If you’re planning on replacing any of the piping below the drain, make sure to choose a piece of PVC pipe that fits. Fernco's shower drain connectors are used by professionals nationwide. 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. 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). 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 … 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. Tighten the compression nut inside the drain body with a screwdriver to seal the connection, then snap the strainer into place. Make sure the section with the weep holes does not get clogged with mortar. 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. Most drains are made to fit a two-inch drain pipe, which is standard for most stand-alone showers. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Shower Drain Grid, Drain Grates, Grids and Strainers, Pipe Dia. 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. Then remove the drain body fully. Add To List Click to add item Sioux Chief 2" PVC Inside Pipe Drain to your list. 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. Shower floor is getting remodeled or re-tiled, You want a different style of drain cover. 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. 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. Ferguson is the #1 US plumbing supply company and a top distributor of HVAC parts, waterworks supplies, and MRO products. Your email address will not be published. Best Bio Bidet for You: Finding the Perfect Machine to Get You Clean. Learn how to install a shower drain with these easy steps. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. PVC is white; ABS is black. A well … 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. 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. Tight spots spell trouble. Every drain channel comes fully assembled and … Before You Install A New Shower Drain The shower drain body is the removable fixture that sits underneath the strainer. In most cases, you won’t be able to avoid cutting through the ceiling below the shower to gain access. Required fields are marked *. Although linear shower drains are popular and unique, they require a little more time and expertise. Cheaper isn’t always your best option, especially if you’re replacing a drain in a shower that’s used on a daily basis. 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. Install the Sanitary Tee. 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. A 2-inch drain pipe is better. If you have a drain kit (which is often easiest to install), have all your parts organized and take a look at the instructions. Like compression drains, glue-on drains are also available as ABS or PVC. If the clog gets large enough, it will cause … 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. Sku # 6896111. Create a Makeshift Drain Snake with a Wire Coat Hanger. After you’ve picked out your shower drain, you should be ready to install the new one. Find PVC shower drains at Lowe's today. 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). If your home has three-inch drainpipes, it pays to pick up a box of size-adaptable drains to have on hand. Compare Click to add item "Sioux Chief 2" PVC Inside Pipe Drain" to the compare list. The first step is to remove the old drain. 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). If there’s sluggish water in your shower area, drain all of it first. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. A serious drain blockage may even result in bathroom flooding, or leaks developing as standing water may seep through shower joints. Then, just like that, what should have been a simple drain replacement turns into a major project. Your email address will not be published. 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