The Ultimate Guide to Tying Your Shower Drain into Your Toilet Drain

Are you tired of standing in a puddle of water while you shower? Do you want to save money on your water bill by reducing the amount of water that goes down the drain? If so, you may be considering tying your shower drain into your toilet drain. This is a common plumbing project that can be done by a DIY enthusiast or a professional plumber. In this article, we will explore the benefits of tying your shower drain into your toilet drain, the tools and materials you will need, and step-by-step instructions for completing this project.

Benefits of Tying Your Shower Drain into Your Toilet Drain

Tying your shower drain into your toilet drain can provide several benefits, including:

• Reducing the amount of water that goes down the drain, which can help you save money on your water bill.
• Preventing standing water in your shower, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
• Improving the overall efficiency of your plumbing system by reducing the amount of water that needs to be processed by your septic system or sewage treatment plant.

Tools and Materials You Will Need

Before you begin this project, you will need to gather the following tools and materials:

• PVC pipe and fittings
• PVC cement
• PVC cutter
• Measuring tape
• Level
• Drill
• Hole saw
• Teflon tape

Step-by-Step Instructions for Tying Your Shower Drain into Your Toilet Drain

Step 1: Turn off the water supply to your bathroom

The first step in tying your shower drain into your toilet drain is to turn off the water supply to your bathroom. This is typically done by turning off the main water valve to your home or by turning off the valve that supplies water to your bathroom.

Step 2: Remove the existing shower drain

Next, you will need to remove the existing shower drain. This can typically be done by removing the screws that hold the drain in place and lifting it out of the shower. If the drain is difficult to remove, you may need to use a plumbing snake to loosen any buildup that may be clogging the drain.

Step 3: Cut a hole in the floor for the PVC pipe

Using a hole saw, cut a hole in the floor of your shower where the existing drain was located. The hole should be large enough to accommodate the PVC pipe that will connect the shower drain to the toilet drain.

Step 4: Install the PVC pipe and fittings

Next, you will need to install the PVC pipe and fittings that will connect the shower drain to the toilet drain. Start by cutting the PVC pipe to the correct length and then cementing the fittings to the pipe.

Step 5: Connect the PVC pipe to the toilet drain

Once the PVC pipe and fittings are installed, you will need to connect the PVC pipe to the toilet drain. This can typically be done by removing the toilet and accessing the drain from underneath. Wrap Teflon tape around the threads of the drain and then screw the PVC pipe into the drain.

Step 6: Reinstall the toilet and test the plumbing

Finally, reinstall the toilet and turn the water supply back on. Check for any leaks and make sure that the water flows freely through the shower drain and into the toilet drain.

Conclusion

Tying your shower drain into your toilet drain is a simple plumbing project that can provide several benefits, including reducing the amount of water that goes down the drain, preventing standing water in your shower, and improving the overall efficiency of your plumbing system. With the right tools and materials, this project can be completed by a DIY enthusiast or a professional plumber in just a few hours.

So, if you’re tired of standing in a puddle of water while you shower and want to save money on your water bill, consider tying your shower drain into your toilet drain. You’ll be amazed at the difference it can make!