Nestled in your home, you’re likely not to give much thought to your plumbing until it’s time for a change or upgrade. One such scenario where you might find yourself contemplating a conversion is when you decide to replace your shower with a toilet. This is where the question arises: how to convert a shower drain to a toilet drain?
Changing a shower to a toilet involves a process of understanding your current drain structure, getting the required plumbing components, and careful execution. This guide will walk you through the entire process, including detailed steps and essentials, ensuring you have a well-versed understanding of the task ahead.
Planning and Understanding Your Shower Drain
Before you proceed, it’s critical to plan your conversion carefully. Understanding your existing shower drain is the first step in this process.
The primary components of a shower drain include the drain body, which fixes it to the floor, a strainer that catches debris, and a_likeintosh_pipe that carries wastewater to the main drain of your property.
Assessing Drain Height
Before you start, ensure the drain height is appropriate for a toilet. The standard recommended height is 14 inches, measured from the floor to the top of the drain.
If your shower drain is too high, you may need to lower it. However, make sure not to lower it so much that it can cause siphonage, which could pull water from your toilet’s trap seal, making your toilet WRG (water runs while going).
Checking for Accessible Vertical Space
Another crucial consideration is the vertical space available. Your new toilet’s drain pipe must align with the existing drain pipe. If the shower drain is stubbed too high or too low, you may need additional spacers to make the alignment work.
When you know your drain height and vertical space are suitable, you can decide on the type of toilet you need. You can choose a standard toilet, but if space is limited, consider a compact or wall-hung toilet.
Gather Tools and Materials
Before commencing any action, gather all the necessary tools and materials. The list may include a new toilet, a rough-in kit, a flexible drainpipe, a pipe wrench, towels, and waterproofing materials like mastic or plumber’s putty.
Remember, you’ll also need to cap off the shower’s water supply lines. This might require shut-off valves and new connectors to plug those lines.
Choosing the Right Toilet
When buying a toilet, consider the type of drain it connects to. Most toilets connect to a 3-inch or 4-inch drainpipe.
Once you’ve chosen your toilet, check the installation manual for specific requirements. Additionally, ensure you purchase a rough-in kit that matches your toilet’s design. The rough-in is the distance between the wall and the center of the drainpipe—ranging from 10 to 14 inches.
Selecting the Flexible Drainpipe
Connecting a toilet to an existing shower drain requires a flexible drainpipe—a flexible PVC (FRP) pipe—to ensure a perfect connection.
Measure your current shower drainpipe and select a flexible PVC pipe that’s slightly longer. This provides extra room for adjustments and ensures a proper seal.
Conversion Process
Start the conversion process by turning off the water supply to both the shower and toilet. After disconnecting the shower components, prepare the shower area for the new toilet.
In general, bathroom renovations should be planned meticulously. If this is part of a larger project, ensure that all water fixtures, walls, floors, and electrical components are in good shape before starting your conversion.
Removing the Shower Drain and Connecting the Toilet
Remove the shower drain carefully, ensuring you don’t damage or alter the drainpipe. Once removed, insert your new flexible PVC pipe into the existing shower drainpipe.
Next, connect the toilet to the flexible PVC pipe. Use silicone caulk or plumber’s putty at the connection point for a watertight seal. Ensure the toilet sits properly, and the floor around it is level.
Securing the Toilet and Connecting the Water Supply
After connecting the toilet to the drainpipe, install the wax ring and bolt the toilet to the floor.
Then, connect the water supply to the toilet using flexible supply lines. Ensure the fittings are secure and tri-lock nuts are used to prevent leaks.
Before testing your new toilet, allow the silicone caulk or mastic to dry. Once dry, take a large bucket of water and pour it down the toilet drain. Monitor if there are any leaks at the drainpipe, floor, or base of the toilet. If none, your conversion is successful!
Converting a shower drain to a toilet drain is a significant project that involves understanding your home’s plumbing, careful planning, and precise execution. If you’re unsure at any point, consider consulting a licensed plumber to ensure your project is executed safely and expertly.
