Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    juliemcmd's Avatar
    juliemcmd Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Jun 22, 2009, 08:52 PM
    No Trap seal under newly installed basement shower
    I have a fairly new (3yrs) shower that was put in by an inexperienced "contractor" who apparently did not install a " trap seal" as part of the drainage system, so that we can hear and smell all sewage from the home flowing under this shower(we need to keep the drain covered).
    What would be involved in fixing this problem?
    I read another question on this website where the "p trap" right under the shower drain could be substituted by another type of trap outside the home. Is this possible in my case if the shower is in the basement?
    Thanks!
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #2

    Jun 23, 2009, 05:43 AM
    I read another question on this website where the "p trap" right under the shower drain could be substituted by another type of trap outside the home. Is this possible in my case if the shower is in the basement?
    You're thinking of a "running trap" (see image). No! That would violate code and the drain line would build up hair and grease and began to smell bad.
    What would be involved in fixing this problem?
    It would involve biting the bullet, taking up the shower floor and installing a "P" trap. This might no be so painful in he installed a manufactured shower base and enclosure but the cheese gets more binding if you have a custom tile shower. Then it's "demo-time". Goodluck, Tom
    Attached Images
     
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
     
    #3

    Jun 23, 2009, 07:36 AM
    Hi all...

    I believe there is an alternative to breaking up that shower... ;)

    It's called the GRATE SEAL... made to fit any floor drain or shower strainer according to the manufacturer's video. Check it out at:

    Google Image Result for http://grateseal.com/images/pipePic.png Click on the video presentation.. real quick video.

    Here, the rubber seals the gasses from escaping the pipe but also allows water to flow through by gravity.

    Let me know if you have questions...

    MARK
    Attached Images
     
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #4

    Jun 23, 2009, 10:28 AM
    Mark,
    Is it your recommendation that he dispense with the trap and vent all together? Just curious. Cheers, Tom
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
     
    #5

    Jun 23, 2009, 10:59 AM
    Hi Tom...

    I think the grate seal is better than plugging the shower off/on continuously as it will keep sewer gasses out at all times... even when water is draining... whether he uses it temporarily or permanently is up to him... :)

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

What should be undereath the installed basement shower stall? [ 13 Answers ]

I am having our basement development worked by a contractor. He installed the 2 PC. Shower stall early in the development stage. He opened the concrete to install the pipes then put the 2 PC (base and wall) but it was left opened underneath. They are now doing the finishing and still they have not...

Why is newly installed calais shower leaking at corners [ 2 Answers ]

Why is newly installed calais shower unit leaking at corners after sealant having being applied as per instalation instructions

Build Shower Platform & Install Above Ground P-Trap in Basement Shower [ 1 Answers ]

Hello, I'm new to this site. I tried to find the answer in previous posts and did find some great info, but I still have some questions :) This is what I want to do: Install a corner shower with dimensions 36" in x 36" in the basement, build a platform, & add an above ground p-trap. ...

Replacing a p-trap in a dap-out once shower is installed? [ 2 Answers ]

Hello all, It is my understanding after reading several threads on this site that when installing a shower over a slab of concrete you need to leave a hole "Dap-out" about 14x14 so you are able to perform maintenance on the P-Trap if needed. But once the shower is installed over the P-Trap how...


View more questions Search