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-   -   Converting tub/shower to walk in shower (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=211938)

  • May 2, 2008, 04:14 PM
    pattyg2
    Converting tub/shower to walk in shower
    I have removed the one piece fiberglass tub/shower and ordered a swanstone retrofit shower floor. My question is about the drain and overflow setup from the tub. What do I do with that? Do I cut back to where they are connected to the drain pipe? I have read that where this T comes up to 2- 1 1/2" drains that it is a 2" pipe. I am not a plumber and want to do this right. My house is on a concrete slab.
    Patty
  • May 2, 2008, 04:21 PM
    ballengerb1
    The Swanstone retro doesn't line up on the old drain like most people think. I initially thought it would because that is what a retro is supposed to do, convert tub to stand alone shower. You will need to remove everything between the trap and the old tub. The old drain was likely 1 1/2" and the Swanstone want a 2" so a transition will be needed. Put a 1 1/2" 90 elbow on the tub side of the trap, short piece of 1 1/2" PVC pipe to get directly under the Swanstone drain, another 90 to reach up into the Swanstone drain cavity, now add a 2" to 1 1/2" reducer to the short piece stick straight up. Both the reducer (you are actually increasing not reducing) and the short pipe need to be 1/4" below the surface of the shower floor. Grease both inside and outside of the Swanstone black rubber collar and slide it down over the reducer and inside the Swanstone drain cavity. Let me know if I was not clear or you have more questions.
  • May 2, 2008, 04:33 PM
    ballengerb1
    Thanks for the compliment Patty. I just did two Swanstone retros in the last few weeks so it still fresh in my little head. When you are ready to set the shower pan test fit it first to make sure everything lines up. Raise the shower pan and put 20 big scoupfulls of drywall compound or modified thinset on the floor in an even pattern. When you drop the pan back down step in it and walk around in your stocking feet and let it sit for 2 or 3 days. The pan will never creak or move. Last but not least, that short horizontal piece of PVc between the trap and the pan needs to be supported, otherwise when you push down on the greased collar the PVC will move. Good luck

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