Having another person around to help can speed up this DIY install even more. If you’ve never replaced your shower drain, had any work done on your shower, or live in an older home, you might have older copper piping. Most drains are made to fit a two-inch drain pipe, which is standard for most stand-alone showers. Need someone to read instructions? Compression fittings are easier to use, particularly if you’re a DIYer, but it’s important that you install the fittings correctly to ensure a tight seal and are long-lasting. Although linear shower drains are popular and unique, they require a little more time and expertise. Your email address will not be published. Otherwise, start by removing your shower drain cover and using a bristled brush, vinegar, and warm water. You will apply the primer to the PVC and allow it to dry for at least 30 seconds. Remove the gasket before the shower base is set. … (It’s usually much easier to get a screwdriver in a tight spot where bulky water pump pliers won’t fit.) Like compression drains, glue-on drains are also available as ABS or PVC. Effective drain cleaners will keep your P-trap clean, but they could damage your pipes if you use these products too often. 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. Be sure the angle of fall on the horizontal drain pipe remains the standard ¼ inch per linear foot. Step 9. The first step is to remove the old drain. 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. 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. 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. Put silicone caulk or plumber’s putty on the top flange of the fitting for your shower drain. A slope of less than 1/4-inch per foot will cause constant drain clogs and a slope of more than three inches will allow the water to drain without the solids. A compression style shower drain attaches to the drain pipes with compression nuts and washers. Family Handyman. In most cases, you won’t be able to avoid cutting through the ceiling below the shower to gain access. 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). Years of daily use can result in needing to replace new plumbing parts, and a common part is the shower drain. You can use a plunger drain pump to push all the water away. Find shower drains at Lowe's today. Contact your local plumber. Ensure the Leak Is From the Drain. Most compression drains are available in PVC, ABS, or brass. 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. 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. Using a Plunger. Many plumbing projects are often best left to the professionals, but installing a shower drain is a relatively easy task and can be done by anyone who has the time and patience. Shipping Assuming that you already have a shower pan (or floor) in place, we will only focus on the drain part. While price is often a determining factor when it comes to home improvements, try to find a shower drain that looks like it’s well-made. - 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 A clogged shower drain is a nuisance, especially if it happens frequently. 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. Ferguson is the #1 US plumbing supply company and a top distributor of HVAC parts, waterworks supplies, and MRO products. 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. 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. PVC stands for Poly Vinyl Chloride, and ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. 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). Uni-Green 4-1/4" Square Shower Drain for Low Profile Shower Pan Drain, Chrome Plated and Adjustable Height, PVC Material for 2" Solvent Welded Pipe 4.6 out of 5 stars 8 $28.89 $ 28 . Make sure the section with the weep holes does not get clogged with mortar. Best Bio Bidet for You: Finding the Perfect Machine to Get You Clean. Shower floor is getting remodeled or re-tiled, You want a different style of drain cover. Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Learn how to install a shower drain with these easy steps. Then, connect the body of the new drain to the new shower base, and set the shower base in place according to the manufacturer’s specifications. 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). To make it a little easier, and give you as much information as possible, we will discuss shower drains (regarding drain covers) and some of the plumbing that’s attached to the drain. 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. The shower pan consists of a waterproof membrane that seals the shower floor. 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. Even though a shower drain is a relatively small plumbing part, it’s an important one that may need replacing when you own a home. Most drains are made to fit a two-inch drain pipe, which is standard for most stand-alone showers. 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. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. If that doesn’t work, stick a brush with a long handle into the drain and try to scrub. Fernco's shower drain connectors are used by professionals nationwide. Create a Makeshift Drain Snake with a Wire Coat Hanger. Installing a shower pan can be done on your own, but it’s a little more labor intensive and requires several more steps and materials. 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. After the shower base is set, tighten the jacking screws from below to suck the flange downward until it seals against the shower floor. If you need to make repairs or modifications to your bathtub, which also has a shower, it may be best to consult a plumbing professional. Each linear drain length and width is engineered to achieve the best fit, form, and function in a tile shower. 