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    sillyboy22's Avatar
    sillyboy22 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jul 3, 2009, 11:19 AM
    Basement shower drain directly into gravel?
    I am remodeling my basement and I pulled out the old shower stall that was in the bathroom. Underneath, I found no drain pipe. Apparently, the shower had just been draining directly into the gravel beneath the foundation. Is this terrible? Is there any way I can build another shower in the same place? There is a toilet right next to the shower. Does that mean there is a drainage pipe right there that I can tap into? I'm a novice. Please help! Thanks!

    --Chris
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #2

    Jul 3, 2009, 11:24 AM
    Hi Sillyboy22:

    Yup! That is awful... ;)

    First, I would dig down a bit deeper and be absolutely sure there is no pipe there. Otherwise, you want to plan on chipping up the concrete going toward the lavatory (sink) and connect into the 2" lavatory drain pipe for the new shower drain. If you do this, you can use the lavatory vent to act as a WET VENT for the shower drain.

    When you get to the piping let me know the pipe type that is underground and we'll pop you a list of necessary materials to get you started!

    Let me know if you have questions...

    MARK
    sillyboy22's Avatar
    sillyboy22 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Jul 3, 2009, 11:40 AM
    Thanks! I'll get back to you!

    --Chris
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #4

    Jul 3, 2009, 11:44 AM
    Anytime!
    sillyboy22's Avatar
    sillyboy22 Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #5

    Jul 3, 2009, 11:55 AM
    You're a genius! Or I'm an idiot - one of the two. I dug down and there it was! I managed to knock a couple rocks into it in the process, so I'll have to get those out somehow, but at least I shouldn't have to chip away foundation. Thanks!

    --Chris
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