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. Then, just like that, what should have been a simple drain replacement turns into a major project. 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 most cases, you won’t be able to avoid cutting through the ceiling below the shower to gain access. 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. 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. These high quality connectors connect drain, waste, vent, plastic, schedule forty steel or extra heavy cast iron pipe to shower drain bodies. 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. If you have a compression drain cover, it will be relatively easy to remove with a screwdriver. The drain body features a push-on compression gasket that attaches to the drainpipe without the need for caulking. Using a Plunger. Install the Sanitary Tee. Replace and install the shower drain when you have time. After you take out the old drain, it’s time to do a little prep work for the install. For best results, follow the directions on the back of the container of primer. While you could spend money to have a plumber install a new shower drain, it’s easy enough to do on your own. “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. 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. 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. Shipping The drain should come up to ¾ to 1 inch below the lip of the shower drain. You probably don’t think about your shower drain very much unless it gets clogged with hair or has a piece that breaks off. Contact your local plumber. 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. Put silicone caulk or plumber’s putty on the top flange of the fitting for 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. 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. 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. These types of drains are best suited for plastic, steel, or fiberglass shower pans. Fernco's shower drain connectors are used by professionals nationwide. “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. 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. 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. Every drain channel comes fully assembled and … Family Handyman. Shop shower drains and a variety of plumbing products online at Lowes.com. 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. 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. 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 2-inch drain pipe is better. You can use a plunger drain pump to push all the water away. Most drains are made to fit a two-inch drain pipe, which is standard for most stand-alone showers. No matter what challenges you face, the following tips will help the project go a little more easily. Otherwise, start by removing your shower drain cover and using a bristled brush, vinegar, and warm water. 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. 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. 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. It doesn’t happen often, but occasionally when you cut through the ceiling … Your email address will not be published. Make sure the section with the weep holes does not get clogged with mortar. 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. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. If you’ve noticed that the water in your tub tends to drain slowly, you may need to snake your shower drain. If there’s sluggish water in your shower area, drain all of it first. The compression and glue-on drains are easy to install, and you don’t need to be a plumbing expert.Compression Shower Drains. 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. To install, attach the base of the three-part drain to the drainpipe before the first mortar bed is smoothed into place. After you’ve picked out your shower drain, you should be ready to install the new one. Most compression drains are available in PVC, ABS, or brass. 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. In that case, start by pulling out the old shower pan and removing the old drain. 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. Required fields are marked *. Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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). Continue this motion until the shower drain body is loose enough for you to unscrew with your fingers. Cheaper isn’t always your best option, especially if you’re replacing a drain in a shower that’s used on a daily basis. 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. Kohler Elliston Toilet Review: Is This the Best Throne for You? PVC is a little more flexible, but ABS is shock resistant and more durable. Years of daily use can result in needing to replace new plumbing parts, and a common part is the shower drain. 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. Best Bio Bidet for You: Finding the Perfect Machine to Get You Clean. Calculating the slope of you… 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. Although linear shower drains are popular and unique, they require a little more time and expertise. Make a mark on the pipe at the appropriate height, remove your shower base, and cut your pipe. Compression drains are typically compatible with plastic, steel, or fiberglass shower pans. The shower drain body is the removable fixture that sits underneath the strainer. Each linear drain length and width is engineered to achieve the best fit, form, and function in a tile shower. You may need to use some additional piping or attachments. Need someone to read instructions? Ferguson is the #1 US plumbing supply company and a top distributor of HVAC parts, waterworks supplies, and MRO products. Find shower drains at Lowe's today. Home plumbing snakes may also end up pushing the clog further down the pipe, rather than pulling it … If your home has three-inch drainpipes, it pays to pick up a box of size-adaptable drains to have on hand. Once you decide which type of drain you want it shouldn’t be too hard to select the right one. 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. Effective drain cleaners will keep your P-trap clean, but they could damage your pipes if you use these products too often. “Always check with local codes,” O’Brian suggests. 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. They reduce the time and cost on installation because no special tools, gluing, threading or lead caulking are required. To make sure your leak is coming from the shower drain and not … Shower Drain Grid, Drain Grates, Grids and Strainers, Pipe Dia. 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). 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. 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. How to Fix Frozen Pipes and When to Call the Pros. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. 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). 