MA]

I’d do a 24 hour flood test if you’re concerned about the integrity of the Kerdi-to-drain connection

[Howarda]

How do you guys feel about MultiFlex pro and Dual Set by North American Adhesives?

[Kman]

Before going any further with any other mortar, I'd seal that drain with some Kerdifix, then allow it do dry and do a flood test. If you have a leak, it doesn't matter what mortar you use in the future.

[fathornet]

Thanks for the input. I'll stop going using the Customblend based your advice. I'll also grab some Kerdi fix for the drain as well. But that leads to another question.

What mortar should I use when tiling if the Customblend is no good? Should it still be unmodified? We're likely going with a 6"x12" tile or maybe subway tile.

[t2jeff]

Grab yourself some bags of Versabond and get to work!

[kdev]

Dang if that center section didn't look raised to my eyes.

[Davy]

I think I'm seeing the same thing as Kent.

[Kman]

Did to me too, untill I zoomed in on it.

I was afraid he put the drain in upside down.

[fathornet]

Ha, the drain does look weird in the photo.

I'll look into getting some Versabond thin-set for the tile once I complete the water test.

Planning ahead for worst case...if the Customblend doesn't hold as it should, what do I do? Pull up the Kerdi and apply Versabond over the Customblend?

[Kman]

Depends. If it's just a small part of a seam, you could seal it with Kerdifix. Widespread failure? That would be cause for a redo.

[Davy]

Versabond is a lightly modified thinset which would void Schluter's warranty. I'd still use the Versabond though.