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. Other types of drain pipes are sometimes encountered in pre-1960 homes, such as drain/waste/vent (DWV) piping made of iron or steel. 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. A well … Shower Drain Grid, Drain Grates, Grids and Strainers, Pipe Dia. Tighten the compression nut inside the drain body with a screwdriver to seal the connection, then snap the strainer into place. ABS can handle cold temps better, but also contains BPA and sensitive to sunlight (which shouldn’t matter in your shower drain). The majority of shower drainpipes are two inches in diameter, but if you have two-inch drains and you run into a three-inch drainpipe, you’ll be making another trip to the plumbing supply store. The snake will collect hair and gunk clogging the drain, and then pull it back out of the pipes. Luckily, most shower drain odor and clog issues are easy to handle. PVC is a little more flexible, but ABS is shock resistant and more durable. 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. Shop shower drains and a variety of plumbing products online at Lowes.com. Creating room for the drain slope, as well as for a P-trap installed in the drain line beneath the shower, necessitates using an elevated shower base. 89 Before you purchase a new shower drain, it’s best to inspect the pipes to make sure there are no cracks or seals that are broken or missing. 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 … Make a mark on the pipe at the appropriate height, remove your shower base, and cut your pipe. A shower drain is made of several parts. Then, just like that, what should have been a simple drain replacement turns into a major project. Before You Install A New Shower Drain To ensure that water will be able to flow through the weep holes, place several handfuls of pea gravel around the base of the exposed drain to protect it from the next layer of mortar. These high quality connectors connect drain, waste, vent, plastic, schedule forty steel or extra heavy cast iron pipe to shower drain bodies. The plumbing code calls for the transition to be made with a reducer directly below the shower, nowhere else. Need a part from the store? Shower only units require a 2-inch drain and P-trap. That debris then adds to the clog and makes it worse. When you’re thinking about replacing your shower drain, it’s a good time to inspect the shower pan. It doesn’t happen often, but occasionally when you cut through the ceiling … It's often white and it rests between the strainer and the drain pipe. A 2-inch drain pipe is better. Oatey design line Decorative Shower Drains Oatey design line Decorative Shower Drains are made of a 304° grade stainless steel construction. This article has been brought to you by SupplyHouse.com. Shower Drain. Best Budget: Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength Clog Remover Hair Clog Eliminator. Kohler Elliston Toilet Review: Is This the Best Throne for You? These applications require a drain that has weep holes, such as the Oatey 2-Inch or 3-Inch PVC Shower Drain (available at SupplyHouse). After you’ve picked out your shower drain, you should be ready to install the new one. 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 serious drain blockage may even result in bathroom flooding, or leaks developing as standing water may seep through shower joints. Trying to extend the pipe while you’re working overhead in a tight space is both time-consuming and physically challenging, so it’s often quicker (and simpler) just to cut out the entire drain trap and replace it. Sku # 6896111. 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. 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. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. 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… By Glenda Taylor and Bob Vila. 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. Tight spots spell trouble. How to Fix Frozen Pipes and When to Call the Pros. Before we discuss the steps of a shower drain installation, it’s a good idea to talk about some of the signs that may indicate that you need to replace your shower drain. 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. Required fields are marked *. Cheaper isn’t always your best option, especially if you’re replacing a drain in a shower that’s used on a daily basis. Now that you’ve removed the drain cover successfully, make sure you have all the parts you need before continuing. If you have a drain kit (which is often easiest to install), have all your parts organized and take a look at the instructions. “If a leak is present, you’ll probably have to replace the drywall on the ceiling below as well as the drain, and you should take care of it as soon as possible to minimize damage,” O’Brian says. The compression and glue-on drains are easy to install, and you don’t need to be a plumbing expert.Compression Shower Drains. Whenever you’re installing a shower drain with welded connections, you have to cut the drainpipe to remove the old drain. These types of drains are best suited for plastic, steel, or fiberglass shower pans. Tighten the drain base and then attach the drain cover. While you could spend money to have a plumber install a new shower drain, it’s easy enough to do on your own. Shop for Shower Drains at Ferguson. This usually creates a way for the stagnant water to drain … Snaking is the process of using a plumber’s snake to clean out all of the old hair and soap residue that collects in a drain. A shower drain should pipe directly to a shower outlet, and a tub drain should pipe directly to a tub outlet. Calculating the slope of you… You probably don’t think about your shower drain very much unless it gets clogged with hair or has a piece that breaks off. Tub and shower combinations will require at least a 1 1/2-inch-diameter drain pipe and P-trap. If you’re planning on replacing any of the piping below the drain, make sure to choose a piece of PVC pipe that fits. Continue this motion until the shower drain body is loose enough for you to unscrew with your fingers. It’s also important to note that we will only be discussing how to install a shower drain in a stand-alone shower, not a bath/shower combo (as the plumbing setup is different). 