How to Remove a Shower Floor Drain? (3 Drain Don’ts!)

Imagine this: You step into your shower, ready to wash away the day’s stress, but instead, you’re greeted by a pool of water around your ankles. Sound familiar? That sluggish shower drain is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a breeding ground for mildew and a constant source of frustration.

I’ve been there, done that, and trust me, I know how annoying it can be. As a flooring contractor with years of experience, I’ve seen countless clogged, corroded, and just plain stubborn shower drains. The good news? You don’t need to call a plumber just yet. With a bit of know-how and the right tools, you can tackle this problem yourself.

In this article, I’m going to walk you through the process of removing a shower floor drain, step-by-step. But more importantly, I’m going to share three critical “Drain Don’ts” – mistakes I’ve seen homeowners make time and time again, which can turn a simple DIY project into a plumbing nightmare.

So, grab your gloves, put on your safety goggles, and let’s get started!

Understanding the Shower Drain

Before you start wrenching away, it’s crucial to understand what you’re dealing with. Not all shower drains are created equal. Think of them as snowflakes; each one is slightly different.

There are primarily three types of shower drains you’ll encounter:

• Traditional Drains: These are the most common type. They usually feature a round or square drain cover with visible screws or a snap-in design. Underneath, you’ll find a strainer basket to catch hair and debris.

• Linear Drains: These sleek, modern drains are becoming increasingly popular, especially in curbless showers. They’re long and narrow, running along one side of the shower floor. Linear drains offer excellent drainage and a minimalist aesthetic.

• Point Drains (Tileable Drains): These drains are designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding tile. They have a square or round recess where you can insert a piece of the same tile used on your shower floor, making the drain virtually invisible.

Each type of drain functions in basically the same way. Water flows through the drain cover, into the drain body, and down the drainpipe to your home’s sewer system. The drain also includes a trap (usually a P-trap) that holds water to prevent sewer gases from entering your bathroom.

Why is knowing your drain type so important? Because the removal process will vary depending on the design. For example, removing a linear drain will require different steps than removing a traditional drain with screws. Ignoring this could lead to damaged tiles and increased costs.

Take a close look at your shower drain. Is it round or square? Does it have visible screws? Is it a long, narrow channel? Identifying these features will help you choose the right tools and techniques for removal.

Tools and Materials Needed

Alright, now that you know what kind of drain you’re dealing with, let’s gather the necessary tools and materials. Having everything on hand before you start will save you time and frustration.

Here’s a comprehensive list of what I recommend:

• Pliers: A pair of regular pliers and a pair of needle-nose pliers will come in handy for gripping and manipulating small parts.

• Screwdrivers: You’ll need a Phillips head and a flathead screwdriver in various sizes to remove screws from the drain cover and body.

• Adjustable Pipe Wrench: This is essential for loosening and tightening threaded drain components.

• Putty Knife or Scraper: This tool will help you remove old plumber’s putty or caulk around the drain.

• Utility Knife: For cutting away old caulk or sealant.

• Gloves: Protect your hands from dirt, grime, and sharp edges.

• Safety Goggles: Shield your eyes from debris and splashes.

• Old Rags or Towels: For wiping up spills and protecting the shower floor.

• Bucket: To catch any water or debris that may come out of the drainpipe.

• Plumber’s Putty: You’ll need this to create a watertight seal when installing the new drain.

• Replacement Drain Parts (Optional): If you’re replacing the entire drain, make sure you have a new drain body and cover that matches your existing plumbing.

A quick note on safety: Always wear gloves and safety goggles when working with plumbing. You never know what kind of bacteria or chemicals might be lurking in your drain. Trust me, you don’t want to mess with that!

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing the

Shower Floor Drain

Okay, let’s get down to business. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to removing your shower floor drain:

1. Preparation: Clearing the Area and Ensuring Safety

Before you even think about touching the drain, take a few minutes to prepare the area. This will make the job easier and safer.

• Clear the Shower: Remove any shower caddies, shampoo bottles, or other items that might get in your way.

• Protect the Shower Floor: Cover the shower floor around the drain with old rags or towels to prevent scratches or damage.

• Turn Off the Water: This is crucial! You don’t want to accidentally flood your bathroom. Locate the shut-off valve for your shower and turn it off. If you can’t find a separate valve, turn off the main water supply to your house.

2. Removing the Drain Cover: Techniques for Different Types of Covers

The first step is to remove the drain cover. The method you use will depend on the type of cover you have.

• Screwed-In Covers: If your drain cover has visible screws, simply use a screwdriver to remove them. Be careful not to strip the screws, especially if they’re corroded. If they’re stuck, try applying a little penetrating oil (like WD-40) and letting it sit for a few minutes before trying again.

