I am in the process of remodelling a small bathroom for my daughters. After ripping out the vanity, toilet and tile, my wife suddenly asks me to replace the shower with a tub. The shower is a 3'x6' shower so there is room, but I am leery of how hard the job of moving the drain will be. The pipe will be PVC. Is the right way to do the job, to jackhammer up the old drain and relocate the drain and trap? Or can I get away with the raising the new tube and connecting into the old drain. The old drain is in the middle of the shower, so I would be moving it a couple of feet. Should I expect the drain to be completely encased in concrete?

Jack hammering the slab is the right way to go. Not going to be fun so point this out to you wife. Nearly 90% of all Americans shower only so is this a big deal for your wife? A tub and a shower do not have the same size drain, showers are usually 2". Dropping down isn't a big deal but hammering the slab is.

Hi all...

Good intentions... remove the strainer on the shower drain and stick a wire or a tape measure down into the drain pipe until it hits the bottom of the PTRAP and note the measurement. That measurement will be how deep you will need to DIG down to be able to remove the 2" shower trap.

In order to use the shower vent you will also need to dig the trench and install the tub drain down at the same depth the pipe is at now.

You will definitely need to reduce the drain pipe to 1.5" and install an 1.5" PTRAP directly under the tub drain.

Here's hoping the shower PTRAP isn't too deep!

Any questions just let us know...

Mark

Good intention...

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Here's what the plumbing code book says on the drop/depth issue... don't shoot the messenger! :

Yes, you can remove the trap and extend this pipe and install a new trap for the tub, but the pipe must stay at the depth mentioned... (minus pitch on pipe, of course) *ugh*

No, you definitely cannot reuse the trap and then run a pipe up to the tub after the trap.

Yes, you can cut out the trap, raise the pipe and install a new drain up higher underground, but you will need to run another vent for the tub and connect it into the old shower vent at 42" off the finish floor.

Glad to walk you through any option you choose!

Mark