How to Plumb a Shower Drain? A 6 Step Easy Guide

A good drain keeps your shower working. Poor setup causes leaks or clogs. Plus, it saves you from pricey fixes later. 

If you are looking for a way to plumb your drain yourself, you have arrived at the right place. This blog provides a 6 step easy guide on how to plumb a drain. 

What is Drain Plumbing and Why Get it Right?

Ever wonder where the water goes after it swirls down the drain? That quiet exit is thanks to drain plumbing; the hidden highway that carries used water out of your home. It may be out of sight, but it plays a major role in keeping your space clean, safe, and odor-free. 

When done right, it prevents clogs, leaks, and costly water damage. Getting your drain plumbing right means peace of mind, better hygiene, and a plumbing system that works smoothly behind the scenes.

How to Plumb a Shower Drain

Let’s get started with it. Gather your tools and take notes as we walk you through a step-by-step guide to help you plumb your shower drain yourself.

Step 1: Get the Rights Tools and Stuff

Before you dive in, make sure you have all the right tools on hand. You’ll need a shower drain kit, PVC pipe, a pipe cutter, primer, cement glue, a wrench, and a level. It might seem like a lot, but having everything ready from the start saves time and frustration. 

Step 2: Prepare the Area

Begin with a clean workspace and remove any debris or obstructions from the shower base. Then, carefully mark the spot for your drain, making sure it’s centered beneath the showerhead for proper alignment. 

If the floor needs adjusting, go ahead and cut it to fit the drain pipe snugly. Taking the time to get this step right lays the groundwork for a smooth, successful installation.

Step 3: Set the Drain Base

The next step is to set the drain base correctly. Start with placing the drain base into the hole without any glue first to make sure it fits. Use a level to check that it sits flat as this helps the water drain properly. 

Once it looks good, take it out and put the plumber’s putty around the bottom edge. Press it back into place firmly so it seals tight and keeps water from leaking. Let it sit for a bit before moving on.

Step 4: Connect the Pipes

Now it’s time to hook things up. Cut a piece of PVC pipe so it reaches from your shower drain to the main drain line. Use a pipe cutter to get a clean, straight edge. Then, brush primer onto the ends of the pipe. This helps the glue stick better. 

Add cement glue right after, and connect the pipe to both the drain base and the main line. Hold it in place for about 30 seconds so it sets properly, because what we want is a strong, leak-free connection to make the whole system work smoothly.

Step 5: Test the Fit

This step is easy to overlook but too important to skip. Pour some water down the drain and keep an eye out for any leaks. Also, check that the water flows quickly; this means the pipe has the right slope. If everything stays dry and drains well, you’re good to go. 

But if you see drips or slow drainage, you may need to tighten the connections or reapply glue. Professional plumbers always recommend testing early, for it can save you from bigger problems later.

Step 6: Finish Up

You’re nearly there. Place the drain cover over the base and tighten it gently with a wrench, just enough to keep it secure. Next, run a thin bead of silicone around the edge where the drain meets the shower floor. This seals any small gaps and keeps water from slipping through. 

Let the silicone cure for 24 hours before using the shower. Once it’s set, you’re all done and your shower is good to go.

And just like that, you have learnt how to plumb a shower drain!

DIY Vs. Professional Plumbing 

Thinking about tackling your shower drain yourself? Plumbing a shower drain can be a straightforward DIY job if you’re comfortable with basic tools and careful steps. But if the idea feels overwhelming or you worry about making mistakes that could cause leaks or damage, it’s wise to call a professional plumber. Sometimes, saving time and avoiding headaches is worth leaving it to the experts.

Get Experts to do the Plumbing for You

At Will Plumbing LLC, our expert plumbers handle all plumbing services with speed and precision; from shower drain plumbing to full system repairs. As a trusted plumbing company, we save you time and money by delivering reliable, affordable solutions for homes and businesses. 

Whether it’s leak repairs or installations, our skilled contractors use the latest tools to ensure lasting results with minimal disruption. Trust Will Plumbing for hassle-free, professional plumbing you can count on.