Leaky Shower? Learn To Install an Oatey Drain Today

Do you dread stepping into your shower each morning, never knowing if you'll end up standing in an inch of water by the end? A leaky shower can happen to anyone, but it doesn't have to ruin your bathroom flooring or turn moldy over time. Installing a new Oatey drain is an easy DIY project that will keep your shower functional for years to come.

With the right materials and following key steps, you can swap out that old, faulty drain for a durable Oatey drain that will keep water flowing properly down the pipe. No more wet messes or hours spent plunging to clear clogs! Our guide will walk you through the entire process so you can upgrade your shower yourself.

Gather the Essential DIY Drain Installation Supplies

Before starting any construction project, it's key to gather all the equipment you'll need. Installing an Oatey shower drain requires:

• Oatey 3-inch PVC drain kit
• PVC primer and solvent cement
• Jigsaw or hole saw drill attachment
• Wrench for tightening fittings
• Utility knife for cutting liner
• Mixing bucket, applicator, and trowel for cement

You'll also need to pickup a few additional supplies like a shower pan liner, thinset mortar, mesh tape, and 100% silicone sealant before tackling this project. With materials in hand, you can move onto preparing the installation area.

Check Subfloor before Cutting Drain Hole

The first step is checking that your subfloor is even and ready for a drain install. Use a level tool to identify any low or uneven spots. Fill small gaps with a self-leveling filler compound. This ensures water flows properly to the Oatey drain.

Install Concrete Mesh for Added Support

Laying a concrete reinforcement mesh over the leveled subfloor lends crucial strength. Secure it firmly in place with concrete nails before you start cutting. The grid mesh prevents cracks or damage from developing around the Oatey drain over time from weight and use.

Installing the Main Shower Drain

Now comes the key part - putting in the actual Oatey drain. You'll need to:

1. Measure and trace a 3-inch hole for the drain flange.
2. Cut through the flooring carefully with a jigsaw.
3. Secure the drain body parts with primer and cement.
4. Attach to existing plumbing pipework.

Connect Drain Body to Pipework

The solvent welding process bonds the drain tailpiece, passthrough, and pipe fittings into an airtight assembly. Allow joints a full 24 hours drying time to fully seal.

Mix and Pour Cement for Proper Drain Slope

Creating the right slope is vital for efficient water flow. Pour a thin layer of concrete mix around the drain flange. Use a trowel to shape a downward angle so water runs directly into the drain.

Let this cement layer cure completely before setting the waterproof pan liner in place. Getting this slope right the first time prevents leaks or backflows.

Install Shower Pan Liner

After the cement has dried, properly place the shower pan liner. Be sure to:

1. Measure and trim liner to fit the shower floor.
2. Cut a hole for the drain flange to poke through.
3. Secure perimeter edges with staples or nails.

Seal Liner Edges with Clamp Ring

Tightly fit the clamping ring piece over the liner drain hole. Tighten the compression bolts to make a waterproof seal around the pipe. Fill weep holes with pea gravel so moisture drips safely into the tailpiece.

Add Thinset Mortar Layer

To protect the liner from damage, apply a 3/8 inch thinset mortar layer over it. Smooth evenly across the pan and surrounding floor. After drying, your shower is ready for tiling!

Complete Drain Installation

The last steps involve:

1. Locking the threaded drain barrel into the clamp ring.
2. Connecting the removable strainer piece.
3. Sealing around drain edges with silicone.

Before using your new shower, verify proper drainage. Fill with water, check below for drips, and ensure water flows freely down the pipe. Apply more sealant if moisture appears around drain joints.

By correctly installing your Oatey shower drain, you can solve leaks permanently. No more soggy floors or panic about water damage behind walls. Just follow our guide to make your bathroom drainage work like new.