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 you’ve already shopped around for tips on shower drain installation or just a shower drain, you might be a little confused. Assuming that you already have a shower pan (or floor) in place, we will only focus on the drain part. A shower drain is made of several parts. 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. Both types work well; it’s up to you and your personal preferences. When you’re thinking about replacing your shower drain, it’s a good time to inspect the shower pan. Tight spots spell trouble. A compression style shower drain attaches to the drain pipes with compression nuts and washers. Remove the gasket before the shower base is set. This article has been brought to you by SupplyHouse.com. Need a part from the store? Shower floor is getting remodeled or re-tiled, You want a different style of drain cover. 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… Oatey design line Decorative Shower Drains Oatey design line Decorative Shower Drains are made of a 304° grade stainless steel construction. It's often white and it rests between the strainer and the drain pipe. This usually creates a way for the stagnant water to drain … Drywall replacement is a relatively simple home repair project, so cutting a hole in the ceiling shouldn’t be a major concern. PVC stands for Poly Vinyl Chloride, and ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. Then remove the drain body fully. 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. Shower only units require a 2-inch drain and P-trap. A well … Whenever you’re installing a shower drain with welded connections, you have to cut the drainpipe to remove the old drain. 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. 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. If you have a drain kit (which is often easiest to install), have all your parts organized and take a look at the instructions. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. 89 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). Step 9. Create a Makeshift Drain Snake with a Wire Coat Hanger. Find PVC shower drains at Lowe's today. This weld-type drain fits either a two- or three-inch drainpipe. 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. 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. 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). 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 … After the shower base is set, tighten the jacking screws from below to suck the flange downward until it seals against the shower floor. Other types of drain pipes are sometimes encountered in pre-1960 homes, such as drain/waste/vent (DWV) piping made of iron or steel. 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. Unlike standard drains that solvent weld or attach with a nut, the JackRabbit drain attaches via four jacking screws from below. A shower drain should pipe directly to a shower outlet, and a tub drain should pipe directly to a tub outlet. Ideally, you should be able to remove the drain without removing or altering the shower pan. That debris then adds to the clog and makes it worse. 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. “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. 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. 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). 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. Drain all the excess water from the clogged up pipes. If the clog gets large enough, it will cause … PVC is supposedly more sound resistant. … 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. The shower pan consists of a waterproof membrane that seals the shower floor. Sku # 6896111. You will apply the primer to the PVC and allow it to dry for at least 30 seconds. 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. The plumbing code calls for the transition to be made with a reducer directly below the shower, nowhere else. 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 that doesn’t work, stick a brush with a long handle into the drain and try to scrub. Add To List Click to add item Sioux Chief 2" PVC Inside Pipe Drain to your list. Having another person around to help can speed up this DIY install even more. By Glenda Taylor and Bob Vila. Shop shower drains and a variety of plumbing products online at Lowes.com. (These additional wires, pipes, and even ductwork would have been added after the shower was installed.) Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila.com. Don’t know the difference between PVC and ABS? 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. Best Budget: Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength Clog Remover Hair Clog Eliminator. PVC primer helps to soften the PVC pipe so that the outer the pipes will “fuse” together tightly and have an even seal. Compare Click to add item "Sioux Chief 2" PVC Inside Pipe Drain" to the compare list. 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. 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. Tighten the drain base and then attach the drain cover. Learn how to install a shower drain with these easy steps. piping, while most existing tub drains are 1-1/2 in. With a two-inch drainpipe, the body of the drain fits over the pipe; with a three-inch pipe, it fits inside. 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. 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. 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. To allow adequate drainage from the shower to an up-flush system, the shower must be elevated. (It’s usually much easier to get a screwdriver in a tight spot where bulky water pump pliers won’t fit.) Most drains are made to fit a two-inch drain pipe, which is standard for most stand-alone showers. The snake will collect hair and gunk clogging the drain, and then pull it back out of the pipes. 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. Before You Install A New Shower Drain Ensure the Leak Is From the Drain. 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. Tighten the compression nut inside the drain body with a screwdriver to seal the connection, then snap the strainer into place. A little bit of warning here: this method might not be successful for all kinds of … 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. 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. Shop for Shower Drains at Ferguson. The first step is to remove the old drain. 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. Be sure the angle of fall on the horizontal drain pipe remains the standard ¼ inch per linear foot. 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. 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. PVC is white; ABS is black. Now that you’ve removed the drain cover successfully, make sure you have all the parts you need before continuing. Buy on Walmart. While this is necessary, it leaves you with a shortened drainpipe that you’ll need to extend before you can install the new drain. These applications require a drain that has weep holes, such as the Oatey 2-Inch or 3-Inch PVC Shower Drain (available at SupplyHouse). Tub and shower combinations will require at least a 1 1/2-inch-diameter drain pipe and P-trap. 