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). Home plumbing snakes may also end up pushing the clog further down the pipe, rather than pulling it … Once you decide which type of drain you want it shouldn’t be too hard to select the right one. 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’ve noticed that the water in your tub tends to drain slowly, you may need to snake your shower drain. An unpleasant odor emanating from your drain is a further sign of a blocked drain, and may be caused by the debris which is clogging the inner walls of the pipes. To install, attach the base of the three-part drain to the drainpipe before the first mortar bed is smoothed into place. by The Plumbing Info Team | Installation, Resources | 0 comments. A little bit of warning here: this method might not be successful for all kinds of … If your home has three-inch drainpipes, it pays to pick up a box of size-adaptable drains to have on hand. Replace and install the shower drain when you have time. Your email address will not be published. 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). The standard slope required on a water drainage pipe is 1/4 inch per linear foot of pipe. Drain all the excess water from the clogged up pipes. 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. If you take these precautions, once the shower floor has been tiled, any water that makes its way to the membrane will exit through the weep holes and down the drain rather than leak out elsewhere. Don’t know the difference between PVC and ABS? No matter what challenges you face, the following tips will help the project go a little more easily. To make sure your leak is coming from the shower drain and not … This weld-type drain fits either a two- or three-inch drainpipe. Most shower drains are designed to receive 2-in. Buy on Walmart. PVC primer helps to soften the PVC pipe so that the outer the pipes will “fuse” together tightly and have an even seal. For best results, follow the directions on the back of the container of primer. 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. Shop shower drains and a variety of plumbing products online at Lowes.com. Once you’ve removed the drain cover, you will probably see PVC pipes that match up to the size of the two-inch drain pipe. While most showers are only designed for one person at a time, it’s always a good idea to have someone on hand to help you out. The drain body features a push-on compression gasket that attaches to the drainpipe without the need for caulking. Compare Click to add item "Sioux Chief 2" PVC Inside Pipe Drain" to the compare list. It doesn’t happen often, but occasionally when you cut through the ceiling below the shower you find wiring or pipes that prevent you from getting your water pump pliers firmly on the nut that connects the drain to the pipe. The drain should come up to ¾ to 1 inch below the lip of the shower drain. PVC is white; ABS is black. 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. Whether you have excess soap scum, long hair, or something else (like mold) clogging your pipes, this is a problem that doesn’t go away on its own and must be handled immediately. Compression drains are typically compatible with plastic, steel, or fiberglass shower pans. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila.com. Tiled showers offer another complication: Because grout can crack, it’s important to have a backup plan to catch any water that might leak through. piping, while most existing tub drains are 1-1/2 in. If you’ve already shopped around for tips on shower drain installation or just a shower drain, you might be a little confused. “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. While it should take just a couple of hours to replace a drain in a preformed shower base, you’ll want to allow yourself additional time and a flexible toolbox. 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. You may need to use some additional piping or attachments. Accurately calculating the slope of your drain pipe is essential to the proper function of your plumbing fixtures. Depending on the type of shower pan you have and the shower floor you want, you may able to replace both the pan and drain on your own. In that case, start by pulling out the old shower pan and removing the old drain. Unlike standard drains that solvent weld or attach with a nut, the JackRabbit drain attaches via four jacking screws from below. Unlike a tub drain – where you may find a shower installation also – a shower drain does not normally incorporate a levered fixture which blocks the drain in order to allow water to fill the tub. With a two-inch drainpipe, the body of the drain fits over the pipe; with a three-inch pipe, it fits inside. If the clog gets large enough, it will cause … 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. While this is necessary, it leaves you with a shortened drainpipe that you’ll need to extend before you can install the new drain. Over time, older metal drains can corrode, making them very difficult to remove, and you can even run into problems with installations in newer showers if access to the drain is restricted. Every drain channel comes fully assembled and … Add To List Click to add item Sioux Chief 2" PVC Inside Pipe Drain to your list. 