Installing the pipe is essential when it comes to a functional shower drain.
It’s important to understand which type of pipe will be installed to ensure the shower drain works the way it is supposed to. This includes recognizing how the pipe will be laid, where it’s going to be set up, and how it will allow the shower drain to remain unclogged.
A key question to ask is, can you use a 1 1/2″ pipe for the shower drain?
You cannot use a 1 1/2″ pipe for the shower drain. It is against most building codes. It’s recommended to install a full 2″ pipe to ensure the water flows as expected. Anything smaller than this will lead to insufficient results.
It’s best to consider all of your options including analyzing what’s already in place for the shower. In some cases, you can install a 2″ x 1 1/2″ bushing reducer to help create appropriate water flow from the shower drain.
It will depend on the layout of the plumbing and how it is set up.
This article will explain the reasons why you cannot install a 1 1/2″ pipe for the shower drain.
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Reasons You Can’t Use 1 1/2″ Pipe For Shower Drain
1. Illegal In Most Regions
The main issue with installing a 1 1/2″ pipe in the shower has to do with the building codes in most regions.
Research has been done on this subject indicating how inefficient a 1 1/2″ pipe can be. It requires a perfect setup where the water is flowing as required and the drain doesn’t get clogged immediately.
The upkeep is difficult and that is why it’s not recommended at all.
If you are in doubt about whether or not it is good to set up a 1 1/2″ pipe for the shower drain, it’s highly recommended to choose something legal. This is one of the biggest concerns a person can have.
You don’t want to break the law and then deal with a rejected inspection later on when it’s time to sell the property. Keep this in mind when it comes to the underlying building codes.
2. Reduced Water Flow
The 1 1/2″ pipe will work but it’s also going to welcome issues such as reduced water flow through the shower drain.
This type of pipe is not recommended because it’s rarely efficient. It will cause blockages and/or other related issues that are not good for the water flow. Not only is this frustrating but it’s unsafe too.
You want things to be straightforward and that starts here.
Look to buy a 2″ pipe for the shower drain. This will work well and is going to keep the water moving as it is required to.
3. Increased Maintenace To Remain Functional
What is the purpose of a shower drain?
The goal is to make sure the water is draining out of the tub quickly. You don’t want sitting water nor do you want a clogged drain that takes hours to open up.
This is why more and more homeowners are vigilant when it comes to the type of pipe installed near a shower drain. You want something that doesn’t require constant upkeep as that will become costly both in times of effort and hours.
4. Inefficient
It is inefficient to install a 1 1/2″ pipe for your shower drain. It is better to go with a 2″ pipe for your shower drain.
Why does a shower require a 2 inch drain?
The reason a shower requires a 2 inch drain comes down to efficiency. It allows the water to flow as required without getting clogged or backed up. This reduces maintenance costs and allows you to focus on the rest of the bathroom.
It is this efficiency that you are not going to see from a 1 1/2″ pipe in the shower.
Final Thoughts
Can you use 1 1/2 pipe for the shower drain?
You should not use a 1 1/2″ pipe for the shower drain. This is illegal in most parts of the world because it’s unsafe and is not going to allow the shower to function properly. Most people will install a 2″ pipe for the shower to ensure it works and allows water to go through.
This is key when it comes to making sure the shower continues to drain the way it is supposed to. Any issues in this regard can make it difficult for the shower to run properly.
Start here to make sure the shower isn’t a constant issue in your life as a homeowner.
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