DIY Shower Trap

Shower traps also have the name P-trap due to the shape they form once installed. The purpose of the trap is to prevent sewer gas odors from rising up through the drain and into the home. They also make removing objects that fall down the drain possible. Installing a shower trap is a task most homeowners can accomplish. Once the trap is secure, you must attach it to the shower drain.

Drywall saw (optional)
Reciprocating saw
Metal-cutting blade (optional)
Cloth
PVC cement
PVC pipe (optional)
Hacksaw (optional)
PVC shower trap
Hand soap
Rubber compression gasket
Strainer
Screwdriver
Male and female PVC adapters (optional)
Pipe dope (optional)
String (optional)
Wrench (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the drain pipes for the shower which are located underneath it in the basement or crawl space of the home. If bottom access is not available, the pipes are inside the wall beside the shower faucet and hardware. To access wall plumbing, walk to the room on the opposite side of the wall and cut through it carefully using a drywall saw.
- 2
  Examine the pipes for a lever or a knob that shuts off the water flow. Turn the levers until they are perpendicular to the pipes and turn the knobs counterclockwise. If you can't locate the shut-offs, turn off all water to the home at the main valve by prying the cover off and turning the knob counterclockwise.
- 3
  Remove the old trap, if applicable, by cutting just above the top coupler using a reciprocating saw. Cut through the bottom of the lower trap coupler using the saw to detach it completely. If the current trap is metal, use a metal cutting blade.
- 4
  Wipe the exposed shower drain and wall pipe with a cloth to remove any debris from the surface.
- 5
  Open a bottle of PVC cement and apply a 1/4-inch layer around the entire outside of both ends of the shower P-trap using the applicator attached to the lid.
- 6
  Hold the shower P-trap in place against the waste pipe with the curved section facing down. Determine if a straight section of pipe is required to extend it to the shower drain. If so, cut a section of PVC pipe to the same length using a hacksaw. Apply PVC cement to the outer edge of the pipe ends and push it up into the shower drain. Hold the pipe in place for 30 seconds.
- 7
  Push one end of the trap onto the shower drain pipe and the other end onto the wall waste pipe. Hold the pipes together for 30 seconds until the PVC cement bonds them in place.
- 8
  Go back to the shower area and apply one to two drops of hand soap to the exterior of a rubber compression gasket. Slide the gasket into the drain so it sits around the PVC drain pipe. Place the strainer on top of the pipe and insert the provided screws with a screwdriver.
- 9
  Turn the water flow back on by opening the shut off valves.

Required Drop Toilet Drains

How to Build a Drain Trap for a Vanity

Plumbing