A pop up shower drain works by trapping and diverting shower water to an outlet pipe that runs through the floor. The drain is designed with a pop-up stopper which can be opened by manually lifting the stopper or by pushing a button or lever for convenience.
The button or lever allows you to control the flow of water, usually draining it from the shower and into the outlet pipe. When water enters the drain, the pop-up stopper acts as a seal allowing water to flow into the outlet pipe without creating a vacuum, which can cause a backed up system.
The stopper is connected to a pivot rod, which lifts it and allows water to flow out of the drain. When the lever is in the open position, the water flows down the outlet pipe to the plumbing system.
When the lever is in the closed position, the water will simply fill the drain and stay in the shower. Pop up drains typically need to be installed with a basket strainer, which catches any debris or hair, preventing it from clogging the outlet pipe.
How do you use a pop-up bathtub drain?
Using a pop-up bathtub drain involves closing the overflow drain, attaching the drain mechanism to the waste pipe, connecting the popup spring to the main pull handle, and connecting overflow outlet, waste tee and connection piece.
First, close the overflow drain by operating the lever. To attach the drain mechanism, remove the overflow plate and unscrew the retaining nuts which hold the drain to the waste pipe, then pop the drain off using a flathead and attach the drain mechanism.
Next, pull the main handle upside down to separate the upper and lower halves. Connect the popup spring to the main pull handle, lining up the notches so it clicks into place. Connect the overflow outlet, waste tee and connection piece, as well as any other drain parts that may be provided.
Finally, secure all the pieces with a gasket and screws. The drain should now be functioning correctly. To test it, turn on the water and the pop-up drain should work, allowing the water to go down the drain.
Are pop-up drains a good idea?
Pop-up drains can offer a lot of convenience and a sleek, modern look to a bathroom. They are a popular choice for modern sink designs, and they can be much easier to use than standard drains. Pop-up drains work by allowing you to lift the stopper to stop water from flowing, and pushing it down to drain.
They often come with click-lock mechanisms that securely hold the plug in place. Additionally, these drains don’t require any mounting underneath the sink so they are easier to install and maintain.
Overall, pop-up drains can be a great choice, since they offer a modern look, are easy to use, and are relatively simple to install. However, they can be slightly more expensive than other options, and they may require more frequent maintenance.
The lifespan of a pop-up drain may also not be as long as some other kinds of drain systems. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not a pop-up drain is the right solution for you will depend on your budget and needs.
Do you need overflow on pop-up drain?
Yes, pop-up drains need an overflow in order to prevent water from overflowing and causing potential water damage. Without an overflow, water may accumulate and overflow from the drain, resulting in flooding, electrical malfunctions and possible property damage.
An overflow is especially important if the sink receives heavy use, such as in a commercial setting or with a dual sink. To install an overflow on a pop-up drain, you’ll need a stoppage rod, nutdriver, and a mounting nut.
Follow the steps below for successful installation:
1. Use a nutdriver to loosen the mounting nut located underneath the sink.
2. Remove the cap on the top of the pop-up drain, exposing the stopper rod.
3.Thread the stopper rod through the hole in the overflow plate and secure with the mounting nut.
4.Tighten the mounting nut to secure the overflow.
5.Replace the cap on the top of the pop-up drain.
Having a functioning overflow on your pop-up drain is important as it not only helps to prevent water damage, but also ensures proper water flow.
Can you adjust a pop-up drain?
Yes, you can adjust a pop-up drain. It is important to adjust it properly to prevent water from leaking around the drain or the seal from getting worn out. First, you will need to remove any caulk around the edges of the drain.
Then, you should use a screwdriver or hex wrench to loosen the screw at the base of the drain. Once the screw is loosened, you can twist the pop-up mechanism and push it up or down to adjust the height.
When you are done adjusting the pop-up drain, make sure to re-caulk the edges of the drain to prevent any water leaks.
Why won’t my pop-up drain stay down?
If your pop-up drain is not staying down, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to investigate and fix the problem.
First, check the linkage. For a normal draining mechanism, there is usually a piece of metal, a spring, and a stopper inside the pipe. If those pieces are out of alignment or have become clogged with debris, the stopper may not be able to hold down properly.
Make sure the ring is attached properly to the linkage and the spring is loose inside. You may have to use some pliers to reset it.
Second, check the pivot rod. This rod is connected to the stopper and is used to raise and lower it. Sometimes the rod can become bent, preventing the stopper from being fully secured. Try pushing up on the pivot rod to straighten it out and try again.
Finally, check the stopper itself. It could be that the stopper has become warped or there is a hairline crack in it, causing it to not stay closed. If the stopper looks to be in good condition, use some plumber’s putty to reseal it.
If the stopper is damaged, you may need to replace it.
These are the main troubleshooting steps for a pop-up drain that won’t stay down. If these steps do not fix the problem or you encounter any other issues, it is best to call a licensed plumber to inspect and repair the drain.
