Chloe Zhang
Installing a plastic shower drain can be a tricky process, especially if you're dealing with a misaligned PVC pipe. Before beginning, ensure that the pipe is centred and supported, and that you have the necessary tools, such as primer, glue, and PVC fittings. It's also important to determine whether you'll be using putty or silicone for the installation. While some prefer putty for joining hard surfaces, others opt for silicone for its potential benefits in shower installations. The exact process may vary depending on the type of shower and drain, but it typically involves cutting the pipe to the correct height, gluing the drain piece, and ensuring proper gasket placement.
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What You'll Learn
Centering the pipe
First, locate the exact centre of the shower base hole. This is important to ensure that the drain will be positioned correctly. Once you have found the centre, you can begin to adjust the pipe to align with this point.
To centre the pipe, you have a few options. One method is to build an offset in the vertical using 45 or 22-degree fittings. This technique allows you to adjust the pipe's position without having to redo the plumbing. Ensure that the fittings you use are made of PVC and that you apply primer and glue during the process. Another option is to fur out the back wall, which can help move the base closer to the drain pipe.
When centring the pipe, make sure that the 2-inch pipe is approximately 4 inches above the current floor level. This height is important to ensure proper drainage and to avoid any potential sagging of the trap when the base is pushed down.
Finally, before installing the drain, consider using a product like Oatey No Caulk, which can be installed with 100% silicone instead of plumber's putty. This can provide a strong seal and is a preferred method by some installers.
Remember to take your time and carefully plan each step. If you have any doubts or concerns, it is always best to consult a professional plumber to ensure a correct and safe installation.
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Using glue or putty
If you're installing a plastic shower drain, there are a few options for how to secure it. One way is to use glue or putty.
If you're installing a no-caulk shower drain, you can apply a half-inch bead of plumber's putty around the underside of the no-caulk barrel flange. Then, place the no-caulk barrel through the top side of the shower base hole. Compress it down without twisting the drain. Next, place the rubber sealing washer and friction washer over the barrel to the underside of the shower base. Tighten the locking ring using adjustable pliers. Once fully tightened, remove any excess putty from the top of the drain.
Silicone is a popular choice for securing shower drains, as it is more water-resistant and durable than plumber's putty. It is also less likely to crack or deteriorate over time when exposed to moisture. To use silicone, apply a thin layer to the outside edge of the drainpipe and the inner surface of the smooth socket on the lower drain body. Immediately slide the drain pipe into the socket and hold it in place until the bond hardens. Let the silicone cure for 24 hours before using the shower.
If you're using a compression-style drain, you may not need to use glue or putty. However, if you're gluing a compression-style drain, make sure to measure carefully and test-fit the pieces before gluing. The drainpipe should come up to about 3/4 to 1 inch below the lip of the shower drain. You may need to trim the pipe to the right height using a hacksaw or plastic tubing cutter.
It's important to note that some sources advise against using glue for shower drains, as it can be difficult to install and you may only get one chance to get it right. Additionally, if you ever need to change the pan or redo the shower, a compression drain will allow you to do so without tearing out the connected drain line.
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Attaching the drain to the shower
If you are nervous about getting it right the first time, as you only get one shot, you may want to consider the first option. This way, you can ensure that the drain is securely attached to the pipe before positioning the shower.
Before gluing, make sure that the pipe is cut to the correct height. The drain piece that glues onto the pipe usually has a limited sleeve length for the gluing surface, so the height of the pipe needs to be precise.
When attaching the drain to the shower, you will also need to consider the gaskets. A rubber gasket and a cardboard friction gasket should be placed between the drain pieces.
Some people prefer to use silicone instead of putty when installing drains in showers. Silicone provides a strong seal and is flexible, which can be beneficial in a moist environment like a shower.
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Using silicone or putty
When installing a plastic shower drain, you may be wondering whether to use silicone or putty. Both have their advantages and specific use cases.
Using Silicone
Silicone is a popular choice for shower drain installation due to its water-resistant properties and durability. It is less likely to crack or deteriorate over time, even with constant exposure to moisture. Silicone is particularly suitable for ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) no-caulk shower drains, as plumber's putty is not approved for use with ABS materials. Before applying silicone, ensure that the shower base is made of ABS or another material compatible with silicone.
When using silicone, apply a bead of silicone caulk around the drain flange to create a watertight seal. You can also use silicone on both the top and bottom of the rubber seal, as it will help secure the drain in place.
Using Putty
Oatey Plumber's Putty is commonly used for no-caulk shower drain installations. It is suitable for various shower base materials, including granite, marble, quartz, sandstone, Corian®, plastic, and other porous surfaces. However, it is essential to use Oatey Stain-Free Plumber's Putty for these surfaces to prevent staining. Putty is generally applied around the underside of the no-caulk barrel flange to create a watertight seal.
One disadvantage of plumber's putty is its long drying time. It can remain pliable for an extended period, which may be a factor to consider when choosing between silicone and putty.
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Supporting the shower base
Before you begin, it is important to determine the type of shower base you have. In this case, we will be focusing on a prefab shower base made of Vikrell or composite material. This type of base is commonly used and offers some flexibility during the installation process.
One of the main challenges when installing a shower drain is ensuring that the PVC drain pipe aligns correctly with the shower base. Even a small misalignment of a few inches can be problematic. To address this, you can consider using furring strips or additional 2x4s. Attach these to the existing wood 2x4s on the rear wall to adjust the height of the shower base, bringing it closer to the drain pipe. This approach can save you from the tedious task of redoing the plumbing in the crawl space.
When adjusting the height of the shower base, it is crucial to ensure that the drain pipe is centred correctly. You can achieve this by building an offset in the vertical using 45 or 22-degree fittings. This will help you position the drain pipe accurately relative to the shower base hole.
Additionally, consider using silicone instead of putty when installing the drain. Silicone provides a more flexible and durable seal, which is beneficial in a moist shower environment. It is also important to ensure that the trap is well-supported within the floor. This will prevent sagging when you push the base onto the tailpiece, ensuring a secure and stable connection.
By carefully following these steps and paying attention to the alignment and support of the shower base, you can effectively install a plastic shower drain. Remember to take your time, work carefully, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a proper installation.
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Frequently asked questions
You can either redo the plumbing from below or use products that can make this process easier.
You can use furring strips or additional 2x4s to attach to the wood 2x4s on the rear wall to move the base closer to the drain pipe.
You can build an offset in the vertical using 45 or 22 fittings.
You can use either putty or silicone.
