How To Move Your Shower Drain In Just 3 Easy Steps!

Moving a shower drain can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right tools and a little bit of know-how, you can easily relocate your shower drain to a more convenient location.

Why Move a Shower Drain?

There are several reasons why you might want to move a shower drain. Perhaps you’re remodeling your bathroom and want to change the layout of the shower. Or maybe your existing drain is clogged or damaged and needs to be replaced. Whatever the reason, moving a shower drain is a relatively simple project that can be completed in a few hours.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the following tools and materials:

• Adjustable wrench
• Hacksaw
• Plumber’s putty
• New shower drain
• Drain pipe extension (if needed)
• Screwdriver
• Level
• Measuring tape

Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Move a Shower Drain

1. Turn Off the Water Supply

The first step is to turn off the water supply to your shower. This will prevent water from leaking out while you’re working. To turn off the water supply, locate the shut-off valve for your shower and turn it clockwise.

2. Remove the Old Shower Drain

Once the water supply is turned off, you can remove the old shower drain. To do this, use an adjustable wrench to loosen the drain flange. Once the flange is loose, you can pull the drain out of the shower pan.

3. Clean the Drain Hole

Once the old drain is removed, you need to clean the drain hole. Use a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris. You can also use a small brush to scrub the drain hole clean.

4. Apply Plumber’s Putty

To prevent leaks, you need to apply plumber‘s putty to the new shower drain. To do this, roll out a small piece of plumber’s putty and form it into a rope. Then, wrap the rope of plumber’s putty around the base of the new drain.

5. Install the New Shower Drain

Now you can install the new shower drain. To do this, insert the drain into the drain hole and tighten the drain flange. Make sure the drain is level before tightening the flange.

6. Connect the Drain Pipe

If you’re extending the drain pipe, you’ll need to cut the pipe to the desired length. To do this, use a hacksaw to cut the pipe. Once the pipe is cut, connect it to the drain flange using a pipe clamp.

7. Turn On the Water Supply

Once the drain is installed, you can turn on the water supply. Check for leaks around the drain flange and pipe connections. If you find any leaks, tighten the connections until the leaks stop.

Tips for Moving a Shower Drain

• If you’re not comfortable working with plumbing, it’s best to hire a professional plumber to move your shower drain.
• Make sure to turn off the water supply before starting any work.
• Use plumber’s putty to prevent leaks around the drain flange.
• Be careful not to overtighten the drain flange or pipe connections.
• Check for leaks after turning on the water supply.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

• The drain is leaking. If the drain is leaking, it’s likely that the plumber’s putty is not properly sealed. To fix this, remove the drain flange and reapply the plumber’s putty.
• The drain is clogged. If the drain is clogged, you can try to unclog it using a drain snake. If the drain is still clogged, you may need to call a plumber to have it cleared.
• The drain is making a noise. If the drain is making a noise, it’s likely that there is a problem with the drain pipe. To fix this, you may need to replace the drain pipe.

The Bottom Line: Moving a Shower Drain is a Simple Project

Moving a shower drain is a relatively simple project that can be completed in a few hours. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily move your shower drain to a more convenient location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I move a shower drain myself?

A: Yes, you can move a shower drain yourself if you have the right tools and a little bit of know-how. However, if you’re not comfortable working with plumbing, it’s best to hire a professional plumber to do the job.

Q: How much does it cost to move a shower drain?

A: The cost to move a shower drain will vary depending on the complexity of the job. However, you can expect to pay between $100 and $500 for a professional plumber to move your shower drain.

Q: How long does it take to move a shower drain?

A: Moving a shower drain typically takes between 2 and 4 hours. However, the time it takes will vary depending on the complexity of the job.