Shower Drain Plumbing Mistakes to Avoid

Large wrench next to copper piping and plumbing attachments
  • 1-12 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 0-250

Shower drain plumbing is essential and the methods are actually simple; you just have to know the basics. Most of us take drains for granted until they don’t work. Avoid clogs and leaks with proper installation beginning with those below.

Learn the Things You Do not Know

So how do you perform the ideal practice of shower drain plumbing? You may consult with plumbers or employees in the plumbing department of your home improvement store for the basics of plumbing.

Books are good sources of knowledge too. Learning how to practically apply the basic methods in plumbing works may require reading books and magazines as well as internet articles. There are also common mistakes in plumbing you need to avoid.

1. The Efficiency of Small Pipes in Clog Prevention

Many people think that having oversized pipes will minimize clogging. This is actually a mistake. Pipes with bigger diameter will distribute the energy of water passing through. Remember the moving water relying on the force of gravity serves as the medium that propels solid wastes to the sewer.

Smaller pipes accommodate the same task, and given an equivalent volume of water that is drained will transport solid wastes faster, and more distant. This is due to the concentrated energy on the confined space.

2. Guessing the Pipe Size and Not Using Teflon Tape

plumbers tape

People often make mistakes by guessing the pipe size they need in shower drainage installation. You should avoid making this mistake by securing a copy of the codebook.

This is to make sure that you make installations in accordance with the standards. Do not rely on the materials you have at hand. Go over with the codebook and do not take the installation for granted. Make sure you will use and install the appropriate pipes for the methods you will carry out.

Teflon tape prevents dripping, especially on the pipe connections. Where there are threads, make sure to use Teflon tape. This is to prevent damage later on.

3. Using Piping Materials That Do Not Match

Avoid the mistake of using piping materials of different elements, such as connecting a galvanized pipe to a copper pipe. There will be a reaction between two elements and the galvanized pipe may corrode far more quickly. Always think about compatibility to avoid issues down the road. When you are in doubt, ask people who know.