Shower drain replacement service you can count on

A shower drain is a vital element of any bathroom as it directs water away from the floor, down the water pipes and into the sewer system. Proper installation is the key to the trouble-free operation of the shower system and the absence of drainage problems.

The most frequent and emergent reason to replace your shower drain is to fix a leak, which usually shows up as damage to the drywall on the ceiling under the shower. Obviously, you will also have to change the drain in case you want to replace the shower tray or base and if your old drain is showing signs of corrosion, and you want to do this as a preventive measure.

Unlike bathtub drain leaking (when you can usually do all the repairs from inside the tub), a shower drain is set up differently, so you will have to cut into the ceiling under the shower or reach into the basement under the tub to get the job done right.

Any plumber who has ever replaced an old faucet will say that removing corroded fittings and tightening new ones to make them airtight requires extra effort and dexterity when you don’t have room for tools, so you need to give yourself as much space as possible by cutting a hole bigger than you think you need. But don’t worry – a big hole in a drywall ceiling is not more difficult to fix than a small one.

This job, like many other plumbing tasks, is harder to do than to describe due to corroded fittings and limited workspace, but don”t fret! If you are not so sure about your DIY skills, our professional plumbers are here to help! At Superior Plumbing & Heating, we tackle everything from minor leaks and broken faucets to entire shower installations. Our specialists are ready to handle replacing your shower drain effectively and promptly. Our shower repairs are dependable and backed by the best warranties in the industry, so you can rest assured that they will last. Should you need shower or tub installation, we cover all types, shapes, and sizes!

Installing the shower drain with no bottom access – call in the pros!

It is your bathroom’s drain line, which plays an integral role in your entire sewer system. Proper installation of the shower drain is essential to keep your bathroom drain line clean.

The construction of the shower drain is very complex and multifunctional. There are several different ways to fit it. Rather often, it is installed from below using an “elbow pipe.” Yet this method can sometimes seem complicated, if not impossible. There are several different options for installing a shower drain without access below. The most common ways to do the job are the following.

1. Compression-Style Shower Drain:

  • waste-pipe trim (cut the drain pipe so that it remains ¾ to 1 inch below the surface);
  • tail-piece inserting (insert the tail end into the mouth of the drain to collect the waste; a cardboard friction ring must be installed on the tail end of the drain along with a large rubber washer);
  • proper placement of the shower enclosure with the installation of gaskets (the compression gasket, also known as the friction gasket, must be placed inside the shower body; you will need to place the shower body together with the drain shank and re-secure their connection point with silicone sealant);
  • ensuring a tight fit (you will need a screwdriver to properly tighten nuts and bolts for the entire installation process);
  • precautions and drying time for the seam (be careful when tightening the connections, as overtightening can tear the screws; since you will be using silicone sealant on all joints, you will need to give them time to dry).

2. Solvent-Glued Shower Drain:

  • underlying pipe preparation (the pipe elbow will be under where you will install the shower drain, and it is glued with solvent; you must first adjust the pipe elbow to match the surface by trimming it so that it stays ¾ to 1 inch under the floor);
  • drain shank adjustment (you need to measure how much clearance there is between the elbow pipe and the tail of the drain; the tail should fit snugly into the pipe elbow);
  • installing the drain tail with glue (use a brush to apply shower drain box adhesive to the outer part of the drain tail; then you need to twist the drain tail so that it hits the elbow pipe);
  • installing the shower drain (slide the drain body over the drain tail and then screw it back on so that it connects to the drain tail. You should use cement to make sure that the tail and casing are connected together);
  • remove the cover from the shower head;
  • perform a leak test.

As you have probably noticed, installing a shower drain with no bottom access is not an easy matter for an amateur. You may need to safely remove the current fixtures attached to your existing drain, take steps to avoid damaging plumbing components, and perform a series of steps flawlessly to ensure that the new drain is installed correctly. To save you unnecessary hassle and secure your property, it is best to leave this complex process to professionals. If you need drain installation service, our highly-trained and proficient Superior Plumbing & Heating team is up to the task!

Neat and skillful shower drain flange replacement

The drain flange is installed inside the drain to secure the plumbing fittings. It is an essential part of a drain installation and must be properly fitted to reduce the risk of leaks and other complications. Replacement parts are often readily available at hardware stores and usually come in standard sizes, making it easy to replace worn-out fittings.

Depending on the design, the drain flange can be popped or screwed into the drain. When installing, the plumber applies a thin layer of plumbing putty around the edge of the drain before inserting the element into place. The putty ensures a tight connection to prevent leaks and secures the flange so it won’t wobble or slide. Traps and plugs can be installed on the flange to keep debris out of the drain and allow the user to close the drain while taking a shower.

It is often necessary to remove the flange and replace the attached components or the element itself. The technique for drain flange removal may vary depending on the method of installation. A bucket should be placed under the plumbing to catch any drips or leaks and allow the plumber to safely unscrew the fittings under the drain. When these fittings are loosened, you can see if the flange needs to be unscrewed and removed. It is important to clean the drain and reapply plumbing putty before replacing the flange to ensure a tight seal and avoid leaks.

Installing a shower drain and its components can be more complicated than many people imagine. It requires proper plumbing, a perfect fit and the right equipment to make everything work together. Our experts know exactly how to replace shower drain flange quickly, efficiently and safely. They will inspect your home and help you find the best shower installation solution based on your plumbing, your requirements and your budget!

Drain replacement from above – we know how!

If you suffer from a leaky shower drain but don’t want to open up the finished ceiling to get to it from below, consider shower drain replacement from the top. This drain type is a lifesaver if you’re facing a costly shower remodel due to a leaking drain. Completely done from the top, it saves you a fortune in remodelling costs. It prevents future shower drain failures, allowing vertical movement of the shower tray, which is often the cause of the initial drain failure. Plumbing professionals recommend this type of shower drain as a proven choice to prevent future shower drain issues, consequently the installation requires certain skills and accuracy.

The hardest part is removing the old drain flange. You will most likely have to cut it with a hacksaw blade and tear it off piece by piece from the shower tray. Leave the existing drain pipe intact. The drain simply slips over the pipe, and the o-ring seals it. Apply 100% silicone sealant to the underside of the drain flange to tighten the shower base. A stainless steel cover is installed on top (although a decorative finish is also possible).

A leaking shower can cause a number of unpleasant inconveniences to your home, like damaged floors and all nearby woodwork. Compatible with a variety of underlayment systems, the top-mounted shower drain is a great choice for the trouble-free operation of your shower system, which will save you tons of time and money.

Superior Plumbing & Heating plumbers are always ready to improve the efficiency of your shower by applying the most state-of-the-art equipment and advanced techniques! Over the years, we’ve built a loyal customer base with our quality plumbing and rigorous customer service. We provide a warranty on all of our shower repair and installation services. So you can be sure that the water pressure will be excellent, leaks will disappear, and you’ll shower with pleasure!