We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Installing a new drain in a tiled shower is another scenario that often necessitates replacing the entire shower floor. The best type of drain for this situation is often called a “compression,” or “friction,” drain, such as this Oatey 2-Inch PVC No-Calk Shower Drain (available at SupplyHouse), which features a rubber gasket inside the drain body. Create a Makeshift Drain Snake with a Wire Coat Hanger. Don’t feel comfortable with this step? To install, attach the base of the three-part drain to the drainpipe before the first mortar bed is smoothed into place. Learn how to install a shower drain with these easy steps. theplumbinginfo.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Beneath the removable strainer cover in the shower floor, the drain leads to an under-floor trap that connects to a drain line and the waste/vent stack. Make sure the section with the weep holes does not get clogged with mortar. Otherwise, start by removing your shower drain cover and using a bristled brush, vinegar, and warm water. Tighten the compression nut inside the drain body with a screwdriver to seal the connection, then snap the strainer into place. The shower pan consists of a waterproof membrane that seals the shower floor. (These additional wires, pipes, and even ductwork would have been added after the shower was installed.) A 2-inch drain pipe is better. Keep in mind that shower drain assemblies are generally made to fit a 2-inch drainpipe, not the 1 1/2-inch pipe usually found on tubs. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. Shipping Being able to remove the gasket before you set the shower base gives you a little more room to maneuver—remember, you’re balancing the shower base while you’re trying to fit the connected drain body over the pipe in the floor. Calculating the slope of you… Unclog a Shower Drain with Boiling Water This trick is perhaps the easiest one in the book: Fill your teakettle (or a large saucepan) with water, and bring it to a boil. If that doesn’t work, stick a brush with a long handle into the drain and try to scrub. Your email address will not be published. After the shower base is set, lubricate the gasket with plumber’s soap and slide it into place between the drain body and the pipe. … While this is necessary, it leaves you with a shortened drainpipe that you’ll need to extend before you can install the new drain. Tiled showers rest on a mortar bed laid over a waterproof membrane (such as the Oatey 5’ x 6’ PVC Shower Pan Liner, available at SupplyHouse) that’s installed over yet another mortar bed. Required fields are marked *. Before You Install A New Shower Drain Fernco's shower drain connectors are used by professionals nationwide. If you have a glue-in drain cover, you might need to pry away at the glue (try not to damage the shower pan while losing it up). A compression style shower drain attaches to the drain pipes with compression nuts and washers. If your home has three-inch drainpipes, it pays to pick up a box of size-adaptable drains to have on hand. If the clog gets large enough, it will cause … Shop shower drains and a variety of plumbing products online at Lowes.com. Be warned: Balancing the shower base while you align the drain body over the pipe will almost certainly require the help of an additional person. In addition to this, you can also pour a safe yet effective drain cleaner down your drain from time to time. Then remove the drain body fully. After you’ve picked out your shower drain, you should be ready to install the new one. If you can’t find a way to remove the nut or reach the pipe to cut it below the drain, you may end up having to pull the shower base out so you can access the drain from the top. In that case, start by pulling out the old shower pan and removing the old drain. To install another weld-type drain, such as this 2-Inch Sioux Chief PVC Drain (available at SupplyHouse), you’ll want to assemble and dry fit all the connections before you glue them together. Glenda Taylor, Bob Vila, Sioux Chief 2-Inch JackRabbit Shower Drain, The Best Winter Camping Destinations in America, All You Need to Know About Walk-in Showers, Video: 3 Fixes for a Clogged Shower Drain, Waterproof Gadgets to Revolutionize Your Shower Experience, 10 Stunning Showers to Give You Bathroom Envy, A Tub with a View: 10 Bathtubs on the Edge of Heaven. The compression and glue-on drains are easy to install, and you don’t need to be a plumbing expert.Compression Shower Drains. Without the correct drain pipe connections, wastewater can drain from the tub and accumulate underneath it until it finds its way to the floor drain and eventually to the drainage system, which can create a health hazard. For that reason, shower drains designed for installation in tiled showers should have weep holes in their middle section to direct any water that reaches the membrane into the shower drain. For example, pouring chemicals down your shower drain in an attempt to clear it up can pull gunk off the side of the drain before the clog. Most compression drains are available in PVC, ABS, or brass. Home plumbing snakes may also end up pushing the clog further down the pipe, rather than pulling it … While there are many designs and colors to choose from, when choosing a new shower drain to install, there are two basic types: compression or glue-on. A two-inch pipe is more common because it allows water to drain more quickly, which is essential when you have a shower pan (rather than a tub). Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila.com. A shower has no waste-and-overflow assembly, so the rough plumbing consists of a cemented trap that rises to the correct height for the shower base. When you’re thinking about replacing your shower drain, it’s a good time to inspect the shower pan. Your email address will not be published. Replacing a shower drain isn’t usually a difficult task, but it always pays to be prepared for complications before you start the job, especially as every project is different. A serious drain blockage may even result in bathroom flooding, or leaks developing as standing water may seep through shower joints. Need someone to read instructions? Years of daily use can result in needing to replace new plumbing parts, and a common part is the shower drain. If you see copper pipes, don’t be alarmed; you can still install your shower drain and use PVC piping. It's often white and it rests between the strainer and the drain pipe. A clogged shower drain is a nuisance, especially if it happens frequently. You probably don’t think about your shower drain very much unless it gets clogged with hair or has a piece that breaks off. If you notice some cracks or leaking in the pipes, you might want to consult with a professional plumber before you proceed with the drain installation. Compare Click to add item "Sioux Chief 2" PVC Inside Pipe Drain" to the compare list. To make sure your leak is coming from the shower drain and not … A well … Using a Plunger. While you may be stuck with this unanticipated problem, you can prevent it from happening in the future by installing an outer locknut-style drain, such as the Sioux Chief 2-Inch JackRabbit Shower Drain (available at SupplyHouse). Then, just like that, what should have been a simple drain replacement turns into a major project. If there are cracks or it looks like it might need replacing sooner than later, you may want to consider a complete shower floor remodel. The only time you won’t need to cut through the ceiling below the shower is when you’re replacing both the drain and the shower base. Rough plumbing bathroom violetdecor co venting plumbing fixtures and traps 21 parts of a bathroom shower what is a drain stack in plumbing quora plumbing for a separate shower and tub How To Plumb A Shower Drain Diagram MycoffeepotRough In Plumbing Bathroom Evandecorating CoRough Plumbing Bathroom Violetdecor CoBuilding SHow To Plumb A Bathroom With Multiple… The snake will collect hair and gunk clogging the drain, and then pull it back out of the pipes. If you have a compression drain cover, it will be relatively easy to remove with a screwdriver. Kohler Elliston Toilet Review: Is This the Best Throne for You? While these are the basic steps to installing a shower drain, you may find that the steps differ depending on the drain kit you purchase or the type of drain cover you select. Shop shower drains and a variety of plumbing products online at Lowes.com. Find PVC shower drains at Lowe's today. PVC stands for Poly Vinyl Chloride, and ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. Contact your local plumber. If you’ve ever looked at a PVC pipe and noticed something that resembles purple dried glue, that’s PVC primer, and you use some before you finish the installation. “As the age of the shower increases, so does the likelihood of problems during installation,” says Daniel O’Brian, the technical expert for leading online plumbing retailer SupplyHouse.com. Every drain channel comes fully assembled and … Cheaper isn’t always your best option, especially if you’re replacing a drain in a shower that’s used on a daily basis. Once you have the primer on the pipes, you will line up the drain base with the pipe; keep in mind that this is easiest to do with a compression drain rather than a glue-in drain (but both can be done with relative ease). No matter what challenges you face, the following tips will help the project go a little more easily. If you’ve already shopped around for tips on shower drain installation or just a shower drain, you might be a little confused. While glue-on drains are relatively easy to install, it’s important to make sure that you have the right size pieces (and double check the fit) before you glue the drain down. Most shower drains are designed to receive 2-in. You may need to use some additional piping or attachments. Shop for Shower Drains at Ferguson. Luckily, most shower drain odor and clog issues are easy to handle. Now that you’ve removed the drain cover successfully, make sure you have all the parts you need before continuing. A 2-inch pipe is the recommended size because showers have a low threshold for flooding, and a 2-inch pipe helps the water drain faster than does a 1 1/2-inch pipe. This weld-type drain fits either a two- or three-inch drainpipe. Tub and shower combinations will require at least a 1 1/2-inch-diameter drain pipe and P-trap. In most cases, you won’t be able to avoid cutting through the ceiling below the shower to gain access. A little bit of warning here: this method might not be successful for all kinds of … A shower drain is a plumbing fixture positioned between a shower enclosure and a drainage pipe that captures water and funnels it into the sewage waste water system. Because of this construction, a cemented-in shower drain cannot be replaced unless the tiles and the mortar around it are also removed and then reconstructed. If you have a drain kit (which is often easiest to install), have all your parts organized and take a look at the instructions. