How To Install Your New Fiberglass Shower Drain: A Guide For The Rest Of Us
So you've decided to install that fiberglass shower drain yourself - congratulations! Need some tips? That's what we thought - and this guide has been prepared just for you.
Some Common Mistakes
Many problems in installing fiberglass shower drains can be easily prevented by making sure that you do the following:
1. Make sure that you follow all municipal building codes. If you don't, you will have to have your fiberglass shower drain reinstalled.
2. Use the correct hardware, fittings, and the correct size of pipes.
3. Properly seal all pipe and hardware joints, according to manufacturer directions
4. Make sure that when you install your fiberglass shower drain that it is done on a level surface, and that everything that is installed is level.
5. Always check your drain connections for leaks.
6. Make sure that all your plumbing is inspected. Getting Ready For The Install Before you actually begin work on installing your fiberglass shower drain, you will need to remove the old drain. When you do this, you should inspect the area around the drain to check for any signs of water damage. If there is water damage, you will need to make arrangements to have the entire shower floor removed and replaced, as necessary. This must be done properly in order to prevent future problems, so you may need to secure the services of a trained professional. Before installation of your fiberglass shower drain begins, make sure to read the directions supplied by your drain manufacturer. Make sure that you have all the hardware, as well as all the necessary tools and other supplies, that are recommended. There is nothing more frustrating than beginning work only to find that you don't have a necessary tool, or that a crucial component was not shipped by the manufacturer. Step One: Install the Drain To begin installation of the fiberglass shower drain, unscrew the locking nut and remove all washers. Then assemble your fiberglass shower drain components exactly in the order that is detailed in the instructions and diagrams supplied by the manufacturer. Pay special attention to the placement of any washers/gaskets, and where you will need to use glue or plumber's putty. Always remember that you can break the hardware or plastic pipes if you apply too much pressure when you are tightening the hardware. Don�t over tighten! Step Two: Test Fitting of Other Pipes If it will be necessary to connect new pipes (such as a P-Trap) to your fiberglass shower drain, then you should assemble all theses pieces - do not glue! - to make sure that all the parts fit together properly. This includes any connection to your house plumbing. If the pieces do not fit together well, consult your manufacturer's directions or your local DIY center for advice on how to fix the problem. Step 3: Permanent Install If everything fits well, then you should now take all the pipes apart and re-assemble them - but this time glue or permanently seal them together according to your manufacturer's directions. After completely installing the fiberglass shower drain, the whole assembly should now be allowed to 'sit' idle, so that the glue has a chance to properly harden. When ready, then whole shower drain installation should be tested to make sure that there are no leaks.
| 
