Removing the Mortar Bed From a Shower Floor

Cover the center shower drain with strips of duct tape before beginning. This prevents the mortar dust and particles from clogging up the drain.

Locate and put on the proper safety gear prior to beginning the demolition process. Proper gear includes a dust mask, safety glasses and thick work gloves.

Kneel at the side of the mortar bed and examine it closely for any cracks. If cracks are present, begin the demolition there, since the mortar will break easier. Otherwise, start breaking the mortar at one edge.

Place the tip of a cold chisel on top of the mortar. Hit the top of the chisel with firm force, using a 3-pound sledgehammer. Continue hitting the chisel until the mortar cracks and you create a hole all the way down to the tar paper.

Set the chisel and sledgehammer aside and insert a long pry bar into the hole you chiseled. Push down hard on the end of the pry bar to lift up a large portion of the mortar.

Continue the process of chiseling and prying up the mortar pieces all the way around the perimeter of the shower floor.

Scoop up the removed mortar chunks with a shovel and place the pieces into a 5-gallon bucket. Once full, take the bucket outdoors and empty it into a dumpster.