Best way to plumb shower drain in basement?

[Mike Garrod]

I'm just curious as to how you guys plumb showers in a basement. Is it okay to box out a 12"x12" square in the approx area of shower drain and stub up in it? Then any slight offsets could be done after concrete has been poured? Your input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Terry]

I prefer to box out and install the trap after the walls are framed in and the pan is on site.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Cacher_Chick]

The last couple I have done terminated the drain line into the side of a 5 gallon bucket that the concrete was poured around.

 

[FullySprinklered]

This is one of those grey areas that come about when two or more trades have their fingers in the pie. The plumber may never see, talk to, or interact in any way with the concrete people, who, in my area, are the no-talent scum of the earth. Bless their hearts.

 

[Mike Garrod]

I think that bucket idea sounds kinda nifty. Is it advisable to fill the hole with as much fill as possible once you have your connections figured out? Like is it normal to have a bit of earth exposed under the shower as opposed to being completely poured in concrete?

 

[FullySprinklered]

Dirt shows on mine. Some customers show concern, but any leakage down the line returns to the earth. On a shower it would be hard to hit the hole exactly, so to be practical you need some wiggle room there to adjust the trap location. After the contractor, the carpenter, the masonites, and the customer gets through playing with it, your perfectly located stub-up will probably miss the mark. Leave yourself some slack.

 

[Cacher_Chick]

Yes but IF the building inspector sees it, it will fail in any areas that radon might be a concern.

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[FullySprinklered]

Yes but IF the building inspector sees it, it will fail in any areas that radon might be a concern.

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This is true, no doubt, though I've never butted heads with the inspectors over radon. Not sure what trade that is. So, after locating your stub-up for the drain and making sure the shower drain has clearance, fill the hole with concrete and have it blessed by the proper authorities.