Installing a Shower over a Basement Drain

Installing a shower over a basement drain is relatively a simple process to accomplish. Installing a basement shower can be a great remodeling project and can help to add long term value to your home. It is a project that yields a pretty good return on investment, when you consider all the projects you may look to complete for home remodeling. Here is a simple process to follow when remodeling your basement and installing a shower over a basement drain.

Step 1 - Locate the Basement Drain

Walk down to your basement, and locate the basement drain. The drain in the basement will either look like a small pipe sticking out from the cement basement floor or it will have a small grate around it, with open holes. The grate will not be very big, only 3 or 4 inches in diameter. Once you have located your drain, make a small X on the floor over the drain with a small can of spray paint.

Step 2 - Design Your Basement Shower

Using a piece of paper and pencil, design your basement shower. Locate the shower in close proximity to the drain, as it will make both the installation and the ongoing maintenance of your basement shower easier. In addition, the flow of water will work much better when the shower is located over or close to the drain.

Step 3 - Break Up Section of the Floor

Break up a section of the basement floor. Cement basement floors are installed and reinforced with rebar. Remove all rebar or mesh in the piece of flooring you have broken up. Install a trap beneath the drain.

Step 4 - Add Ventilation

Ventilate your shower drain using the outside ventilation stack for your home.

Step 4 - Frame the Shower

Add a frame around the shower. The framing will create the walls for your basement shower. If you plan on using a fiberglass shower surround, check the manufacturer directions to review any specific specifications and requirements for your framing project.

Step 5 - Install the Shower Surround

Install the shower surround pieces. If you are using fiberglass, install the surround inserts. Secure them with screws or nails, whichever is required by the manufacturer. Double check the drain as you install the surround panels. Run water into the drain and check for leakage. If you see leaks, double check the piping and the piping connections.

Step 6 - Attach Faucets and Plumbing Fixtures

Last, but certainly not least, attach the plumbing fixtures, such as the faucet for your basement shower.

Step 7 - Attach Curtain Rod and Curtain

If your shower is going to use a shower curtain, attach the curtain rod and the shower curtain. Test your showers function. Check the flow of water and the drainage.

Step 8 - Clean up

Clean up your work area, wash the walls with a cleaning detergent and dry everything off. Put your tools and materials away and begin to enjoy your basement shower.