DIY Network

Shower Drain Rough-In Create a drain from the absolute basics. From "Bathroom Renovations" episode DBTR-511

Homeowner Andy loves DIY projects – but he didn't realize just how rough the rough-in would be for his basement shower drain. Amy Matthews shows him how to turn a pipe in a gravel bed into a usable shower drain.

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Materials:

work gloves marker PVC saw PVC fittings PVC primer PVC cement 2-foot level

drill with paddle bit quick-setting concrete safety glasses dust mask bucket trowel

Shower Drain Rough-In

Note: Building codes vary regarding shower drain requirements. Make sure to check local codes before getting started.

• Remove fill rock from the hole and use a PVC saw to cut the cap from the PVC stub installed by the plumber.

• The rough-in already included a P-trap, so Amy and Andy just needed to create a simple drain. Use a PVC saw to cut the appropriate lengths of PVC pipe and dry-fit the parts; the final assembly should bring the drain line to the center of the floor opening, with the bottom of the drain flange level with the existing concrete floor.

• Use a marker to draw lines across the PVC joints; these marks will make it easier to line up the parts quickly and easily during gluing.
  

  	Figure A
  	Figure B
  	Figure C

• Take apart the assembly and apply PVC cleaner to the appropriate pipe surfaces.

  Safety Alert: Always work in a well-ventilated area when using PVC cleaner and PVC cement: These powerful adhesives produce powerful fumes. Always keep these chemicals well out of the reach of kids and pets.

• Apply PVC cement to the joints and assemble, lining up the reference marks (figure A). Work on one joint at a time, holding the pieces together for several moments after gluing to keep the chemical reaction from forcing them apart.

• Refill the hole with rock to support the new plumbing. Check to make sure the drain stays level.

• Use a drill with a paddle bit to mix a bucket of quick-setting concrete to fill the remainder of the space.

  Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses and a dust mask when mixing concrete or any masonry adhesive. Also, use caution when working with a power drill or other power tools.

• Cover the drain with painter's tape to protect it, then pour concrete into the hole (figure B). Use a trowel to spread the concrete, tamping it down and smoothing it over the surface (figure C).

• Allow the concrete to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions before creating the concrete shower base. Amy and Andy used a concrete mix that dries in 30 minutes.