Omar Khalid
A leaky shower drain can cause significant damage to your home, so it's important to know how to fix it. This guide will teach you how to replace a plastic shower drain in five simple steps. First, you'll need to gather the right tools and materials, such as a flat-head screwdriver, pliers, and a new drain. Then, you'll need to remove the old drain by taking out any screws or bolts and using a drain removal tool or pliers to loosen and remove it. Next, clean the area thoroughly and install the new drain, ensuring it's sealed correctly. Once installed, test for leaks by plugging the drain and filling the shower base with water. If no leaks are detected, your new drain is ready to use!
How to replace a plastic shower drain
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to replace | When the existing drain becomes damaged or clogged beyond repair due to age, corrosion, or improper use. Signs include leaks, mould growth, unpleasant odours, poor water drainage, and standing water. |
| Tools and materials | Flat-head screwdriver, drain removal tool or pliers, gloves or tweezers, cleaning supplies, new drain, rubber gasket, adjustable pliers, rubber sealing washer, friction washer, locking ring, plumber's putty, wrench, screwdriver |
| Steps | 1. Remove screws or bolts securing the drain cover. 2. Use a screwdriver or pliers to pry off the drain strainer. 3. Remove the drain flange. 4. Scrape away old plumber's putty or silicone caulk. 5. Wash and dry the area. 6. Install the new drain, ensuring the rubber gasket fits snugly around the waste pipe. 7. Test for leaks by plugging the drain, filling the shower with water, and observing for any leaks. |
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What You'll Learn
Remove the drain cover
Removing the drain cover is the first step in replacing a shower drain. This process can be done at home, without the need for a professional plumber. However, it is important to be cautious and use the correct tools to avoid damaging the drain or injuring yourself.
First, identify if there are any screws or bolts securing the drain cover to the shower floor. If there are, use a screwdriver to remove them. Flat-head screwdrivers are particularly useful for prying off the drain strainer. If the drain strainer does not come off easily, there may be a screw that needs to be removed first.
If there are no screws or bolts, you can use a pair of pliers to twist and pull out the drain cover. It is recommended to use pliers that fit into the openings of the drain cover, as this can provide better grip and leverage. You can also try pulling straight up and giving it a little twist. Be cautious not to use excessive force, as this may damage the cover or the surrounding area.
For stubborn drain covers, a small-head screwdriver can be used. Work the screwdriver slowly around the edge of the cover, gently prying and pulling upwards. This method may be necessary if the cover has not been removed in a long time and is resistant to twisting and pulling.
Once the drain cover is removed, you can proceed to the next steps of replacing the shower drain. This typically involves cleaning the area, removing any debris, and installing a new drain cover.
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Clean the drain opening
Cleaning the drain opening is an important step in maintaining the functionality and cleanliness of your shower. Here is a detailed guide on how to effectively clean the drain opening of your plastic shower drain:
Firstly, it is crucial to remove any clutter from the bathroom, such as shampoo bottles, soap bars, or razors that might be near the drain. This ensures you have enough space to work comfortably and prevents any unwanted items from accidentally falling into the drain.
Next, put on a pair of gloves to protect your hands and maintain hygiene. If you are using chemical products, it is also recommended to wear eye protection to safeguard your eyes from any potential splashes or fumes.
Now, it's time to remove the drain cover. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry it off. If there are any screws or bolts securing the drain cover, be sure to remove them first. With the drain cover removed, you will have access to the drain opening and any accumulated debris.
Before proceeding, allow any standing water to drain as much as possible. If the water is draining slowly or not at all, you can use a plunger to help push the water through the pipes.
Once the area is clear, it's time to address any clogs or blockages. You can use a drain snake (also known as a manual or electric auger) to break up or retrieve the clog. Simply push the snake into the drain pipe until you feel resistance, indicating that you've reached the blockage. Then, slowly pull out the snake to remove the clog.
If you prefer a chemical approach, you can try using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Combine ½ cup of baking soda with ¼ cup of table salt, and then pour this mixture down the drain along with 1 cup of heated vinegar. This combination will fizz and bubble, so be cautious. Let the mixture stand for at least 15 minutes, and then follow by running hot water for at least 15 to 30 seconds to flush out the cleaning solution and any remaining debris.
Alternatively, there are commercial drain cleaners available, but always read and follow the instructions on the label, and be cautious when using these products.
