Whether looking to upgrade a shower or fix its drain, you need to know the sewer line system. This is the system that allows wastewater to flow off the mobile home. That is why learning how to move a shower drain in a mobile home is essential.
Mobile homes come preinstalled with bathtubs, showers, and a fixed drainage system. At times, the drain may stop working. You might also want to replace the whole shower system. This may require moving the drain to the feet with the new design.
I am a self-proclaimed plumbing expert. I am going to give all the steps and tips needed for the relocation and fixing of a shower drain. If you want to know how then stick with us to the end. Let’s get started.
8 Steps You Should Follow To Move A Shower Drain In A Mobile Home
Mobile homes have a drainage system that runs below the bathroom to the sewer line. To relocate the drain. It is recommended to know the drain line’s location and access it.
Step 1: Materials Needed
Ensure you have the right materials required for this task. This will help you have an easy time and also ensure an effective shower drain relocation. Get the materials lacking and be sure to check if they fit the drainage system specification.
- Tub drain wrench;
- Mini Hacksaw;
- Flathead screwdriver;
- Plumbers tape;
- Plumbers putty;
- New drain fitting;
- Power drill.
Step 2: Learning Your Drainage System
If the sewer system is below the house and visible, just check the root the water takes after drainage. This will help not to damage the sewer pipes. Most mobile homes lack a visible sewer line.
If you have a concrete floor covering the drainage, use a thermal observer to see the pipes. Remove the concrete 2 inches away from the pipe when accessing it. One can also run water through the drainage, observe its direction, and use it to map the area to be more careful.
Step 3: Removing The Old Shower Base
Unscrew the wall screws holding the shower base in place. Open up the drain using the tub drain wrench. Remove the entire shower base, so you can access the piping below. This will ease the work and give precision. Take the old drain outside in preparation for fixing the new one.
Step 4: Marking The New Drain Installation Point
It is recommended to mark the new drainage point before removing the concrete. This is because you don’t want to remove the fixing concrete or take out more or less concrete floor than required. Get the new shower base. Put it in place on top of the concrete.
Mark the hole on the shower base to the position it is on the concrete. Here is where you will join the drain to the sewer. Remove the shower base and use cardboard to draw points that will aid in positioning the pipe in preparation for fixing the shower drain.
Step 5: Removing The Concrete Floor
Now that you know the sewer line direction and where to fix the drainage pipes, it is time to clear the path. Use a drill hammer to make a hole that follows the drainage pipe to the joints. That is the p-trap.
Cut the old drain pipe below the tightening knob when you get there. Remove the old p trap. Now you have an empty pipe that goes to the sewer line. Remove the other concrete in the direction of the new shower drain.
Get to the point where the mark was made. Now you have a trench leading from the pipe to the point of the new drainage.
Step 6: Measurement And Pipe Fixation
Fix the template you drew to the ground and stick it using tapes. This helps position the p-trap below the base shower you want to fix. Position the new p-trap with the extension above the concrete. Use the template to level it.
Measure the length of the pipe needed to connect the p-trap and the sewer line. Cut it to fit the length using a hacksaw. Get two 45-degree connectors and use them to join the sewer line to the p trap. Ensure to use glue to tighten the connections and prevent leakages.
Step 7: Doing The Concrete Work
After fixing the pipes in place, redo the floor. Pour gravel or the material you took out and tuck it below the drain. Fill the gravel near the insulation point. Make sure it is tight below the drainage.
After filling the gravel, use a triple expansion foam to cover the gravel to reach the insulation layer. It takes 4-5 hours to cure. Take care not to get foam on the skin or clothes. After the foam has cured, mix some concrete and fill the trench. Fill it to reach the height of the floor and smoothen it.
Step 8: Fixing The Shower Base To The Drain
After the concrete has dried, get the shower base and fix it. Screw the shower drain to the piping and fix it in place. Ensure the drain is fixed correctly and at home. Fix the base firmly above the drainage. And now you are ready to use the shower.
Things To Avoid While Moving A Shower Drain In A Mobile Home
The whole shower drain moving task requires care and precision. This is because one can easily damage the sewer line or the flooring. There is also the risk of damaging the mobile home. For an effective and efficient installation, this is what to avoid.
- Not Knowing The Drainage System
Never start working without knowing the direction of the drainage system. This can cause damage when getting the concrete away. Damage to the sewer line can cause huge losses since you must fix the sewer line and the drainage. It will lead to more unwanted work and wastage of resources.
Run water from the shower base to see the direction it goes. Use a thermal gun to know the heating system and avoid damaging it.
