I'm replacing an old tub with a Jacuzzi whirlpool tub. The dimension on the short edge to the drain center is 15" on the old tub and 16" on the new one. The tub sits on a slab with a large hold knocked out to allow access to the plumbing in the ground so I can dig down to give me more room to put in some sort of adaptor. Is there some sort of 1" offset pipe or adaptor available and where do I find one?

I'm replacing an old tub with a Jacuzzi whirlpool tub. The dimension on the short edge to the drain center is 15" on the old tub and 16" on the new one. The tub sits on a slab with a large hold knocked out to allow access to the plumbing in the ground so I can dig down to give me more room to put in some sort of adaptor. Is there some sort of 1" offset pipe or adaptor available and where do I find one?

If you have enough vertical clearance, you can get your 1" by using a combination of a regular elbow and a street elbow. The regular elbow has female connector at both ends. The street elbow has a female connection at one end and male at the other when you put them together you get an offset of a certain distance depending on the diameter of your drain pipe. 1" is not much, so you should go to a plumbing supply that has enough stock to try out all your options and measure the resulting offset. There is plastic pipe (eg, ABS) elbow with 22.5 degree angle which is probably your best bet, again depending on your pipe diameter. You can order everything on line, but then you have to get dimensions to make sure you're close enough to your desired offset.

You could also consider flexible pipe and avoid the contraints of fixed pipe.

You can certainly try offsetting the drain pipe as Chic recommended... may work just fine and could be the cheapest option in terms of material.

In terms of your labor (time) being precious, you may want to purchase a FLEXIBLE TUB DRAIN assembly (see image). You can purchase it online here at:

Flexible bathtub drains and cable-operated waste and overflow kits (http://www.plumbingsupply.com/flexible-bathtub-drains.html)

Here, you'll aim the tub shoe at the hole in the bottom of the tub and then bend the green overflow tube to the hole in the upper end of the tub... should be almost hassle-free!

You could also simply purchase a PVC tub drain (see other image)... comes in parts and then you use a PVC sanitary tee fitting and PVC pipe to assemble... just need 22.5 degree fittings for the offset here. This is probably your best option! These are available at all plumbing supply stores. Check it out here:

PVC Tub Drain Half Kit with Push-N-Lock Drain Assembly and 2 Hole Face Plate - Waste Outlets and Drains made by Moen (http://www.accentshopping.com/product.asp?P_ID=154787)

Let us know your thoughts, OK?

Mark