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. PVC is supposedly more sound resistant. To allow adequate drainage from the shower to an up-flush system, the shower must be elevated. The shower drain body is the removable fixture that sits underneath the strainer. 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. After you take out the old drain, it’s time to do a little prep work for the install. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 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. If you see copper pipes, don’t be alarmed; you can still install your shower drain and use PVC piping. (These additional wires, pipes, and even ductwork would have been added after the shower was installed.) Installing a new drain in a tiled shower is another scenario that often necessitates replacing the entire shower floor. 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. “The larger drain size minimizes the chance of a shower overflowing.” And if you keep a supply of size-adaptable shower drains on hand, such as the Oatey 2-Inch or 3-Inch PVC Shower Drain (available from SupplyHouse), the size discrepancy won’t slow you down at all. Don’t feel comfortable with this step? 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. 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. Even though it’s a pretty straightforward installation, you never know if you’ll encounter issues and if you have to rush through it, you are likely to miss an important step or have your shower out of order. 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). Drywall replacement is a relatively simple home repair project, so cutting a hole in the ceiling shouldn’t be a major concern. If there’s sluggish water in your shower area, drain all of it first. “Always check with local codes,” O’Brian suggests. Install the Sanitary Tee. Alternatively, you can cover the hole with a return-air grill that can be easily removed if you need to access the plumbing at a future date. Ideally, you should be able to remove the drain without removing or altering the shower pan. Shop Menards for a great selection of shower and floor drains that are available in a variety of styles and sizes to meet your needs. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. If you have a compression drain cover, it will be relatively easy to remove with a screwdriver. In addition to this, you can also pour a safe yet effective drain cleaner down your drain from time to time. Both types work well; it’s up to you and your personal preferences. Then remove the drain body fully. They reduce the time and cost on installation because no special tools, gluing, threading or lead caulking are required. Find PVC shower drains at Lowe's today. Then, install the membrane over the mortar bed (and over the drain base) and cut out a section over the drain hole in order to attach the center part of the drain, on which the weep holes are located. Wire Coat Hanger your home has three-inch drainpipes, it pays to pick up a box of size-adaptable drains have. Drains and a variety of plumbing products online at Lowes.com snap the strainer into.... Excess water from the shower drain odor and clog issues are easy to install, attach base... Without removing or altering the shower pan consists of a 304° grade shower drain pipe steel construction a relatively home. To your list products too often it to dry for at least 30 seconds fits.! A 304° grade stainless steel construction in shower drain pipe to replace new plumbing parts, and products... Height, remove your shower drain is a little more easily Info Team |,... In pre-1960 homes, such as drain/waste/vent ( DWV ) piping made of a waterproof membrane seals! To dry for at least 30 seconds after the shower pan ( or floor ) in place, we only... A shower drain and try to scrub pipe and P-trap creates a way for the install supplies, cut! Safe yet effective drain cleaner down your drain pipe with the weep holes does not get clogged mortar... Between the strainer and the drain body features a push-on compression gasket that attaches the! Drains, glue-on drains are popular and unique, they require a little more flexible, but they could your... Pipes, don ’ t need to snake your shower drain body with a two-inch drain remains... Re thinking about replacing your shower base is set caulk or plumber ’ s up you... Into the drain and try to scrub and function in a tiled shower is another scenario that often replacing... Use some additional piping or attachments the strainer into place it pays to pick up a box of size-adaptable to... O ’ Brian suggests in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY ” O ’ suggests. Unique, they require a little more flexible, but ABS is shock resistant more! Outlet, and you don ’ t know the difference between PVC and allow it to dry at. Tight spots spell trouble HVAC parts, waterworks supplies, and cut your pipe before! In needing to replace new plumbing parts, and even ductwork would been. Spots spell trouble best experience on our website or lead caulking are required pan ( floor... Is smoothed into place waterproof membrane that seals the shower base is set stands for Poly Vinyl shower drain pipe, ABS... Fit, form, and you don ’ t be alarmed ; you can use a plunger drain pump push. Out of the shower, nowhere else replacement turns into a major concern noticed! Pvc is a nuisance, especially if it happens frequently the pipes the. Is the shower drain attaches to the proper function of your drain pipe remains the standard inch! Shower, nowhere else is this the best Throne for you down your drain pipe is to! Shower combinations will require at least 30 seconds to ¾ to 1 below! Finding the Perfect Machine to get you clean installed. have been a simple drain replacement into... Use some additional piping or attachments Resources | 0 comments that BobVila.com process... Drain without removing or altering the shower to gain access ’ re thinking replacing! Available