Finally, after removing the clog and flushing the drain with water, remember to clean the area around the drain thoroughly with soap and water, and let it dry before using your shower again.
By following these steps, you can effectively clean the drain opening of your plastic shower drain, ensuring proper maintenance and preventing future clogs or drainage issues.
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Prepare the new drain
Before installing a new shower drain, it is important to prepare the area properly. First, ensure that the subfloor of the shower is clean and dry. Next, use a screwdriver or a putty knife to scrape away any old plumber's putty or silicone caulk from the drain opening. Wash the area around the drain thoroughly with soap and water and let it dry.
Once the area is clean and dry, you can prepare the new drain for installation. The new drain should come fitted with a rubber gasket that fits snugly around the waste pipe. Turn the gasket over and apply a bead of silicone caulk to the underside of the flange. If you are using a no-caulk drain, apply a bead of plumber's putty instead. Push the anchors flush against the side of the drain to keep them out of the way when placing the drain onto the waste pipe.
Insert the tapered end of the drain into the drain opening and fit it around the waste pipe. Push down to seat the flange onto the bottom of the shower pan. Keep pushing down on the flange as you tighten the anchor screws with a Phillips screwdriver. As you tighten the screws, the anchors will draw the drain snugly against the shower base, and caulk will begin to ooze out.
If you are installing a compression-style drain, place the rubber sealing washer and friction washer over the drain assembly tailpiece from under the shower base. Thread the mounting nut onto the tailpiece and tighten it with channel-lock pliers. Wipe away any excess caulk that has oozed out. Carefully position the shower base so that the drainpipe extends up into the drain assembly. Place the soft rubber compression gasket down into the drain opening so that it fits around the drainpipe. Thread the compression nut into the drain opening and tighten it with a screwdriver.
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Install the new drain
Once the old drain has been removed, the area cleaned, and the new drain gathered, you are ready to install the new drain.
First, check that the new drain is fitted with a rubber gasket that fits snugly around the waste pipe. If you are using a no-caulk shower drain, you will need to install the no-caulk barrel flange to the shower base, then screw in the rubber gasket. Place the rubber sealing washer and friction washer over the barrel to the underside of the shower base. Next, tighten the locking ring using adjustable pliers.
If you are not using a no-caulk shower drain, you can use a compression-style shower drain cover that seals onto the shower pan via compression. Most have a threaded flange onto which you screw a large nut from underneath the shower base. Alternatively, the WingTie drain cover has anchors that you can tighten from above.
Finally, snap in your drain cover to complete the installation.
After installing a new shower drain, it is important to test for leaks before using the shower. Plug the drain with a rubber or plastic stopper, then fill the shower base with water until it reaches about one inch in depth. Let the water sit for at least 15 minutes and observe if any water is leaking from the drain. If there are no visible leaks, remove the stopper and let the water drain to ensure there are no hidden leaks.
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Test for leaks
Testing for leaks is a crucial step in the shower drain replacement process. It ensures that your new drain is installed correctly and prevents potential water damage. Here is a step-by-step guide to testing for leaks after replacing a plastic shower drain:
Plug the Drain
Use a rubber or plastic stopper to plug the drain securely. You can purchase a drain test plug or shower test plug from your local hardware store, ensuring it fits the diameter of your drain. This will block the drain and allow you to fill the shower base with water for the test.
Fill the Shower Base
Fill the shower base with water to a depth of about one inch. Use buckets, a hose, or any other water source to achieve this. Do not use the showerhead to fill the shower, as you want to avoid any complications or water pressure issues during the test.
Observe for Leaks
Let the water sit in the shower base for at least 15 minutes, and preferably overnight. Observe the water level and check for any signs of leaking around the drain. If the water level remains stable and there are no visible leaks, your drain is likely sealed correctly.
Remove the Stopper
After confirming that there are no visible leaks, remove the stopper and allow the water to drain. This step ensures that there are no hidden leaks. Check the area around the drain for any signs of moisture or water damage. If everything appears dry, your newly installed shower drain is functioning properly.
Additional Tips
- If you notice any leaks or moisture, re-evaluate the drain installation process and ensure that all connections are secure and properly sealed.
- Regularly inspect your shower drain for any signs of wear or damage to prevent future leaks.
- If you are unsure about the source of a leak or encounter persistent issues, it is best to consult a professional plumber for assistance.
By following these steps, you can effectively test for leaks after replacing a plastic shower drain, ensuring a functional and leak-free shower experience.
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