Are you planning to install a new shower drain or replace an old one?
One important component of the drain system is the P-trap, which prevents sewer gases from entering your bathroom. Installing a P-trap may seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re new to plumbing.
But with the right tools and instructions, you can do it yourself and save money on hiring a professional.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of installing a P-trap for your shower drain, from cutting the PVC pipes to gluing them together.
So grab your gloves and let’s get started!
How To Install P-trap For Shower Drain
Step 1: Cut the PVC Pipes
Using a hack saw, cut the PVC pipes to the desired length. Make sure to wear gloves or use a cloth to remove any burrs from the ends of the pipes.
Step 2: Dry Fit the Pipes
Assemble all the PVC pipes, fittings, and P-trap pieces by dry fitting them without PVC cement. This will allow you to make sure everything fits together properly before gluing them.
Make sure that the P-trap is located directly below the center of your shower and close to your shower drain. If it’s too far away, you may experience more odors than usual.
Step 3: Glue the Pipes
With a brush, prime the end of the shower drain piping, the waste drain pipe, the bend, and the hubs of the U-shaped portion of the P-trap. Add PVC cement to the waste drain and the bend, then glue them together.
Next, add glue to the U-shaped portion of the P-trap. Glue one end of the U to the shower drain and the other end to the bend. If done correctly, it should look like a “P” shape with the curved portion pointing towards the floor.
Step 4: Install Subfloor and Shower Surround
If you have full access to the P-trap, you may want to replace the subfloor under your shower and toilet. Demolish any old materials and install a new subfloor.
Then, install cement boards as your shower surround and rest them on top of your subfloor.
Step 5: Install Shower Pan
Put your shower pan in place and verify that its center is aligned with the U pipe.
Step 6: Install Vertical Pipe
Dry fit your vertical pipe, drain kit bottom piece, and U pipe. Since your vertical pipe is not yet glued to your U pipe, you can take it out and cut it using a pipe cutter or saw.
Glue your vertical pipe to your U pipe and your drain kit bottom piece to your vertical pipe.
Step 7: Adding Membrane
Finally, add a membrane to ensure that water doesn’t leak through your shower floor.
Tools And Materials Needed
Before starting the P-trap installation process, it’s essential to have all the necessary tools and materials on hand. Here are the tools and materials needed for installing a P-trap for a shower drain:
1. PVC pipes: You’ll need PVC pipes with the appropriate diameter and length to fit your shower drain configuration.
2. PVC fittings: These include elbows, couplings, and tees that will connect the PVC pipes.
3. P-trap kit: This kit includes all the necessary parts for assembling a P-trap, including the U-shaped portion, bend, and waste drain pipe.
4. PVC cement: This is used to glue the PVC pipes and fittings together.
5. PVC primer: This is used to clean and prime the PVC surfaces before applying the PVC cement.
6. Hacksaw or pipe cutter: These tools are used to cut the PVC pipes to the desired length.
7. Slip-joint pliers: These are used to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts.
8. Bucket: This is used to catch any water that may spill during the installation process.
9. Membrane: This is used to prevent water from leaking through your shower floor.
By having all these tools and materials on hand before starting the installation process, you can ensure that the installation process goes smoothly and efficiently.
Connecting The P-trap To The Drain
Once you have assembled the PVC pipes, fittings, and P-trap pieces, it’s time to connect the P-trap to the drain. First, make sure that the P-trap is located directly below the center of your shower and close to your shower drain. This will ensure that it functions properly and prevents any odors from entering your home.
Next, prime the end of the shower drain piping, the waste drain pipe, the bend, and the hubs of the U-shaped portion of the P-trap with a brush. Then, add PVC cement to the waste drain and the bend and glue them together. Make sure that they are securely attached.
After that, add glue to the U-shaped portion of the P-trap. Glue one end of the U to the shower drain and the other end to the bend. It should look like a “P” shape with the curved portion pointing towards the floor.
Once you have connected the P-trap to the drain, you can proceed with installing your subfloor and shower surround. Make sure that your shower pan is in place and aligned with the U pipe before installing your vertical pipe.
Dry fit your vertical pipe, drain kit bottom piece, and U pipe before gluing them together. If necessary, cut your vertical pipe using a pipe cutter or saw before gluing it to your U pipe.
Finally, add a membrane to ensure that water doesn’t leak through your shower floor. This will help prevent any damage to your subfloor and ensure that your shower functions properly for years to come.
Attaching The P-trap To The Shower Drain
Once you’ve dry fit all the PVC pipes and P-trap pieces, it’s time to attach the P-trap to the shower drain. This is a crucial step in ensuring that your shower drain functions properly and doesn’t emit any unpleasant odors.
To begin, use a brush to prime the end of the shower drain piping, the waste drain pipe, the bend, and the hubs of the U-shaped portion of the P-trap. This will help ensure that the PVC cement adheres properly.
Next, add PVC cement to the waste drain and the bend, then glue them together. Be sure to follow the instructions on the PVC cement container, as different brands may have different application methods.
Once the waste drain and bend are securely attached, it’s time to glue the U-shaped portion of the P-trap. Apply PVC cement to one end of the U-shaped portion and attach it to the shower drain. Then, apply PVC cement to the other end and attach it to the bend. Make sure that everything is aligned properly and that there are no leaks.
When done correctly, your P-trap should look like a “P” shape with the curved portion pointing towards the floor. This will allow water to flow smoothly out of your shower drain while preventing any unpleasant odors from escaping.
Testing The P-trap For Leaks
After installing the P-trap, it’s important to test it for leaks. To do this, fill the shower pan with water and let it sit for a few minutes. Check the area underneath the P-trap for any signs of leaking water. If there are no leaks, drain the water from the shower pan and repeat the process a few more times to ensure that there are no hidden leaks.
If you do notice any leaks, dry off the affected area and try tightening the nuts connecting the pipes together. If this doesn’t work, you may need to take apart the P-trap and replace any faulty parts or add more sealing material like plumber’s tape. Once you have fixed any leaks, test the P-trap again to make sure that it’s working properly.
Remember that a leaky P-trap can cause significant water damage to your home, so it’s important to fix any issues as soon as possible. If you’re not comfortable fixing the P-trap yourself, it’s best to contact a professional plumber who can help you with the installation and testing process.
Additional Tips For Maintaining Your P-trap
Maintaining your P-trap is essential to prevent any clogs or bad smells from entering your home. Here are some additional tips to help you maintain your P-trap:
1. Clean your P-trap every one to three months. This will help to ensure that your drainage system runs smoothly and that there are no bad smells in your home.
2. Run water through all your sinks and appliances that collect water at least every week or two, especially if they are not used regularly. This will help to keep the P-trap from drying out and losing its seal.
3. Use a wire brush or drain auger to clean any debris buildup or sludge within your drains and P-trap. This will help to keep the pipes clear and prevent any clogs.
4. Make sure that the P-trap is located directly below the center of your shower and close to your shower drain. If it’s too far away, you may experience more odors than usual.
5. Use PVC cement when gluing the pipes together to ensure a tight seal. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using PVC cement.
By following these additional tips, you can ensure that your P-trap functions properly and prevents any bad smells or clogs from entering your home.