How to Repair and Replace the Shower Drain

A leak of any sort in any pipe can be extremely disastrous for your home. So repair any leak as soon as you locate it. At times shower drain may sustain leak and need immediate repair lest the water penetrates into the floor and makes it way down to the foundation and eventually damaging the home badly. You can remove and replace the shower drain yourself with some effort and beforehand knowledge. But if you are amateur to this work, it is suggested to hire a plumber to replace the shower drain as soon as possible to prevent severe damage to your home.

Required Items

- ABS cement
- Plumber's putty
- Basket wrench
- Utility knife
- Slip coupling
- PVC pipe
- Shower drain
- Philips screwdriver
- Handsaw

Directions

1. Before begin, block the water supply line, which supply water to the shower.

2. Locate the drain pipes. You might have to tear off the flooring to uncover the pipes and to have better access to them. If you have access from below, you can work from below the bathroom. It depends on the position of the pipes.

3. Take a hacksaw and cut the part of the drain pipe that is leak or damage. In addition to this, you need to cut along the pipe further to remove this entire part of the pipe.

4. Take the drain away by cutting the silicone putty holding the drain with utility knife. Now open the drain cover by unfastening the screws with the help of Philips screwdriver. After removing the cover, take a basket wrench and take the drain away by turning the wrench anti-clockwise.

5. Insert the new drain into the specific place. Secure the new drain with plumber's putty.

6. Using the ABS cement, attach the PVC pipe to the new drain. ABS cement is a substance used to give the waterproof connection to the pipe and drain. You can inspect the pipe as well for any possible leaks. Replace the pipe if you notice any leakage in the pipe. If no leak spotted, then use the same pipe.

7. Connect the end of the existing pipe with the end of the new installed pipe. To connect the old and the new pipes you need to have a slip coupling of exactly the same size of pipes.

8. To secure the coupling, add glue on its both sides and put pipes into it.

9. Allow the putty to dry for many hours. Till then don't use the shower.

Tips & Precautions

-The best time to replace the drain is night time. Install the new drain and it will be ready for use till morning.
-In case you are having problem in replacing the drain, contact a plumber to do a repair work for you.