Shower drain installed to last!

A correctly set up shower drain can be the difference between staying dry and a disaster. It needs to be properly connected to the outlet; otherwise, there is a risk of flooding. Each type of drain requires a specific approach, but the general procedure stays the same and implies the sequence of the following stages:

  • Choosing a location;
  • Getting the work space ready;
  • Estimating the height of the shower drain (refer to the manufacturer”s guidance for that);
  • Installing the built-in set;
  • Connecting to a drainage pipe;
  • Making a tilting floor;
  • Waterproof installation;
  • Tile laying;
  • Sealing the shower drain (let it fasten by not showering for 24 hours);
  • Grate cover mounting.

Shower drain installation can be a daunting task for non-professionals, since each job is unique. Even apparently simple issues can require a complex approach.

Whether your shower system needs to be repaired or installed, trust our Superior Plumbing & Heating experts to accurately assess the situation and perform the installation in an efficient and competent manner. That’s what we’ve been doing for decades!

Shower drain assembly types and specs

First of all, what is a shower drain? It’s not just a slot you see at the bottom of the shower stall, it’s a complex system that allows water to drain while preventing unwanted odors from entering the bathroom. At the same time, the shower drain should let water drain away without seeping under the base or damaging the floor of the shower area.

There are a few solutions when choosing a shower drain. Your decision depends on the base of the shower, the type of pipes in your home, and the manufacturer’s guidelines. There is a different set up method for each type of shower drain.

Tile drains. This type is composed of three parts, each being assembled in different phases of the shower tray installation. The watertight shower liner is placed between the two underlying flanges, which are screwed together. This liner is the lowest watertight layer and guarantees that anything that gets under the mortar will flow down the drain rather than seeping through the shower tray. The final component, the strainer, is the only part that is visible once the shower tray installation is complete.

Solvent-glued drains. They are only good if there is sufficient access beneath the shower from an unfinished basement or cellar. If this is not an option, it is preferable to pick a compression-type drain. Such drains are generally made of PVC, and older models might use ABS. If you have a plastic drain pipe, check that the shower drain meets the type of plastic in the drain. This drain can be combined with steel, fiberglass and acrylic shower bases. When using solvent bonded fittings, it can be more complicated to properly measure the pipe, so carefully size and check the fit of the parts before bonding.

Compression-type drains. These are joined to the drain pipes with the help of compression nuts and washers. This type is generally easier to install than solvent-loaded drains, particularly if you don’t have basement or cellar access. PVC is steadily becoming the most popular material for producing them.

Installing a shower drain assembly yourself can lead to a host of problems that you usually wouldn’t know about until the harm is already done, including leaks, water damage and mold. Contact our experienced professionals to take care of business!

Compression shower drain installation – better with us!

When setting up a compression drain for a shower, the drain valve is normally placed in the shower foundation before the shower is laid in place. The overall process steps are as follows:

  • cut the drain pipe (when mounting a compression shower drain fitting, the drain pipe must be about 3/4 to 1 inch below the edge of the shower drain);
  • fasten the drain assembly with silicone sealant;
  • position the shower base ( gently place the shower base so that the drain pipe emerges higher into the drain assembly);
  • attach compression gasket;
  • let the silicone harden for 24 hours before showering.

Сompression shower drain installation is a complex process that’s easy to get wrong. Our courteous technicians can assist you, from removing the old drain assembly to installing the new one. Having years of experience in this field, they have handled hundreds of similar installations, so you can safely lean on their expertise!

Drilling the ceiling is not the only option!

Although cutting a hole in the ceiling will make the drain installation process simpler, it is not always possible. Installing a shower drain without bottom access is not an easy task for a layman, as it requires being able to safely remove the fixtures attached to the existing drain, taking steps to avoid plumbing components from getting damaged, and following a series of steps to make sure the new drain is installed correctly. The complete installation procedure implies:

  • removing the existing shower drain;
  • measuring and cutting the installation parts;
  • cleaning the area and pipes;
  • assembling and installing the new drain;
  • applying sealant and tightening the shower drain;
  • cleaning off any excess sealant;
  • installing the strainer cover;
  • performing a leak test.

You must follow the exact instructions that come with the drain you select, due to different shower drains having unique installation procedures. To save yourself unwanted mess and keep your home safe, it’s best to entrust this demanding process to professional plumbers. Our expertly skilled and seasoned Superior Plumbing & Heating crew can get the job done skillfully and quickly! No need to waste precious time and put your property at risk – install a shower drain without access below with the help of our friendly and professional team and enjoy the smooth operation of your shower!

Thinking of shower replacement? On us to do!

The bathroom is a high-traffic place in your home, and the shower is one of the most frequently used items in it. Has your shower become outdated, cracked or broken and lost its force? Does it look a little tired? It might be time to replace it with a new one. Shower replacement is a tough task that can take anywhere from two days to a full week, but it’s a project that often pays for itself after the dust settles. If you don’t feel confident with your plumbing skills, you should consider hiring a professional for the job. A licensed specialist will guide you through the process, including these steps:

  • plan the shower area;
  • shut off the water supply;
  • remove wall surfaces;
  • disconnect the plumbing;
  • remove the old shower;
  • inspect and repairing the bedding and uprights;
  • connect the faucet and shower head;
  • rough-in the shower drain;
  • install the shower tray;
  • fit the shower enclosure panels;
  • сonnect the shower drain;
  • attach faucet handle and shower head;
  • set up the shower door;
  • test the shower.

You might have guessed that replacing a shower demands a certain set of skills and plumbing knowledge. Otherwise, you can make mistakes that will end up costing you more money than hiring a professional. Individual skills may vary, but as a general rule, anything related to plumbing or electrical work is better left to the specialists.

Our staff cares about your overall satisfaction, performing your shower remodeling with the utmost politeness and professionalism. From promptness to expert installation, with us you can rest assured that your bathroom makeover will go hassle-free like you deserve!

Does your shower drain need a trap?

There are many regulations and restrictions in the plumbing code, but none of them is as important as this one: every drain must have a trap – a curved pipe, that serves several purposes. First, and most importantly, it provides a watertight seal to prevent sewer gasses from passing from the sewer system inside the house. The other purpose of a trap is to collect sediment before it passes through the sewer system and into it. How to install a shower drain trap properly? As with any other plumbing task, the sequence of steps must be followed:

  • Cut the existing drain pipe to which the shower drain will be attached using a hacksaw;
  • Install the shower drain connection fitting; apply thread sealant to all pipe threads and tightening nuts;
  • Measure the length of PVC pipe you will need to connect the drain and trap to the shower;
  • Connect the PVC pipe to the existing drain pipe and tighten the clamps; assemble all parts of the PVC pipe, fittings and trap dry, without using PVC glue, so that the trap is connected to the shower;
  • Apply PVC primer to the outer ends of the pipes, as well as the inner sleeves of the siphon, shower adapter, and any fittings used to change direction; insert the pipe into the fittings; assemble all parts by carefully aligning the marks and gluing the fittings and pipe together;
  • Support the pipes and fittings with pipe hooks or plumbing tape. Allow the glued joints to dry overnight and check for leaks.

Believe it or not, there’s more to plumbing than wrenches and pipes. Having water flowing in and out of your home directly affects your family’s quality of life. At Superior Plumbing & Heating we love and truly believe in what we do. We take pride in walking our customers through every step of the bathroom renovation or remodeling process. Whether we’re helping you choose the perfect type of bathroom drain, coming in at midnight to fix a leak, or putting the finishing touches on your shower remodel, we go the extra mile and do our job right!