Project Summary
- Hours of Operation: 1 to 4 hours
- Overall Duration: 1 to 2 days
- Proficiency Level: Intermediate
- Projected Expense: $15 to $100
When selecting a shower drain, you have a variety of choices available. Your decision will be influenced by the design of your shower base, the plumbing system in your home, and the guidelines provided by the manufacturers of both the shower pan and the drain.
It’s important to remember that shower drain assemblies are typically designed for a 2-inch drainpipe, rather than the 1 1/2-inch pipe that is commonly used for bathtubs. The 2-inch pipe is preferred because showers are more susceptible to flooding, and a larger pipe allows for quicker drainage compared to a 1 1/2-inch pipe. Therefore, if you’re transitioning from a tub and shower combo to a standalone shower, you will probably need to replace the drain pipe with a larger size.
Every kind of drain assembly comes with a specific installation procedure.
- Drains designed in a compression style
- Drains bonded with solvent adhesive
- Paved drainage systems
Contents
Requirements for Your Task
Devices / Instruments
- Saw or pipe cutter
- Adjustable pliers
- Sealant applicator
- Screwdrivers
Materials
- Shower drainage system assembly
- Silicone sealant
- Primer for plastic pipes (if necessary)
- Solvent adhesive for plastic pipes (as required)
Instructions
Steps for Installing a Compression-Style Shower Drain
Compression-style shower drains connect to household drainage systems using compression washers and nuts. This type is typically simpler to install compared to solvent-glued drains, particularly when there is no access to a basement or crawlspace beneath the shower. Compression drain assemblies come in materials such as ABS, PVC, or brass, with PVC increasingly gaining popularity. All these materials are compatible with shower bases made of steel, fiberglass, or acrylic.
Typically, the drain fitting for a compression shower drain is placed into the shower base prior to securing the base in its final location.
Cut the Downspout
When installing a compression-style shower drain fitting, the drainpipe needs to be positioned approximately 3/4 to 1 inch beneath the edge of the shower drain, adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines. It may be necessary to temporarily place the shower base to determine the correct height, after which the base can be removed to cut the pipe. You can use a hacksaw or a plastic tubing cutter to trim the drainpipe. If opting for a hacksaw, ensure that the cut is straight and even.
Connect the Drain Assembly.
Place a line of silicone caulk around the upper edge of the shower drain opening, then position the drain assembly into the opening. From beneath the shower base, slide the rubber sealing washer and the cardboard friction washer onto the drain assembly tailpiece. Secure the mounting nut onto the tailpiece and tighten it using channel-lock pliers. Remove any excess caulk that has squeezed out around the drain assembly.
Place the Shower Base in Position
Place the shower base thoughtfully, ensuring that the drainpipe rises into the drain assembly.
Place the compression gasket into position.
Insert the flexible rubber compression gasket into the drain opening, ensuring it surrounds the drainpipe. Screw the compression nut into the drain opening and secure it tightly. Typically, compression drains include a fitting tool that allows you to tighten the nut from within the drain using a screwdriver. As you tighten it, the rubber gasket compresses against the drainpipe, forming a waterproof seal. Once the fitting tool is removed, place the grate over the drain opening. Let the silicone cure for a complete 24 hours before using the shower.
Steps for Installing a Shower Drain with Solvent Adhesive
It is advisable to use solvent-glued drain assemblies only if you can access the area beneath the shower from an unfinished basement or crawlspace. If such access is unavailable, opting for a compression-style drain assembly is a more suitable option.
Shower drain assemblies that are bonded with solvent are typically made from PVC plastic, although older models might be constructed from ABS plastic. When dealing with a plastic drainpipe, it’s important to ensure that the shower drain corresponds to the plastic type used in the drainage system. Similar to compression-style shower drains, this type is compatible with shower bases made from steel, fiberglass, and acrylic.
When using solvent-glued fittings, achieving accurate pipe measurements can be more challenging. Therefore, it’s essential to take precise measurements and perform a test fit of the components prior to applying the adhesive.
Modify the Downspout
Adhere to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer for setting the drainpipe to the correct elevation. In the case of numerous drain fittings, this typically involves cutting the pipe to align precisely with the subfloor level.
Assemble the Drain Components
Typically, shower drain assemblies that use solvent glue consist of multiple components: a strainer cover, an upper section that fits through the drain opening in the shower base, and a lower section featuring female threads that attach to the upper section, along with a smooth female socket that is bonded to the drain pipe. Start by taking apart all the components of the drain assembly. Gently place the cardboard friction washer and the rubber sealing washer aside.
Place the upper section of the drain assembly into position.
Place a line of silicone caulk around the edge of the shower drain opening. Then, promptly position the upper part of the drain assembly into the opening and apply pressure.
Fasten the Drain Assembly securely.
Begin by positioning the rubber sealing gasket beneath the shower base, followed by the paper friction gasket, aligning it with the male threads of the upper section. Next, screw the lower section of the drain assembly onto the upper section. Secure the assembly by twisting the components together until silicone begins to seep out around the drain opening’s flange. Remove any surplus silicone. Finally, affix the metal grate to the upper part of the drain assembly.
Adhere the drainpipe to the drain assembly using solvent adhesive.
Starting from the level beneath the shower base, apply plastic pipe primer to the outer rim of the drainpipe and the inner surface of the smooth socket on the lower drain assembly. Next, apply a thin coat of solvent adhesive to the same areas. Quickly insert the drain pipe into the socket of the drain assembly and maintain pressure until the adhesive sets. Allow the solvent adhesive and silicone sealant to cure completely for 24 hours before using the shower.
Steps for Installing a Tile Shower Drain
Custom-tiled shower drain assemblies consist of three components, each installed during different stages of the tile pan setup. The waterproof membrane liner is positioned between two lower flanges, which are secured with bolts. This liner serves as the primary barrier against water, ensuring that any moisture that seeps beneath the mortar is directed into the drain rather than leaking through the shower pan. The last component, the strainer assembly, is the only part that remains visible once the shower pan is finished.
When a tile expert is setting up your personalized shower base, they will take care of the drain installation as a part of the procedure.
Attach the lower flange.
Once the shower subfloor is properly prepared and cleaned, the next step is to position the bottom flange of the shower drain into the drainpipe, typically using solvent adhesive. Following this, a layer of mortar is spread around the drain opening, ensuring a slope of 1/4 inch per foot that directs water away from the walls and towards the drain. After the mortar has set, a waterproof membrane liner is placed over the floor and the lower flange of the shower drain. Silicone caulk is then applied to secure the liner to the drain flange, and the excess liner around the drain opening is trimmed away.
Attach the central flange.
Position the central flange of the drain fitting over the liner and the drain opening, and fasten it to the lower flange located beneath the liner using bolts. This will create a secure sandwich of the liner between the two flanges. At this stage, it is a standard procedure to pour water over the shower pan to inspect the liner for any leaks.
Set up the Strainer Assembly.
Attach the drain strainer assembly to the drain, ensuring it rises above the liner. This component typically features male threads that connect to the female threads of the middle flange. The height of the strainer assembly will vary based on the tile installation method, so be sure to adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines. If you’re installing tile on a solid mortar bed, the extension may reach up to 1 1/2 inches. Once this is complete, you can proceed with the ceramic tile installation, which generally includes adding a second layer of mortar followed by the ceramic tile on top. Make sure to grout, seal, and allow the installation to cure before using the shower.
