QA

How To Plumb A Shower Drain

Does a shower drain need a trap?

Do shower drains have traps? According to regulations, all shower drains are required to have P-traps. This includes all fixtures connected to a building’s main plumbing system. P-traps are curved pipes installed under showers and drains of all kinds.

What kind of pipe do you use for a shower 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. 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.

Where should the drain be placed in a shower?

Point drains ideally sit in the middle of the shower floor or by the end of the wall. Either way, the water drains downward by a slope in the bottom. When placed by the wall, the floor is sloped sideways.

How far can P-trap be from shower drain?

The maximum distance between the shower drain and the P-trap is 5 feet. However, the P-trap should be as close to the shower drain inlet as possible. You should even have the P-trap directly under the shower drain for the best results.

How far below drain should P-trap be?

However, the Universal Plumbing Code stipulates that the total developed length of all tailpieces, arms and fittings connecting the drain to the p-trap must be 24 inches or less. Jennifer Roberts has enjoyed writing since 2008.

Can I use 1.5 inch pipe for shower drain?

Current plumbing codes (IPC as well as MA Plumbing Code 248 CMR 10 for instance) need 1.5 inches to drain for a tub with a shower. The tub can drain at leisure and the shower function when in utilize, with flow-limiting showerheads, fall within the flow rate that a 1.5” drain can handle.

Does a tub drain need AP trap?

P-traps are S-shaped pipe components that keep toxic sewer gases from escaping into your residence. They are required on all plumbing fixtures, including sinks, tubs and showers. A bathtub trap begins at the end of the tub drain assembly, where it is glued onto a fitting screwed to the drain outlet.

Does a shower trap need AU Bend?

Newcomers to bathroom plumbing sometimes ask, ‘why do I need a U bend? The simple answer is that the water trapped in the U bend acts as a barrier to the foul smells that otherwise rise from the sewer or other drainage pipework. This is why it is an absolute requirement in the building regulations.

What is the difference between AP trap and S trap?

The “trap” is the bend in the pipe where the waste goes out of the toilet. A P-trap (think P is for Plaster) exits at the back of the toilet and is designed to outlet through a wall. An S-trap (think S is for Sewerage) exits at the bottom of the toilet and is designed to outlet directly through the floor.

How high should a shower drain be from the floor?

Getting Started. Make sure your drain pipe is at the appropriate height (approximately 1/4 inch above your concrete or subfloor).

What angle should a shower waste pipe be?

Waste pipes need to be installed sloping down to ensure the water runs the right way. This needs to be a minimum of 10mm fall for every 4m of pipe which can lead to insufficient fall within the floor void under baths or showers (especially under low-level or flush shower trays).

How much slope does a shower drain need?

In a stall shower, the plumbing code requires the floor to be sloped one quarter (1/4) of an inch per foot in order to carry the water effectively to the drain. This slope, according to the TCNA Handbook is called “sloped fill” or commonly known as the pre-slope.

Can you use plastic pipes for showers?

Plastic pipe is the easy-to-use plumbing solution for running under floorboards and up behind stud walls. Always use pipe inserts at joints to stop plastic pipe deforming. Include a shut-off valve on both hot and cold supplies as close as possible to the shower.

Why is ABS pipe no longer used?

Manufacturers used the regrind or recycled plastic as a way to reduce costs and make ABS pipe more competitive with PVC pipe (which has a lower resin cost than ABS); it was generally not done for environmental reasons. Nov 1, 1994.

How far should a shower drain be from a wall?

The drain hole should be a minimum of 12 inches away from the wall and 9 inches in scope. To rough in the drain, use a 1.5-inch pipe.

Does it matter where the shower waste is positioned?

technically, the trap far away from shower exit as possible to prevent slipping in water when exiting. pratically, nearest place possible for trap maintenance.

How deep is a shower drain?

While a shower usually requires a 2-inch drain pipe, the vent pipe must be either 1 1/2 inches or 2 inches depending on local requirements.