How to Handle Your Own Shower Drain Installation Project
When a shower drain gets old, it may leak or begin to rust. A plumber can replace the drain, but hiring a plumber can be expensive. The simplest type of drain to put in a shower is one that installs from the top. With the proper tools and a bit of instruction, this type of drain installation project can easily be handled by a layperson.
What You’ll Need
- Hacksaw
- Pliers
- Shower cleaner
- Scrub brush
- Sponge
- New shower drain and drain cover
- Silicone Sealant
- Phillips screwdriver
- Clean cloth
- Cut around the old drain using a hacksaw. Be careful to cut straight down to avoid the drain pipe altogether.
- Pull out the old drain with pliers. The drain may be difficult to remove if it has been attached with silicone. If so, work your way around each section of the drain, prying it loose a small section at a time.
- Clean your shower pan and drain pipe well using shower cleaner and a scrub brush or sponge. The shower pan should be clean and dry for proper adhesion of the new drain.
- Put a thick bead of silicone sealant around the underside of the new drain flange. The silicone will seal the drain and prevent water from leaking under the shower pan.
- Insert the new drain through the hole and over the drain pipe below. You may have to tilt the drain a bit and wiggle it onto the pipe.
- Tighten the screws on the new drain, and then wipe the excess silicone sealant from around the drain.
- Snap the drain cover onto the top of the new drain.