View Full Version : How to remove a stand up shower drain
robyang
Dec 4, 2011, 07:09 PM
Removing an existing stand up shower, but am having trouble removing the drain. What can I use or how can I get that drain out
ma0641
Dec 4, 2011, 07:30 PM
Use a drain tool or put a pair of pliers upside down through the drain and then unscrew.
massplumber2008
Dec 5, 2011, 06:01 AM
Hi guys
For a stand up shower with a rubber seal you can screw in 2 or 3 sheetrock screws into the rubber seal and then pull up on the seal to dislodge it.
If you have access from below you can also disconnect the strainer nut from the shower unit, cut the pipe and the drain falls apart after that.
Finally, if things are just too tough to access or you get frustrated with this just cut a big 7" circle around the drain being sure to only cut the base of the shower unit and then simply pull the shower out and then deal with the shower drain!
Mark
speedball1
Dec 5, 2011, 06:03 AM
how can I get that drain out That depends on the type of drain you have. A PVC drain will remove differently then a metal drain with a poured leaf joint. Before we can answer we have to know which drain you have to remove.
1. A custom tile shower with a caulked metal drain
2. A plastic base and enclosure with a built in drain **OR**
3. A PVC drain that has a nut securing it.
What do you have?
Back to you, Tom
margiey
Dec 20, 2011, 08:15 PM
It is a PVC pipe and I can see water sitting in the drain about 2 foot down into the pipe. Is that normal?
massplumber2008
Dec 21, 2011, 05:41 AM
Water down inside the pipe is normal... it's water in the PTRAP... keeps sewer gasses from entering the home.
Since the drain is PVC, access the drain from underneath and loosen the nut at the strainer and cut the pipe to remove the drain assembly, or if there is no easy access from underneath, cut a hole in the base of the shower around the shower drain and remove the shower stall. Then you can access the pipe/drain and decide how to tackle the rest of the job, OK?
See my previous post...
Mark
speedball1
Dec 21, 2011, 07:11 AM
Follow Marks advice. As Mark pointed out the shower drain,(see image) is cemented to the drain pipe and will have to be cut out. If the big nut gives you a hard time simply cut the nut and peel it off. Good luck, Tom