[johnneedshelp]

I am working on installing on a shower in my basement. I bought a Sioux Chief no caulk 'slip' drain. I have the roughed in drain pipe sticking up out of the concrete floor. I need to know how high the drain pipe needs to sit in the drian. Right now it is flush with the shower floor, I know this is too high but before I cut it I want some advice. If I cut it too short I am SOL because the roughed in drain pipe is set in concrete. HELP PLEASE!! :)

[massplumber2008]

Hi John:

First, just to complicate things for you... ;) Are you setting this shower in a bed of mortar or structolite? The manufacturer's installation manual should address this in detail. Some showers do not require this so check the installation manual.

Basically, you need to find out how out of plumb the floors and the wall are and then if using a bedding substrate you need to plan for that too... so no easy answer here... :)

In my opinion, you would be best to install the shower per manufacturer's instructions and then stub the pipe up above the shower floor... although that may not be possible now per your description.

If you are set and not worried about setting in bedding substrate and just plan to go with this as is I would recommend that you purchase a $10.00 INSIDE PIPE CUTTER at any home improvement store... see picture. This cutter fits into any 3/8" drill.

Here, you would set all in place, including the gasket and associated nuts if present and then you would cut the pipe to about 1/4" above all parts and then snap/screw the strainer cover in place and you should be all set.

This way never fails, as long as you practice a cut or two on a piece of pipe in a vice or similar tool. Stuff a rag down the drain IN CASE the cutter falls into the drain... ;)

Let me know what you think...

MARK

[johnneedshelp]

Hmm, but if I have the pipe sit 1/4 inch above everything, the rubber gasket and the nut, then won't water sit between the inside of the drain and the pipe? I am just trying to make sure I understand this correctly. Also, how do I ensure a straight cut with the inside pipe cutter? I went to menards last night and they were sold out of them. Do you believe that? :-)

[massplumber2008]

I believe it...

The 1/4" of water will evaporate daily...if concerned cut so only 1/8" above... ;)

The best way to ensure a straight cut is to practice and then on the critical cut use a permanent marker to mark out the line you want and then follow that line while cutting. Take your time and will be fine.

[johnneedshelp]

Thanks again for the response. I checked all possible stores in town for the internal cutter and can't find one!! Its always got to be something slowing up the project LOL

[massplumber2008]

Hi John

I didn't want for this to be a pain... ;)

Maybe you can estimate this... mark it out and then cut it... especially if you are not setting in a bed of mortar or structolite.

If setting in mortar or structolite then the inside cutter is critical if you ask me, but if no bedding material used here then estimate this, dry fit the unit (Place unit in place, level base and plumb vertical walls), mark a line where you want the cut, pull unit out, cut the pipe and then set the unit permanently.

Keep me posted.

MARK

[johnneedshelp]

I will be setting in mortar. I know you didn't mean to be a pain at all. Your very helpful and I appreciate it greatly. I will find the cutter.