- Working Without Knowing The Exact Location Of The New Drainage
Use the new shower base and mark where the drain will be positioned. Remove the base and start working on the concrete floor. This aids in having a path to follow and minimizing removing too much concrete and leaving enough for the shower base. It also eases the work. Always ensure to mark the location you are moving the shower drain.
- Coming In Contact With The Expansion Foam
When applying the expansion foam, do it with care. This is because it has a strong chemical composition and is very adhesive. It does not come out if it comes in contact with your cloth. If it comes in contact with the skin, use strong chemicals like acetone to remove it. Always work with caution when using the foam. Wear protective clothing and use clothes that can be discarded if damaged.
5 Effective Tips To Move A Shower Drain In A Mobile Home
Most professionals have tricks and ideas to give a bathroom installation that fantastic finish. This, together with the guide above, will aid in perfecting the drainage relocation like a pro.
Tip-1: Using Two 45 Degrees Connectors
When connecting the pipes at a 90 degrees angle, it is recommended to use two 45-angle connectors. This is because when you use a sharp 90 connector and blockage in the drainage, you will have to drill a hole at the angle to enable you to push a wire in.
On the other hand, when you use two 45 connectors, they give a nice smooth curve that enables a wire to unclog the drainage. This helps not to make holes and weaken the drainage system.
Tip-2: Gluing
Glue is essential to hold pipes in place for a long time. It is required to apply both the outside and inside of the pipe you are fixing it into. This makes the connection more robust and also prevents leakage. Use strong adhesives that are water-resistant and cannot be damaged by temperatures. This will increase the lifetime of the drainage.
Tip-3: Using A Hammer And A Stone Nail
After tracing the path you want the drainage to follow, it is recommended to use a hammer to clear the concrete from the way. This increases the caution not to damage the heating system and the sewer line. It also makes the work easier since you will only have a small gap to fill with concrete.
Tip-4: Tucking The Gravel To Be Firm Below The Pipes
When laying the gravel, tuck it below the drainage pipes. Ensure it is firm enough. Use smaller gravel and sand to allow for expansion and contraction of the pipes. Also, remember not to fill the gravel above the insulation layer. It might result in loss of heat to the soil. Fill the gravel just below the insulating layer and then add the expansion foam so that it can join with the existing insulation layer.
Tip-5: Use Of Water
When drilling the concrete to access the drainage system, pour some water on the concrete. This helps reduce the amount of dust coming from that area. When you also want to add concrete to the trench, spray the sides of the trench with water. This helps increase the adhesivity of the concrete to the existing floor. The gap is sealed tightly as a result. Always ensure no raised edges after you fill and level the trench with the concrete.
Related Questions:
Can A Shower Drain Be Moved In A Mobile Home?
A shower drain can be moved in a mobile home for various reasons. It could be that they are upgrading their shower base or that they are changing the position of their shower.
Moving a shower drain is a DIY task. You need to follow the steps above to help move the shower drain. Always be cautious not to damage the sewer line or the concrete floor. Always also wear protective gear.
How Do You Reroute A Shower Drain In A Mobile Home?
First, learn the design of the drainage system and heating system. Know the direction the water follows, so you can trace the p-trap connecting to the drainage. Remove the old shower base and mark the new drainage point of the new shower base.
Dig a trench from where the old p trap was to where the new will be. Measure the distance and cut and fix a pipe that length. Join the new p trap to the sewer line and fill the concrete. After the concrete has dried, fix the new shower base and drain, and you are set to use the shower.
How Hard Is It To Move A Shower Drain In A Mobile Home?
Moving a shower drain is an average DIY task with proper tools and equipment. You need to set aside a few days to allow the concrete to dry and foam. The only challenging task is to remove the concrete floor with a hammer for precision. The other difficult task is filling the trench after you finish connecting the pipes. All the other tasks are quite easy.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Shower Drain In A Mobile Home?
Replacing a shower drain costs about $300-$400. This depends on the task size and the number of drains replaced. However, if you learn and perfect the skill, the cost can be less than $180.
It is a simple DIY task that doesn’t require a professional. But if you want it done by a pro, hire one, but I would advise you to try it with the above mentioned steps. It will be worth the try.
Final Verdict:
Moving the drain to a working position during a shower renovation or upgrade in a mobile home is essential. This DIY task is exciting and a great skill to learn. It also helps reduce the cost by a great deal. Now that you have all the steps and tips required to move your shower drain, get the tools and get it done. Do it like a pro!
