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mark mcgowan
Oct 4, 2008, 07:01 PM
I wondering if I can put my basement shower dran to the existing washer drain as long as I have a 1/4' slope to existindg connection?

Thanks'

Mark

rtw_travel
Oct 5, 2008, 07:26 AM
This question should be moved to plumbing (typically the mods will do that for you)... but I think the plumbers will want more information before ethey can answer properly:

What diameter is the washer drain?
Any other devices on the same drain?
How far apart are the two?
How is everything vented?

A diagram or better description would be useful. I assume the shower is one floor above the washer? (or same floor and you're connecting underneath the floor somehow )

ballengerb1
Oct 5, 2008, 09:11 AM
Rtw is right, this will get moved. Your shower drain and the washer drain should both be 2". The slope is 1/4' per foot for 3" or smaller pipes and 1/8" for 4" or larger. Is your washer drain low enough in relationship to your shower pan?

mark mcgowan
Oct 6, 2008, 06:43 PM
The existing washer drain is 1 1/2" copper (as is the stack) and the new shower drain to be installed is 2". The drain will be centered in a shower pan aprx. 3' from the wall where 1 1/2" stack is located. The washer drain is attached to this stack by a t joint at aprx. 2" above the concrete slab. My working plan at the moment is to cut into the cement slab at the drain point of the shower pan to accommodate the lower end of the trap and have the 2" ABS piping go straight out above the concrete but below the flooring (hopefully allowing for slope) then 90° turn / reduce to 1 1/2" ABS pipe / add ABS to copper connector and connect to stack. The washing machine connection would be moved up the same stack.

Does this work?

rtw_travel
Oct 7, 2008, 07:56 AM
Hey mods... still waiting for this to move to plumbing...

I'm pretty sure the plumbers will tell you that 1.5" is not enough. I don't think it is even code for a washing machine unless the washing machine empties into a laundry sink first.

Is the main 4" stack anywhere nearby? It may be easiest to tie in there and do both washing machine and shower properly.

If you end up removing the copper, save it all and sell it for scrap. You'll probably get enough for a few cases of beer.

ballengerb1
Oct 7, 2008, 09:05 AM
Sorry Mark but this won't work since your washer drain started smaller than code allows. The current plumbing codes calls for both shower and washer drains to be 2" but the 2009 code will kick that up to 3" for the washer. Also, avoid 90 degree elbows in a drain, go with 45s a foot or two apart.

mark mcgowan
Oct 8, 2008, 04:14 AM
Thanks uys, I ended up going to the 4" main which meant breaking up the cement floor. I left the washer drain alone.

Mark

ballengerb1
Oct 8, 2008, 09:15 AM
Since you have the equipment now I'd break up the washer drain and install a 3" pipe to avoid future problems. Not necessary at the present but you have everything in place to do the work.