Shower Drain
Shower drains can be made from ABS, PVC, cast, copper, or sometimes brass. In most cases you will see shower drains made from plastic or cast. Use the appropriate glue for the type of plastic you are using. If you are using copper or brass you will solder the joint, and when using cast iron the joints are put together with a mechanical joint. This is a rubber and metal part. This used to be done with lead and oakum, but no longer the case. The assembly that is used with an acrylic base is either glued or has a rubber joint to keep the water from leaking.
When installing a shower drain you need to take into consideration if you are having one shower head or more. Even adding a couple of body sprays would require you to increase the size of the shower drain. The holes in a shower base or shower pan are normally meant for a two inch shower drain. The adaptor you install can be reduced down to 1 ½ inches if required. If you are installing shower tile on the floor then you will need a special type of drain to allow the shower liner to fit into the assembly so that no water can escape.
If you have a shower enclosure that is a different size you can install the shower drain somewhere other then the middle of the floor. I have seen drains at the edge, on the side, or offset from the centre. If you are able to get the shower drain close to the centre then you should try to line the drain up with the shower faucet. Strictly for esthetics though.
I find that if I am doing the shower plumbing the drain is the easiest part of the installation, but when going to someones house to do a shower repair the shower drain is the toughest problem to repair. Of course the other shower repair that needs to be done from time to time is unclogging the shower drain. Since most clogs are in the trap you should be able to plunge the drain. If while plunging you hear the water move through the drain lines and back then you will have to snake the drain. What is happening in this case in that the water is being pushed up the vent line then comes back down afterwards.
Looking for a plumber, electrician, handyman or other contractor? Check the business directory for a tradesman near you.
I hope you have gained some knowledge about your shower drain.