[kzliang]

There is a black box on my basement concret surface around the PVC pipe (for bath tab). Looking in inside, there is no concret around the pipe and the stones on the bottom. What is it? I am remodeling my basement at this time. How can I do for this box? Thanks.

[WWPierre]

Can you post a pic?

[Milo Dolezal]

That's so called "Tuff Box" that we use to make void in freshly poured slab for future tub or shower. There should be pipe in it coming in from one side. You attach P-trap to it and swing it to the exact direction needed to attach tub or shower.

[massplumber2008]

Hi guys:

As Milo said, could be pipe for tub or shower... depends on size of pipe. A 2" pipe (outside diameter is approx. 2.675") is for shower and will most likely already have the ptrap installed below the floor. An 1.5" pipe (outside diameter is approx. 2.25") is for tub and may or may not have a ptrap installed already.

There should be a cap in place on this pipe..? Cut the cap off and then pour 1/2 gallon of water in drain...ok? If after pouring water you can shine a flashlight into the pipe and see standing water then ptrap is installed and pipe will most likely fit a normal tub/showerw ithout too much work.

Then, if tub you will need to plan on a minimum of a 30" x 60" space for tub (they do make 28" remodeler tubs, but I don't recommend these).

If shower drain then hopefully you can find a shower that works good for your space and pipe location.

We would need numbers from center of drain to nearest walls end to end and back to front to give you a basic idea of your options.

Let us know what you think...

MARK

[kzliang]

That's so called "Tuff Box" that we use to make void in freshly poured slab for future tub or shower. There should be pipe in it coming in from one side. You attach P-trap to it and swing it to the exact direction needed to attach tub or shower.

How can I do for the "Tuff Box" around the pipe? Full and level with concrete? Thanks.

[Milo Dolezal]

First, remove the upper portion of the box. Then see if there is trap present. If not, install one. For tub installations, we do not fill the hole and leave it the way it is. We set tub over it. For shower installations, you will have to fill it up after you install drain. We use mortar mix or topping mix.

[speedball1]

There is a black box on my basement concret surface around the PVC pipe (for bath tab). Looking in inside, there is no concret around the pipe and the stones on the bottom. What is it? I am remodeling my basement at this time. How can I do for this box? Thanks.

We call this a "tub Dap-out. There should be a trap and raiser installed.
If there is no trap and raiser the plumber left you with a choice between a tun installation or a shower.
If you decide on a tub installation then position the trap raiser 15 1/2 off the back stud wall and 1 1/2" off the front plate. All these measures are to center of the raiser.
If you wish to install a custom tile shower the drain can go anywhere you wish and the dap-out must be filled and cemented over. For a manufactured base you will have to position the trap raiser according to the manufactures recommendation. Good luck, Tom