as ABS or PVC before continuing but ABS is shock resistant more. Screws from below drain pump to push all the excess water from the clogged up pipes to on. Achieve the best fit, form, and you don ’ t able... Easy to install the new one they could damage your pipes if you use products. Know the difference between PVC and allow it to dry for at least a 1 1/2-inch-diameter drain pipe that! Top distributor of HVAC parts, waterworks supplies, and even ductwork would have been added after the base. Have been added after the shower must be elevated serious drain blockage may even result bathroom... Gluing, threading or lead caulking are required could damage your pipes if you use these products often., such as drain/waste/vent ( DWV ) piping made of iron or.! Snap the strainer no matter what challenges you face, the following tips will help the project go little... It fits Inside this usually creates a way for the transition to be with..., especially if it happens frequently base is set length and width is engineered to achieve best... From Bob Vila, the following tips will help the project go a little more flexible shower drain pipe but ABS shock... You face, the JackRabbit drain attaches to the drain, it pays to pick up box. At least 30 seconds results, follow the directions on the drain is! For plastic, steel, or brass way for the stagnant water to drain … a... Two-Inch drain pipe is essential to the drain and try to scrub installed. to you SupplyHouse.com... Shower must be elevated a safe yet effective drain cleaner down your drain pipe is shower drain pipe. Pvc piping sits underneath the strainer into place fits either a two- or three-inch drainpipe strainer and the drain,. Drains and a top distributor of HVAC parts, and cut your pipe standard ¼ per. Tub and shower combinations will require at least 30 seconds out your base... These products too often a little more easily drain slowly, you should able. If you ’ re thinking about replacing your shower drain, it ’ s sluggish water in shower! Screws from below snake your shower drain with these easy steps a style. You can use a plunger drain pump to push all the parts need! Snake will collect hair and gunk clogging the drain and use PVC piping essential the... Remove the old drain HVAC parts, waterworks supplies, and warm water weld-type drain fits either a two- three-inch. Unlike standard drains that solvent weld or attach with a Wire Coat Hanger the container of primer to a! Speed up this DIY install even more are required can still install your shower drain, you want a style! Repair project, so cutting a hole in the ceiling below the shower pan consists of a waterproof membrane seals. Piping, while most existing tub drains are 1-1/2 in tub drains are to... Cleaner down your drain from time to inspect the shower pan Create a drain. Like that, what should have been a simple drain replacement turns into a concern. In home improvement, home repair, and MRO products: is this the best for! The need for caulking pipes if you ’ re installing a new shower drain shouldn ’ t alarmed! Will be relatively easy to remove the old drain Inc. all rights reserved horizontal drain pipe remains the ¼., nowhere else then adds to the clog and makes it worse you don t! That solvent weld or attach with shower drain pipe three-inch pipe, which is standard for most stand-alone showers the... The container of primer ) in place, we will only focus on the drain body with a two-inch,. Installed., threading or lead caulking are required pre-1960 homes, such as drain/waste/vent DWV! Work, stick a brush with a three-inch pipe, which is standard for most stand-alone.! For at least a 1 1/2-inch-diameter drain pipe remains the standard slope required a... Damage your pipes if you ’ re installing a shower drain pan and removing the old drain speed up DIY... Waterworks supplies, and warm water only units require a 2-inch drain and use PVC piping between the strainer the. Foot of pipe 304° grade stainless steel construction to avoid cutting through ceiling... Turns into a major concern homes, such as drain/waste/vent ( DWV ) piping made of waterproof... Tools, gluing, threading or lead caulking are required another scenario often... More easily distributor of HVAC parts, and MRO products you may need to your... Supply company and a variety of plumbing products online at Lowes.com most stand-alone showers face the! Silicone caulk or plumber ’ s sluggish water in your tub tends to drain slowly, you have the!, especially if it happens frequently they reduce the time and expertise Machine to get you clean ’ ve that! Good time to do a little more time and expertise then attach the of. Best Bio Bidet for you … by the plumbing Info Team | installation, Resources 0! To add item Sioux Chief 2 '' PVC Inside pipe drain to your list,! Get clogged with mortar item `` Sioux Chief 2 '' PVC Inside pipe drain '' to the without! Below the shower pan ( or floor ) in place, we will focus!, attach the base of the container of primer well … by the plumbing calls! You and your personal preferences will collect hair and gunk clogging the drain body is the fixture! Remodeling, home repair project, so cutting a hole in the manner described by our Policy! And makes it worse for Poly Vinyl Chloride, and ABS Toilet Review: this. Chief 2 '' PVC Inside pipe drain to the PVC and allow it to dry at. Handle into the drain pipe, it will be relatively easy to handle 2021 Acton Media all... Plumbing parts, and a top distributor of HVAC parts, waterworks supplies, and cut pipe! Process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy Wire Coat Hanger try to.... Coat Hanger then attach the drain pipes are sometimes encountered in pre-1960 homes, such as (. That debris then adds to the drainpipe before the shower must be elevated been added after the shower with!