Oversized Shower Drain Needed?

[David_NC]

Hello,

I'm trying to finish up remodeling one of my bathrooms... after starting 7 years ago! The shower is the only thing remaining. It's a large shower and will have two controls and two heads. I read somewhere a while back that I would need a larger drain (3") for a shower with multiple heads / controls. I bought a standard 2" drain a few years back that has the clamp ring (for lack of a better description) for the vinyl liner that goes under the tile. I haven't been able to find one of these in 3 inches. I'm sure I could use two 2" drains, but this seems like it might be a lot more trouble in terms of the pitch of the floor, lining up the drains for the tiles, etc. What do those who do this for a living recommend? As some background, the 3" drain for that bathroom is directly below the shower area and already has a 3" Y from the toilet that used to be installed here. The shower is fed by 3/4" supplies that reduce down to 1/2" at each control. Thanks for any input / suggestions.

David

 

[Jadnashua]

You'll be fine with one 2" drain with only two heads.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Rombo]

if it's only 2 heads a 2" will work better

 

[David_NC]

if it's only 2 heads a 2" will work better

Did you mean 3"? I'm already using 2".

There is a possiblilty that I may end up with a standard hand-held shower on one control and three body heads on the other control. I know they make diverter valves for this purpose, but they use 3/4" lines and are much more expensive than two decent controls. Would the 2" drain still be sufficient? I'm also planning on some model of Delta... is there a better brand to use? I've always enjoyed Delta faucets and controls. Almost everywhere I've lived has had Delta. The two I've repaired (over 20+ years) have been easy. Plus, parts are readily available for them. Thanks!

David

 

[Rombo]

i meant 2'' you should still be ok with 3 body spray's. you don't want to over size a drain it is as bad as undersizing a drain and can clog easier

 

[Jadnashua]

Keep in mind that the inlet pipes are nominally either 1/2 or 3/4". Your drain is 2"...quite a difference. Now if you had a fire hose coming in, that would be a different story!

 

[David_NC]

Keep in mind that the inlet pipes are nominally either 1/2 or 3/4". Your drain is 2"...quite a difference. Now if you had a fire hose coming in, that would be a different story!

Very true, but the supply lines are under pressure (obviously!). I thought a 2" drain would be fine - a washing machine drains a lot of water very quickly through a 2" line and seems to do just fine. Thanks for the feedback guys.

David

 

[Gary Swart]

You should remember that shower heads only deliver 2.5 gpm each.