How to Connect Shower Drain to Copper Pipe? Everything You Need to Know!
There are many options available, especially while installing a shower drain. The choice you make entirely depends on your shower base, the kind of pipes available in your home, and the manufacturers’ recommendation.
However, people keep asking how they can connect their shower drain to the copper pipe so that the pipes and drains stay more durable.
Well, if that’s been your question too, then no need to worry, as this article will assist you with all the answers you need.
So, keep reading till the end to know all the necessary details.
How to Connect Shower Drain to Copper Pipe?
If you look carefully, you’ll notice that a shower drain and the pipes are connected at the back of your bathroom wall.
The ideal time for you to install shower drain and connect to copper pipes is to remodel your bathroom walls or repair your shower pipes.
The drain of your shower has two inner ports and an outer port for the head of your shower. Most plumbers do screw brass or copper pipe adapters inside these ports before even connecting with the copper pipes.
Things you need to connect copper to PVC drain adapter
In this section, you’ll know about all the necessary instruments that you need to carry out the installing procedures.
- Two copper tees
- Pipe cutter
- Soldering flux
- Drill
- 2 Copper to PVC adapter
- Copper pipes and fittings
- Solder
- Soldering flux
- Propane torch
- Wrench
- Flexible couplings
So, to connect the shower drains with the copper pipe, you should follow these instructions accordingly.
Step-1: Must prepare the shower drains to solder them with the copper pipes.
Step-2: Then solder 3-inch copper pipes with three of the 1/2-inch adapters.
Step-3: Afterwards, wrap the adapters with plumbing tape and then screw each of the ports and tight them using a wrench.
Step-4: Extend the copper pipes to the shower drain with 1/2 inch fittings. For this, you need 1/2-inch couplers on both sides of your copper pipes.
Step-5: After all these are done, dry-fit your copper pipes and then solder them when you see that everything has been fitted perfectly.
Step-6: Finally, install a strong elbow for your shower head by attaching it to the shower valve.
How Do You Connect PVC to Copper Drain?
What is it about the Copper drain, and do you need to connect the PVC? Let’s see how you can do-
Step-1: Clean the ends of the copper pipes and file the edges to eliminate burrs. It’s essential to remove these burrs so that they can fit perfectly.
Step-2: After that, use a brush and sweep till the end of the pipe so that there is no debris.
Step-3: You also need to make sure that the interior is coated with plastic pipe cement so that there left no chances for the copper pipe to discolor.
Step-4: Finally, tighten the nut to such an extent that it seals the ring against the pipe and fitting. So, no need to use any tape.
Pro Tip: After you have successfully connected the shower drain with copper pipes, ensure to turn on the water and look for any sort of leaps from your copper pipes.
If you see no such leaks, you can install your shower valve and cover your walls. However, if you do find any leaks, ensure to seal them up immediately with tape.
Further Information That Can Come in Handy While Installing Shower Drain
In this section, you’ll know some further information for copper drain pipes and shower drain installation, so do miss it, as it’ll come in handy during your entire DIY installation process.
Flexible Trap Adapters
These flexible trap adapters are pretty flexible, and this is the reason that makes them so suitable for places like:
- Bar sinks
- Laundry trays
- Bathroom sinks
- Kitchen sinks
- Utility sinks
- Bathtubs
These flexible adapters are so much on demand because they can pretty quickly connect to the drain pipes without any problems.
Also Read: How to Connect Black Poly Pipe to Pex- All 3 Ways Explained
There are many other advantages of these trap adapters, below are some of them-
- No need for threading or soldering if you use flexible trap adapters
- These adapters can easily connect with the same type of piping (so you won’t have to worry whether they can connect with different pipes or not!)
- It’s entirely rust-proof, so no matter what, there are no chances for these adapters to rust at any cost.
- The PVC composition of this adapter ensures that it doesn’t leak water.
Some Basic And Easy Ways to Install a Compressive Shower Drain
Compressive shower drains are likely to be attached to your home pipes with compression nuts and washers.
These drain pipes are available in-
- PVC
- ABS
- Brass
However, among all of these, PVC is considered the most popular one because of its durability and rigid configuration.
Below are some of the simple steps for you to follow:
Step-1: Trim your drainpipe
Step-2: Attach silicone caulk in the opening of the drain, then insert assembly
Step-3: Position the base of your shower
Step-4: Afterward, insert your compression gasket down the drain
This Video Will Help You Too!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you connect PVC to metal drain pipe?
Yes, PVC can be connected to metal drain pipe. The reason is that the threads meld right in the connection point, making the joints strong. So, there is very little chance to break the bond between PVC and metal.
How do you tap into a copper drain pipe?
In order to do this, first you need to shut the water supply. After that, take a pipe cutter and make a precise opening on your pipe. However, if you see the pipes are way too rigid, just remove the clamps and start pulling the pipes apart.
How do you bond PVC to metal?
It’s not possible to bond PVC to metal directly, however, you can do this by inserting the pipe in a rubber seal and then bonding the two.
Can you connect copper pipe without soldering?
Yes, you can connect a copper pipe without soldering, too. For this, you need to go through some extensive procedures, but it’s possible!
Bottom line
You must have gone through the internet to search how to connect shower drain to copper pipe, but must have not found any appropriate resources.
However, you can now have a clear idea of how you should proceed through this compiled post.
Connecting your shower drain with a copper pipe might seem pretty challenging, but if you read through the instructions properly, then you’ll know it’s not a hard nut to crack!
Although, before proceeding with your DIY projects, ensure that you have the right tools to carry out the task because, without the right equipment, the work might not be precise.
We hope this article will help you to know all the essential information for connecting your shower drain with the copper pipe!
You Can Also Read:
- How To Add A Tee To Copper Pipe- Easy Steps
- How To Remove Shower Drain Cover That Is Grouted In
- How To Run Toilet Drain Through Floor Joist
- How To Rough In A Shower Drain Precisely And How To Install It?