• Snap-In Covers: These covers are held in place by friction. To remove them, insert a flathead screwdriver into the gap between the cover and the drain body and gently pry it up. You may need to work your way around the cover to loosen it completely.

• Lift-Out Covers: Some drain covers simply lift out. These usually have a small handle or lip that you can grab. If the cover is stuck, try tapping it gently with a rubber mallet to loosen it.

• Tileable Drains: For these drains, you’ll need to carefully pry up the tile insert using a putty knife or scraper. Once the tile is removed, you’ll likely find a screwed-in or snap-in cover underneath.

Once the cover is removed, you’ll have access to the drain body.

3. Detaching the Drain Body: Step-by-Step Methods for Different Designs

This is where things can get a little tricky, as there are several different ways the drain body can be attached to the drainpipe.

• Threaded Drains: These drains are screwed into the drainpipe. To remove them, use an adjustable pipe wrench to grip the drain body and turn it counterclockwise. You may need to apply some force, especially if the drain is corroded.

• Compression-Fit Drains: These drains are held in place by a compression nut and a rubber gasket. To remove them, loosen the compression nut with a pipe wrench and then pull the drain body out of the drainpipe.

• Solvent-Welded Drains: These drains are permanently glued to the drainpipe using PVC cement. Removing them is more complicated and may require cutting the drainpipe. I strongly recommend calling a plumber for this type of drain.

4. Addressing Potential Complications: What to Do If the Drain Is Stuck or Corroded

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, the drain just won’t budge. This is often due to corrosion or mineral buildup. Here are a few tips for dealing with stubborn drains:

• Apply Heat: Use a heat gun or hair dryer to warm up the drain body. The heat will help to loosen the corrosion and make it easier to remove. Be careful not to overheat the drain, as this could damage the surrounding tiles or plumbing.

• Use Penetrating Oil: Spray penetrating oil (like WD-40) around the drain body and let it sit for several hours, or even overnight. This will help to dissolve the corrosion and lubricate the threads.

• Try a Drain Removal Tool: There are specialized drain removal tools available at most hardware stores. These tools provide extra leverage and grip, making it easier to remove stubborn drains.

• Call a Plumber: If you’ve tried everything else and the drain still won’t come out, it’s time to call a professional. You don’t want to risk damaging your plumbing or injuring yourself.

5. Tips for Keeping the Area Clean and Minimizing Mess During the Removal

Removing a shower drain can be a messy job, but there are a few things you can do to minimize the mess:

• Use a Bucket: Place a bucket under the drainpipe to catch any water or debris that may come out when you remove the drain body.

• Wipe Up Spills Immediately: Use old rags or towels to wipe up any spills as soon as they occur.

• Dispose of Old Parts Properly: Place the old drain cover, drain body, and any other parts in a plastic bag and dispose of them properly.

3 Drain Don’ts

Now, let’s talk about the “Drain Don’ts” – the mistakes I’ve seen homeowners make that can turn a simple DIY project into a plumbing disaster.

Don’t Rush the Process

I get it. You’re eager to get that drain out and get back to your shower. But rushing the process is a recipe for disaster.

I remember one time, a homeowner was in a hurry to replace his shower drain before a party. He didn’t take the time to properly loosen the drain body, and he ended up stripping the threads on the drainpipe. This caused a leak that wasn’t discovered until the party was in full swing, resulting in a flooded bathroom and a very unhappy host.

Take your time, follow the steps carefully, and don’t force anything. If something isn’t working, stop and reassess the situation. It’s better to spend a little extra time doing it right than to rush and cause damage.

Don’t Ignore Your Plumbing System

Your shower drain is just one small part of a larger plumbing system. Before you start removing anything, it’s crucial to understand how your drain connects to the rest of your plumbing.

Are you connected to a cast iron, PVC or copper drain line? Each of these will require different approaches when it comes to making repairs or replacements.

Disconnecting pipes without proper knowledge can lead to leaks, water damage, and even structural problems. If you’re not comfortable working with plumbing, it’s best to call a professional.

Don’t Skip the Clean-Up

Once you’ve removed the drain, don’t just walk away and call it a day. Cleaning up the area is just as important as removing the drain itself.

Leaving debris or water in the area can create a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. It can also attract insects and other pests.

Thoroughly clean the shower floor around the drain opening with a disinfectant cleaner. Make sure to remove any old plumber’s putty or caulk. This will ensure a clean surface for installing the new drain.

Conclusion

Removing a shower floor drain can seem like a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and tools, it’s a project that most homeowners can tackle themselves.

Remember to take your time, understand your plumbing system, and always clean up after yourself. And most importantly, avoid those three “Drain Don’ts”!

The satisfaction of resolving household issues yourself is truly unmatched. It not only saves you money but also empowers you to take control of your living space. So, go ahead, reclaim your shower, and enjoy that feeling of accomplishment!

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