Plumbers understand that it pays to have a concrete plan when equipping the bathroom with a proper waste system. Before you begin what can look like a simple drain replacement, then you need to be aware of the possible challenges and then equip yourself so that you are not left with a shower that is barely working. Replacing your shower drain is not a daunting task. However, it pays to be ready for any complications that may arise, especially if it is a different project. When looking for a bathroom floor waste for sale, you should be armed with essential details regarding the same.
Although it should take a few hours to replace the bathroom drainage system, you need more time and a flexible toolbox.
As the age of your shower increases, so does the probability of issues arising during installation.
Over time, you will realize that the metal drains are corroded, thereby becoming difficult to remove.
You can run into issues with installations in the newer showers in case there is restricted access to the drain.
Regardless of the challenges, the tips below will play a significant role in helping you to go a little further into the renovation project.
Check the size of the pipes and prepare for the discrepancies.
A majority of shower drainpipes are just about two inches. However, if you happen to have about 2 inches of drains and run into 3 inches of drainpipe, you shall be making another additional trip to the local plumbing store. It is crucial to always check with the nearest codes.
Assume you may need to cut through the ceiling
In many cases, you will not be in a position to evade cutting into the ceiling right below the shower to access the system.
If there is a leak, then you will have to replace the drywall of the drainage system found on the ceiling and right below it.
You also need to take care of the leak right away. Drywall replacement is simple. Cutting a hole in the ceiling, therefore, should not be an issue or a significant concern.
On the other hand, you can always cover the hole using a return-air grill, which can be removed in case you want to access the plumbing section in the future.
There is the one time when you will not be required to cut through the ceiling, and it the moment when you will be replacing the drain.
Tight spots can be troublesome.
It does not often occur, however, occasionally, when you are supposed to cut through into the ceiling and right below the water pump pliers that connect the drain to the water pipe.
The additional wires and pipes can be added following the installation of the shower.
If you cannot remove the nut and cut it straight from below the drain, then you can end up with the responsibility of pulling the shower base from the system so that you can gain access to the drain from the main project.
You may need to replace the entire trap as it is easier anytime you want to install a shower drain with different welded connections. It would be best if you cut the drainpipe to remove the older drain.
Although this may be necessary, it shall leave you with a slightly shortened drainpipe, which will allow you to extend the device before the installation of the new drainage system.
Final Thoughts
Take care- do not block the weep holes
Installing a drain in a tiled bathroom is a scenario that necessitates the replacement of the entire shower floor. All too often, tiled showers are mounted on a mortar bed that is laid over a waterproof membrane like a PVC shower liner.
