[albany32]

This is probably not a complicated question but I just want to make sure. I am replacing the drain line from the shower to the main drain in my grandmother's house. Very old house and pipes with a drum trap that just won't get unclogged (I've tried chemicals, plunging and an auger, though not in that order) so I am taking it out and putting in pvc from shower to main. Luckily I can get to all the pipes easily but here is where my question comes. There is 8" of vertical pipe from the shower then 12" of horizontal pipe to the drum trap then it goes through a sharp angle to the main drain pipe. Do I need to put the new p-trap directly beneath the shower drain or can I go the 8" then the 12" and put then place the trap. I am working around floor joists and such and I would prefer not to do any cutting.
Thanks for any help especially after the long intro.

[speedball1]

Do I need to put the new p-trap directly beneath the shower drain or can I go the 8" then the 12" and put then place the trap. I am working around floor joists and such and I would prefer not to do any cutting.

It's always best to place the trap directly under the shower drain. Having said that, to do it your way would change the "P" trap into a running trap.(see image).
To change the trap a street ell and glue it into the "J" bend of nthe4 "P"
Trap. This will give you a elbo on both ends and you may then connect it like a drum trap. Good luck, tom

[albany32]

Showed me exactly what I had to do and what part to get, exactly what I was hoping for.