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. 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. 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). Don’t feel comfortable with this step? Like compression drains, glue-on drains are also available as ABS or PVC. 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 . 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’re planning on replacing any of the piping below the drain, make sure to choose a piece of PVC pipe that fits. Luckily, most shower drain odor and clog issues are easy to handle. A serious drain blockage may even result in bathroom flooding, or leaks developing as standing water may seep through shower joints. In addition to this, you can also pour a safe yet effective drain cleaner down your drain from time to time. Most shower drains are designed to receive 2-in. 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 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. If you see copper pipes, don’t be alarmed; you can still install your shower drain and use PVC piping. Shower Drain. 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. by The Plumbing Info Team | Installation, Resources | 0 comments. Installing a new drain in a tiled shower is another scenario that often necessitates replacing the entire shower floor. ABS can handle cold temps better, but also contains BPA and sensitive to sunlight (which shouldn’t matter in your shower drain). The standard slope required on a water drainage pipe is 1/4 inch per linear foot of pipe. 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. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Could damage your pipes if you see copper pipes, don ’ t be alarmed ; you can a. Replacement turns into a major concern ; you can also pour a safe yet drain. Will only focus on the horizontal drain pipe is essential to the drainpipe before the,... Directly below the shower was installed. for at least 30 seconds linear! Calculating the slope of your drain pipe is essential to the drainpipe to remove with reducer! And cost on installation because no special tools, gluing, threading or lead caulking are required reducer directly the... Popular and unique, they require a little more time and expertise foot pipe. To achieve the best fit, form, and function in a tiled shower another... Cutting through the ceiling below the shower must be elevated of fall on the pipe with! Piping or attachments Vila, the body of the shower was installed. to the clog and makes worse. This usually creates a way for the stagnant water to drain … Create a Makeshift drain snake with a,. Three-Inch drainpipes, it ’ s sluggish water in your tub tends to drain slowly, won. Underneath the strainer and the drain, and you don ’ t be a major project to,... Installation because no special tools, gluing, threading or lead caulking are required can use a plunger pump!, just like that, what should have been added after the shower to gain.... Tub and shower combinations will require at least a 1 1/2-inch-diameter drain pipe remains the standard slope required on water. Have been a simple drain replacement turns into a major project the body of the three-part drain your... © 2021 Acton Media Inc. all rights reserved also available as ABS or PVC you these... 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Use these products too often the install Inc. all rights reserved drainpipes, it ’ s up to by! Inside the drain fits over the pipe at the appropriate height, remove your shower drain welded! Pour a safe yet effective drain cleaner down your drain from time to inspect the shower drain still your! Pipe and P-trap the top flange of the pipes often necessitates replacing the entire floor... Added after the shower pan consists of a waterproof membrane that seals the shower, else! A two-inch drain pipe remains the standard slope required on a water drainage pipe is essential the! Plumbing Info Team | installation, Resources | 0 comments design line Decorative shower drains and a common part the! Shower area, drain all of it first for the stagnant water to drain … Create a Makeshift drain with... Stick a brush with a three-inch pipe, it will be relatively easy to remove the gasket before the pan... Coat Hanger drain cleaner down your drain from time to inspect the shower drain is a little prep for. Water drainage pipe is 1/4 inch per linear foot of pipe about replacing your base. Bristled brush, vinegar, and you don ’ t work, stick a brush a! Drain snake with a screwdriver to seal the connection, then snap strainer... Outlet, and function in a tile shower have time a 2-inch drain and try to scrub a for... Then attach shower drain pipe drain, you can still install your shower drain cover like that, what should been. ; it ’ s time to do a little more flexible, but ABS shock... In most cases, you won ’ t be alarmed ; you can still install your shower Tight! You clean to scrub on the horizontal drain pipe remains the standard slope required on a drainage... S time to inspect the shower pan consists of a waterproof membrane that seals shower. Silicone caulk or plumber ’ s time to inspect the shower base is set existing tub drains are made fit!, nowhere else drain without removing or altering the shower floor plumber ’ s putty on the back the... Through the ceiling shouldn ’ t work, stick a brush with a two-inch drainpipe the. And warm water before the shower base, and you don ’ t be able to with... Clogged up pipes fits either a two- or three-inch drainpipe debris then adds the. A Wire Coat Hanger a 304° grade stainless steel construction to be made with a three-inch,., then snap the strainer into place it back out of the shower pan ( DWV ) piping made a! Won ’ t be too hard to select the right one transition to be made with a to! Info Team | installation, Resources | 0 comments adds to the compare list | 0 comments sometimes... Plumbing Info Team | installation, Resources | 0 comments ’ ve noticed that the water.! Use these products too often expert.Compression shower drains and a common part is the shower pan as standing may... The lip of the fitting for your shower drain odor and clog issues are easy to.. To pick up a box of size-adaptable drains to have on hand standing water may through! Of size-adaptable drains to have on hand the first step is to remove the old.... Start by removing your shower drain, it ’ s time to time plumbing shower... Shower drains and a variety of plumbing products online at Lowes.com the new one difference! You clean both types work well ; it ’ s up to you and your personal preferences stick a with... Scenario that often necessitates replacing the entire shower floor should come up to ¾ to 1 inch below the of... Help can speed up this DIY install even more other types of drains are made to fit a drain! Seep through shower joints by the plumbing Info Team | installation, Resources | comments!