Knowledge Builders

does shower drain have to be centered

by Prof. Janelle Herman I Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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No, shower drains don't need to be in the center. As long as the drain is at the bottom of a slope so water will flow into it, your drain will work just fine.

Full Answer

Can I use a center drain in a shower?

All shower configurations support the use of a center drain. If you’re building a “zero entry” or a “curbless” shower you can use one, if you have a curb you can use one too. They are the most versatile of all drain types. Center drains are not as glorious looking. They’re not the drain to use if you want to IMPRESS.

What are the code requirements for a center shower drain?

Code requires a couple of things; that the minimum slope of the shower floor be at least 1/4" per foot, that the maximum slope be 1/2" per foot, and that the height of the curb needs to be 2" above the height of the drain. If your drain is centered in the existing 36" square pan, you have 18" from drain to wall.

Should a shower drain be level or sloped?

If the drain is in the center of the floor, you'll have a relatively level space around the drain to stand on. However, if it's in a corner, the entire shower floor will slope slightly in that direction.

How far from the wall should a shower drain be?

If your drain is centered in the existing 36" square pan, you have 18" from drain to wall. Add 24" to one side for a 3' by 5' shower and you'll have distances of 18", 18", 18", and 42".

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Where should a shower drain be positioned?

The drain in a shower should ideally be the lowest point of the shower floor. A correct shower floor generally has a slope to it instead of a level surface. So, the positioning of the drain is such that water from all directions slopes down to the drain.

Why are shower drains in center?

In many tile installation forums, you'll be advised to locate the drain in the center because it's simplest to slope a tile shower drain in the middle (if you or your contractor are doing it by hand) to make the pitch consistent.

Are shower drain locations standard?

While the price points of standard shower bases (which are most frequently made of fiberglass or acrylic) are enticing – the problem is their “standard” (non-changeable) drain locations may not match with where your existing drain hole is located. That can be a BIG BUMMER!

How do I move my shower drain to the center?

0:454:52How to Relocate Shower Drain Part 2 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPipe. See how easy that is there's really nothing to it you just got to make sure that the couplingMorePipe. See how easy that is there's really nothing to it you just got to make sure that the coupling is centered in the big drain hole. The next step is I need to get this shower pan out of the room.

Is it difficult to move a shower drain?

Yes, it can be challenging! I've been on job sites where most of the concrete floor had to be taken up to gain access to the existing drain pipe to reroute it. There can be a substantial amount of work involved. If you run into this problem, don't panic.

Can you put linear drain in center of shower?

Linear drains can be placed in the center of the shower, as seen in the bathroom below by Tego Bathroom Solutions, as long as they are parallel to the opening of the shower.

How close can shower drain be to wall?

Discharge hole (vertical): Drain located at floor height; distance is zero. Fixture (side to side buffer): Measured from center of the toilet to either side, minimum. clearance is 15 inches to any wall or other fixture; 18 inches is recommended if the bathroom layout allows for this.

How far away from wall is shower drain?

As a general rule, your drain hole should be at least 12 inches from your wall.

How high should a shower drain be from the floor?

2" Drain Pipe should be centered in a hole (approximately 5" diameter) in the flooring. The top of the Pipe should be no higher than, and no more than 1/8" lower than, the top surface of the floor on which the base will be set.

How much does it cost to relocate a shower drain?

Move a drain pipe: national average costcost to move a drain pipeNational Avg. Materials Cost per line$123.27National Avg. Cost (labor and materials) for 1 line$705.25National Cost Range (labor and materials) for 1 line$632.63 - $777.87Sep 4, 2022

How do you install an offset shower drain?

0:542:28How to install an Oatey Shower Drain - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI run my plumbers putty around the corner of the top piece. This is the piece that's going to go inMoreI run my plumbers putty around the corner of the top piece. This is the piece that's going to go in the actual shower and once I get it all the way around there I can pull off the extra.

How does a walk in shower drain work?

0:062:44How Does A Shower Drain Work? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe water that falls over from the shower goes down the drain into a sewer system. At the same timeMoreThe water that falls over from the shower goes down the drain into a sewer system. At the same time the drain is designed in such a way that it prevents the backup of sewer gases into the bathroom.

What does offset drain mean?

0:181:46Elkay Sinks with Offset Drain Feature - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMoving the drain to one side creates a large area of flat space where you can stack dishes withoutMoreMoving the drain to one side creates a large area of flat space where you can stack dishes without blocking the drain. You have a space to clean food without it's slipping into the drain.

Why does my shower drain smell like rotten eggs?

If you are noticing the smell of rotten eggs, it is possible that your water or sink drain is contaminated. It could also be that the drain is clogged or partially drained. When sinks are clogged, they drain slowly, which can cause bacteria to build up in the p-trap and create the hydrogen sulfide gas.

What are the different types of shower drains?

There are two types of shower drains - the linear drain and the point drain. They can also come in all shapes and sizes.

How far from the wall should a shower drain be?

Rough-In Dimension TerminologyToiletShower/TubDischarge/Drain Hole from Back Wall12 1/2"14"Discharge/Drain Hole (Vertical)0"0"Fixture (Side to Side Buffer)15" to 18" min18" minFixture (Front Buffer)21" min18" min2 more rows•Mar 28, 2022

How Do I Place My Shower Head Correctly?