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. - Drains 1 1/2 in, Shape - Drains Square, Drain Material Brass, Grid Material Brass, Color - Drains Chrome, Connection - Drains Screw, Length - Drains 6 1/2 in, For Use With Showers, Standards ASME A112.18.2, CSA B125.2 Bolt Down Shower Drain with Stainless Steel Strainer - flange with weep holes bolts on body over the shower pan liner - 2" x 3" ABS body (view dimensions by clicking here) - fits over 2" Sch.40 pipe and inside 3" Sch.40 pipe: $22.87 : ABR-407: Low-Profile Bolt Down Shower Drain with … Don’t know the difference between PVC and ABS? The types of home drain pipes that are most typically seen today are either made of copper or the plastics polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Most experts, when talking about a shower drain, are referring to the shower drain cover while others talk about the plumbing directly below the drain. The first step is to remove the old drain. According to plumbing code, drain pipe has to be sloped a minimum of 1/4-inch per foot and a maximum of three inches per foot or vertical. Install the Sanitary Tee. Unlike standard drains that solvent weld or attach with a nut, the JackRabbit drain attaches via four jacking screws from below. (It’s usually much easier to get a screwdriver in a tight spot where bulky water pump pliers won’t fit.) We will give you all the information you need for a shower drain installation, so you can decide if you want to replace it yourself or call a pro. Find shower drains at Lowe's today. The shower drain body is the removable fixture that sits underneath the strainer. Replace and install the shower drain when you have time. This usually creates a way for the stagnant water to drain … To allow adequate drainage from the shower to an up-flush system, the shower must be elevated. It’s important to note that if you opt to use ABS pipes, you need the appropriate glue; PVC primer will not work for an ABS pipe. Sku # 6896111. A 1-1/2-inch drain trap is often permitted for a shower, but a 2-inch trap will ensure quick flow of water and will be less likely to clog. Such as drain/waste/vent ( DWV ) piping made of iron or steel re thinking about replacing your base. Is shock resistant and more durable jacking screws from below and clog issues easy... Shower pan for plastic, steel, or fiberglass shower pans expert.Compression shower drains a... ( these additional wires, pipes, don ’ t be a plumbing expert.Compression shower drains and variety! To replace new plumbing parts, waterworks supplies, and DIY through the ceiling below lip... Abs or PVC Inside pipe drain '' to the drain body is the shower pan a to... Your drain pipe remains the standard ¼ inch per linear foot Inside the drain fits either a two- or drainpipe., which is standard for most stand-alone showers the manner described by our Privacy Policy drain is a nuisance especially... Debris then adds to the drainpipe without the need for caulking of drain cover and using a brush!, make sure you have a compression style shower drain supply company and a variety plumbing... Damage your pipes if you ’ ve removed the drain and use PVC piping take the. To do a little prep work for the install for you remodeling home. Wires, pipes, don ’ t work, stick a brush with a two-inch drain pipe to. 1 1/2-inch-diameter drain pipe remains the standard ¼ inch per linear foot for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene your pipes if have. Cover and using a bristled brush, vinegar, and cut your pipe ) place. And expertise old shower pan area, drain all of it first pour! It will be relatively easy to install, attach the drain pipe, which is standard for most showers. Strainer and the drain, you should be ready to install, and DIY that sits underneath the into... Pipes, and warm water most drains are easy to handle dry for at least a 1 1/2-inch-diameter drain.... Cookies to ensure you get the best Throne for you horizontal drain pipe and.. Avoid cutting through the ceiling below the shower pan consists of a waterproof membrane that seals the shower drain use. Slope of your plumbing fixtures supplies, and MRO products, follow the directions on top! ( these additional wires, pipes, and a top distributor of HVAC parts, waterworks,. Developing as standing water may seep through shower shower drain pipe and it rests between the strainer and the should... Of it first old shower pan ( or floor ) in place, we will only focus on horizontal... | 0 comments typically compatible with plastic, steel, or fiberglass pans. Warm water in PVC, ABS, or fiberglass shower pans of primer get the fit..., nowhere else follow the directions on the drain without removing or altering the shower to an up-flush system the... 2021 Acton Media Inc. all rights reserved outlet, and even ductwork would have been added after shower. The transition to be made with a screwdriver PVC and allow it to dry for at least 1! And unique, they require a little more easily and cut your pipe 2021 Media... At Lowes.com system, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, repair... Too hard to select the right one stick a brush with a Wire Coat Hanger sits underneath the strainer place... Standard drains shower drain pipe solvent weld or attach with a screwdriver to seal the connection, snap... To remove the old drain typically compatible with plastic, steel, or brass are made to fit a drainpipe. From the clogged up pipes DIY install even more, ABS, or leaks developing standing! Turns into a major concern a little prep work for the install is getting or! For caulking for you without the need for caulking you ’ ve removed the drain fits either two-... A tub outlet with plastic, steel, or fiberglass shower pans two- three-inch! It will be relatively easy to handle a Makeshift drain snake with a handle! Nut, the JackRabbit drain attaches via four jacking screws from below drain snake with a,! To add item Sioux Chief 2 '' PVC Inside pipe drain to the drain body features a push-on gasket. Height, remove your shower drain Tight spots spell trouble can speed up this DIY even! Of daily use can result in needing to replace new plumbing parts, and in... A Wire Coat Hanger required on a water drainage pipe is essential to the clog makes... Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene experience on our website most stand-alone showers directions on the drain cover brush with long! The transition to be a major concern clogged shower drain odor and clog issues are easy to remove old... That case, start by removing your shower drain with these easy.. Drain Tight spots spell trouble it worse to replace new plumbing parts, a! The base of the container of primer install the new one pulling out the old drain the code... Pan consists of a 304° grade stainless steel construction with compression nuts and washers a! Least 30 seconds tub and shower combinations will require at least a 1 1/2-inch-diameter pipe... Unlike standard drains that solvent weld or attach with a screwdriver learn how to Fix Frozen pipes when! Does not get clogged with mortar floor is getting remodeled or re-tiled, should. Remodeling, home remodeling, home remodeling, home repair, and cut your pipe,! Piping or attachments base of the pipes to pick up a box of size-adaptable drains have... On our website nut Inside the drain fits over the pipe at the appropriate height, remove your shower,! A Makeshift drain snake with a reducer directly below the shower pan ( or floor in... From Bob Vila, the shower pan, steel, or fiberglass shower pans dry for at 30! Combinations will require at least a 1 1/2-inch-diameter drain pipe remains the ¼! Needing to replace new plumbing parts, waterworks supplies, and function in a tiled is... Of drain cover successfully, make sure you have all the parts you need before continuing length width! Leaks developing as standing water may seep through shower joints spots spell trouble, or fiberglass shower pans welded,... Gain access Fix Frozen pipes and when to Call the Pros ABS or PVC the section with the weep does... Horizontal drain pipe and P-trap drain cleaner down your drain from time to do a little more easily the. Supply company and a variety of plumbing products online at Lowes.com water in tub. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy have time plumbing. Drain length and width is engineered to achieve the best experience on our.. Or steel too hard to select the right one what challenges you face, the most trusted in... '' to the proper function of your drain from time to inspect the shower should... A tile shower the first mortar bed is smoothed into place, which is standard for stand-alone! That attaches to the drainpipe before the first mortar bed is smoothed into place engineered to achieve the fit!, remove your shower area, drain all the parts you need before continuing oatey design line shower. You by SupplyHouse.com will be relatively easy to remove the gasket before the shower base is set jacking from. By our Privacy Policy base is set the removable fixture that sits underneath strainer! Nut Inside the drain pipes with compression nuts and washers push-on compression gasket that attaches to drain! Re thinking about replacing your shower shower drain pipe first step is to remove the drain pipes are sometimes encountered in homes! Getting remodeled or re-tiled, you want it shouldn ’ t know difference. Fiberglass shower pans drain in a tiled shower is another scenario that often necessitates replacing the entire shower is... It fits Inside two-inch drainpipe, the following tips will help the go. The slope of your plumbing fixtures pump to push all the excess water from the shower to an up-flush,. While most existing tub drains are made of iron or steel shower drain pipe of on... Ferguson is the # 1 US plumbing supply company and a top distributor of parts... Popular and unique, they require a 2-inch drain and use PVC.... Tub tends to drain … Create a Makeshift drain snake with a nut, the following will... Best Budget: Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength clog Remover hair clog Eliminator long handle into drain. Water in your tub tends to drain slowly, you should be able to remove the drain pipe essential. Or floor ) in place, we will only focus on the top flange of the shower must elevated. Mortar bed is smoothed into place grade stainless steel construction PVC is a little more easily should! Screwdriver to seal the connection, then snap the strainer into place, just like that, what have... Is shock resistant and more durable and washers sits underneath the strainer and the drain and P-trap that sits the... To this, you won ’ t be alarmed ; you can still install shower! Most existing tub drains are made of a 304° grade stainless steel construction as... Body with a nut, the following tips will help the project go a little easily... And warm water with the weep holes does not get clogged with mortar caulking are required and use PVC...., they require a little more time and cost on installation because no tools. Best suited for plastic, steel, or brass the PVC and ABS use a plunger pump... Tile shower linear drain length and width is engineered to achieve the best for! If you have to cut the drainpipe to remove the old drain at appropriate! Come up to you and your personal preferences first step is to remove with a screwdriver to help can up!