Step-by-Step Guide: How to Remove a Corner Shower Drain

Tackling a clogged or leaky corner shower drain can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and knowledge, it's a manageable DIY project. Removing a corner shower drain involves a few steps, including gathering the necessary tools, preparing the area, and carefully removing the drain. Let's dive into the process, ensuring your shower is functional and safe again in no time.

Before you begin, ensure you have the following tools and materials: adjustable wrenches, a screwdriver, a putty knife, plumber's grease, Teflon tape, and a new drain assembly if needed. Also, be prepared to get a bit messy, as you'll be dealing with water and possibly some grime.

Preparing the Shower Area

Start by clearing the shower area to give yourself enough space to work. Remove any shower curtains, mats, or other obstructions. Next, turn off the water supply to the shower using the shut-off valves located behind the access panel near the shower. If you can't find the valves, you may need to turn off the main water supply to the house.

Once the water is off, open the shower faucet to relieve any remaining water pressure in the lines. This will make it safer and easier to work on the drain. Now, you're ready to begin removing the shower drain.

Removing the Old Drain

Start by removing the drain cover. This is usually held in place by screws, so use a screwdriver to remove them. If the cover is stuck, you can gently tap it with a hammer and a flathead screwdriver to loosen it. Once the cover is off, you'll see the drain body, which is the main part of the drain that connects to the plumbing.

Unthreading the Drain Body

The drain body is typically threaded onto the drain tailpiece, which is the pipe that connects to the plumbing below. Use an adjustable wrench to carefully loosen and remove the drain body. Be gentle to avoid damaging the threads or the drain tailpiece. If the drain body is stuck, you can try using a penetrating oil to help loosen it.

Once the drain body is removed, you should be able to see the drain tailpiece and the drain flange, which is the part that sits on top of the shower base. If the drain tailpiece is also stuck, you can try using a hacksaw to cut it off just below the drain flange. Be careful not to damage the shower base or the surrounding tiles.

Removing the Drain Flange

The drain flange is usually held in place by screws or clips. Use a screwdriver or a flathead screwdriver to remove the screws or clips, then gently pry the drain flange up and out of the shower base. If the drain flange is stuck, you can try using a putty knife to gently pry it up from underneath.

Once the drain flange is removed, you should be able to see the hole in the shower base where the drain connects to the plumbing below. If the hole is clogged with debris, use a plumber's snake or a wire hanger to clear it out. Be careful not to damage the plumbing or the shower base.

Installing the New Drain

Now that the old drain is removed, it's time to install the new one. Start by cleaning the area around the drain hole to ensure a good seal. Apply a bead of plumber's grease around the drain tailpiece to help create a watertight seal and make it easier to thread the new drain body onto the tailpiece.

Installing the Drain Flange

Place the new drain flange into the hole in the shower base, ensuring it's properly seated. If the new drain comes with screws or clips, use them to secure the drain flange to the shower base. If not, you can use silicone caulk to create a watertight seal between the drain flange and the shower base.

Once the drain flange is secure, you can begin threading the new drain body onto the drain tailpiece. Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the drain body, being careful not to overtighten and damage the threads. If the drain body is difficult to thread onto the tailpiece, you can try using Teflon tape to help create a better seal.

Securing the Drain Cover

Once the drain body is securely threaded onto the drain tailpiece, you can replace the drain cover. Use screws to secure the drain cover in place, ensuring it's tight but not overtightened. If the drain cover is difficult to seat, you can try using a rubber mallet to gently tap it into place.

Finally, turn the water supply back on and check for any leaks around the drain. If there are no leaks, your new corner shower drain is now installed and ready to use.

Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the drain regularly and addressing any minor issues promptly, can help extend the life of your shower drain and prevent future problems. If you're ever unsure about any aspect of the process, don't hesitate to consult a professional plumber. Happy DIYing!