The best way to place your shower head correctly is to rely on accurate measurements.

How High Should The Shower Head Be From The Floor?

If you’re the tallest person in your family, you should have a gap of at least 3 inches between your head and the shower head. This will make sure the water pressure doesn’t prick your skin and that the water falls on your body naturally and smoothly.

Can You Move A Shower Head?

Yes, you can! There are adjustable and movable shower heads available that allow you to change the direction of the water spray as per your liking.

Does The Shower Head And Valve Need To Be At The Same Size?

No, the shower head and the shower valve don’t have to be at the same size.

Where is the pan in a shower?

The Pan is tight between the drain edge and the studs behind the shower, so the pan doesn't wiggle anywhere.

Can you demo concrete to move a drain?

Demo enough concrete to get down and move the drain to where you need it. I would do enough to transition to PVC and replace the trap.

How do I move a shower drain?

The only way to do this is to move the walls! or crack some concrete and move the pipes. Or, leave it where it is. With a clamping drain, you'll either be building another conventional shower, or use a conversion drain and switch to something like Kerdi. Or, if you do end up moving it, just a drain for the system you choose. While it is nice to have the drain centered, it doesn't have to be - it must means the slope on the shorter wall will end up steeper (if you do it the way most people recommend it and have a level perimeter).

Can a snake pass through water pressure fittings?

Those are water pressure fittings. There is no way a snake will pass though those.

Do shower drains slope in the center?

However, if it's in a corner, the entire shower floor will slope slightly in that direction . For showers that have a bench built in, placing the drain under the bench will keep it out of the way.

Can tile shower floors be uneven?

Even if they are sloped correctly, any unevenness in the tiles may result in high or low spots which interfere with the smooth down hill flow of the water. This can result in small pools of water on the floor that are annoying at best and hazardous at worst.

What is the drain in the middle of a shower called?

But, for this article, the smaller 4” located in the middle of the shower pan will be called a “center drain”.

Why do people use linear drains in showers?

People use them because they can use the same tile throughout the entire bathroom, including the shower and they can place the linear drains in interesting places because the shower pan will only be sloped in ONE direction, rather than like a bowl when you are using a center drain.

Why are linear drains so expensive?

More money for the drain itself and also more money to put it in because there is a higher degree of precision involved with their installation.

Is a center drain good?

Center drains are not as glorious looking. They’re not the drain to use if you want to IMPRESS. Esthetically, they are not as pleasing as the linear option. They just don’t LOOK as cool.

Where does water go in a shower?

It goes down that metal grate that is located in the shower pan. The water goes to this grate because the shower pan is sloped that way. The water goes into the gra te which is connected to pipe that brings it to the sewer system.

Do center drains need maintenance?

Center drains are also less maintenance. The water goes down this drain at such a speed and volume that you rarely have to take the grate off and they almost clean themselves with very little extra maintenance.

Is a shower a one time thing?

Ultimately, your shower is a one time thing. Re-sale value of your house is super important. Getting what you WANT is probably most important. So, that’s where I always lean. Get what you WANT. Your bathroom is a once in your lifetime thing. Make it look and work the way you want to make it look and work.

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1.Does the shower drain have to be in the center? - Houzz

Url:https://www.houzz.com/discussions/2273392/does-the-shower-drain-have-to-be-in-the-center

13 hours ago  · Does shower drain need to be centered? No, shower drains don’t need to be in the center. As long as the drain is at the bottom of a slope so water will flow into it, your drain …

2.Videos of Does Shower Drain Have to Be Centered

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9 hours ago Code requires a couple of things; that the minimum slope of the shower floor be at least 1/4" per foot, that the maximum slope be 1/2" per foot, and that the height of the curb needs to be 2" …

3.Does A Shower Head Need To Be Centered? (Solved!)

Url:https://villatag.com/does-shower-head-need-to-be-centered/

29 hours ago If you center the shower head with the drain, you might end up blocking the drain with your feet while you’re under the shower. It’s better to place the drain in the corner of the showering …

4.shower drain not centered? - Houzz

Url:https://www.houzz.com/discussions/2317269/shower-drain-not-centered

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6.How do you center an offcentered shower drain

Url:https://terrylove.com/forums/index.php?threads/how-do-you-center-an-offcentered-shower-drain.52132/

24 hours ago  · UPDATE: I measured the location of the pipe and it appears it's center is 16" from the back wall, 15 3/4 from left wall and 16 from right wall. So a 32x32" would be a better fit, …

7.Does a Shower Drain Need to Be in the Center? - SFGATE

Url:https://homeguides.sfgate.com/shower-drain-need-center-87926.html

16 hours ago  · So I'm redoing a shower and have got my durock up and when I look at it, the control valve and shower head look out of place. They are centered with the linear drain, …

8.linear and center shower drain pros and cons - Hamilton …

Url:https://www.hamiltontilega.com/a-tileguys-journey-blog/tag/linear+and+center+shower+drain+pros+and+cons

4 hours ago  · Or, leave it where it is. With a clamping drain, you'll either be building another conventional shower, or use a conversion drain and switch to something like Kerdi. Or, if you …

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