How to Convert Bathtub Drain to a Shower Drain?


How to Convert Bathtub Drain to a Shower Drain?

Are you considering converting your old bathtub into a shower area but you don’t know how to do it on your own? Well, you’re in the right place. I have just recently changed my bathtub drain into a shower drain and I wanted to share my experience with others so they can do theirs without any hindrance. 

How to Convert Bathtub Drain to a Shower Drain?

This is part of my bathroom remodeling series where I have devised a separate and short video for different parts of my bathroom. If you are also remodeling your whole bathroom you might want to watch my other videos from this series. 

So, let’s start with a stepwise procedure to help you change your drain but before you start with the first step make sure you have these tools, to begin with.

Tools you’ll need

Step 1:  Remove your Old Drain Pipe

Starting off, this is what your typical bathtub drain looks like. 

How to Convert Bathtub Drain to a Shower Drain?
Your typical bathtub drain

Since a shower drain does not require a long pipe fitting, start by cutting the old bathtub pipe fitting with a hacksaw.

Step 2: Modify the Concrete around the drain

tub to shower conversion on concrete slab
Drainage pipe

If the concrete surface area where your bathtub drain was previously installed needs to be modified, modify the space accordingly to keep the shower drain closer to the wall.

Step 3: Use Suitable Fittings

A combination of the appropriate fitting is needed to make a slope closer to the ground. The combination includes a large drain piece, two elbow fittings, and a pipe in between.

converting bathtub to stand up shower
The combination of the fittings

Step 4: Attach a Conversion Piece if needed 

To create a proper size socket, attach a conversion piece to the large piece of the fitting. The purpose is to keep a low profile.

How to Convert Bathtub Drain to a Shower Drain?
Conversion piece

Step 5: Attach the Right Fittings Together

The pipe is connected on one end to the drain pipe using an elbow and on the other end to the drain using an elbow and a coupling socket.

How to Convert Bathtub Drain to a Shower Drain?
Attach the Right Fittings Together

This combination occupies less space and helps to keep the drain low-profile.

Step 6: Glue the Fittings Together  

Once you have chosen the appropriate set of fitting start the gluing process. I used the hot medium blue lava PVC cement and I found it worthwhile.

How to Convert Bathtub Drain to a Shower Drain?
Glue the Fittings Together

If you are a beginner you must follow all the gluing procedures mentioned on the product’s packaging. This hot lava medium cement is specifically designed for gluing PVC products.

Step 7: Install this fitting combination to the drainpipe

How to Convert Bathtub Drain to a Shower Drain?
Install this fitting combination to the drainpipe

Join this fitting combination you have created to the drainpipe on the floor using the same glue. The other end is to be connected to the shower drain.

Step 8: Connect the other end of the fitting to the shower drain

Once you have installed the fitting combination to the ground, connect the other end of this combination to the shower drain. This should be easy if you’ve connected the conversion piece.

How to Convert Bathtub Drain to a Shower Drain?
Connect the other end of the fitting to the shower drain

Step 9: Leveling-up the Pipes

How to Convert Bathtub Drain to a Shower Drain?
Making sure the drain is level

Make sure to check the leveling of the fitting before the drainage pipe starts to dry. It can be done easily with the help of a small level.

Final Words

That’s it. By now I hope you’ve successfully converted your bathtub drain into a shower drain. My aim was to help you get this simple task done as a fun learning project and without hiring a plumber. In case you’ve found anything confusing, let me know and I would love to answer your query.

In case, you’re remodeling other parts of your bathroom, you might want to read my article on “How to Remove a Bathroom Vanity?”

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Andy

Dad, Engineer, DIYer, Creator

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