Ask Builderguru
Question:
What are link seals?
- Category:
- Posted:
- Oct 23, 2007
Answer:
As you all know floor leaks are a continuing problem.
Any and all plumbing penetrations should have all pipes secured in the concrete deck. This means that prior to finished floor being installed all pipes should be grouted in, so they cannot move independently of the concrete slab. This should be scoped in the project and money allocated for this to happen. If this was to be in a plumbing scope, there could be a union jurisdiction issue; who would install the plywood to underside of deck and who would mix and install grout.
What happens if these penetrations are not secure is that foot traffic and carts traveling over floor drains, floor sinks, trough drains, etc. move independently and the water proofing membrane fails. To go in an occupied space 2-3 months after opening and make these repairs is very expensive. Link seals are a great way to deal with the issue. They provide a flexible water seal and acoustical properties as well.
Don’t be fooled by this, it will only work in a nice drilled hole. A chopped up hole in the floor for a floor sink or drain will not work. What does work is the original suggestion below.
Grouting in with non-shrink grout and or forming below with plywood and locking the pipe, bowl, and or drain tightly in place so it can’t rock or become loose will help prevent the waterproofing to become fractured.
If there is floor deflection (as in most floors that are not slabs on grade), the floor deflection will eventually crack the seal around the drain and tile. Sealed lead pans or membrane with mesh usually work the best.