Do pop up drains get clogged?
Yes, pop up drains can get clogged. This is especially true if they are not maintained properly. Like all drains in a home, they can accumulate soap scum, hair and other debris, which can slow or stop the flow of water.
Anything that goes down the drain has the potential to cause a clog, and if left unmanaged over time, this can result in a buildup of materials, leading to clogs over time. It’s important to regularly clean out your pop up drains, either with a plumber’s snake or homemade cleaning solution, to ensure smooth running and prevent clogging.
Where should a pop-up drain be placed?
The pop-up drain should be placed in the center of the sink outlet (the opening where water drains from the sink), typically between 6 and 12 inches from the back edge of the sink. Additionally, the pop-up should be positioned around the same height as the sink’s overflow port (typically around 2 to 3 inches below the rim of the sink).
It is important to make sure that the drain is installed at the right height so that it can properly drain water and prevent clogs. The pop-up should also be installed with a gasket in between it and the drain opening, to ensure a watertight seal and prevent water leakage.
Finally, the overflow pipe should be connected to the top of the pop-up drain to prevent excess water from entering the drain.
What’s the difference between a pop up waste and a clicker waste?
A pop up waste is a type of waste trap commonly found in bathrooms. It consists of a basin or bath waste outlet, which is typically operated by a lever arm connected to a rotating vertical valve and linked to a plug.
When the lever is pushed down, the valve opens and the plug and chain attached to it automatically move upwards, allowing the waste water to be drained away.
A clicker waste is a newer type of waste trap that has become increasingly popular for bathroom use. Unlike a pop up waste, the clicker waste does not require a lever arm to operate. Instead, a single button is pushed which operates a sliding valve inside the waste trap, allowing the waste water to be drained away.
It is quick and easy to install and use due to there being no need for any lever arms or chains.
Can you use the same drain for shower and tub?
Yes, it is possible to use the same drain for both a shower and a tub. The first step is to make sure that there is enough room in the drain for what you’ll be using it for. If the drain is tall enough or large enough for both uses, then it can be possible.
However, it is important to contact a plumber or a professional to double-check and make sure it is suitable for both uses and that the installation is done correctly and safely. There may be additional piping or other changes required in order for it to work properly, or you may need to install an additional drain for the shower or tub.
It is important to make sure you are well informed of all requirements before beginning any installation or replacement.
Why do showers require a 2 inch drain?
A 2 inch drain is necessary for showers to ensure adequate water drainage to prevent water build up or flooding in the shower area. In most cases, 2 inch drains are designed to quickly move water out at a much quicker rate than 1 inch drains.
This type of drain is typically used to connect the shower area to a building’s main drain that would be installed deeper in the ground. As the water drains from the shower head, it’s moved down the drain and into the larger main drain much more efficiently, preventing any backing up of the water.
The 2 inch drain also provides protection from clogging, as it’s larger than the 1 inch drain, thus allowing large chunks of debris to pass through without clogging up the line. This type of drain allows for a more pleasant, uninterrupted shower experience.
Does the tub and toilet use the same drain?
No, the tub and toilet do not use the same drain. Typically, the bathtub will be connected to a different drain than the toilet; this is to prevent the contamination of clean and dirty water. The toilet will have a separate drain that goes directly to the main sewer line.
The bathtub’s drain will connect to a P-trap that helps prevent sewer gas from entering the bathroom. The P-trap is usually connected to the main sewer line, but a separate vent may be used to route any possible emissions away from the bathroom.
What size drain for a bathtub?
The size drain for a bathtub typically depends on the size of the bathtub basin. For a standard alcove bathtub that measures 5 feet long by 30 inches wide, a two-inch drain is adequate, but a larger three-inch drain may be required if the bathtub is a drop-in type that extends further out of the alcove.
Generally, most bathtub drains are connected to a 1 1/2-inch waste pipe, though some bathtubs may require a larger two-inch waste pipe. It’s important to check local plumbing codes to ensure the drain size and waste pipe size are up to code.
Additionally, it’s important to verify that the drain and waste pipe size are compatible with the bathtub basin size, as being incompatible could cause potential flooding and damage.
Do shower drains and toilet drains go to the same place?
No, shower drains and toilet drains do not go to the same place. Generally, shower and bathtub drains lead to the main sewer line. Toilet drains lead to the septic tank or the public sewer system, depending on the house.
When a toilet flushes, the wastewater and solid waste travel through the curved or angled pipe that is attached to the toilet known as the drainpipe. This pipe usually extends from the bottom of the toilet itself to the main building drain.
The main building drain carries the waste from each toilet, bathtub, sink, shower, and laundry line in the house to either the septic tank, or in the case of a public sewer system, directly to the main municipal sewer line.
What happens if you double trap a drain?
If a drain is double trapped, it means that white good water is prevented from entering the building’s drainage system. This is accomplished by having two consecutive traps either in the same fixture or two separate fixtures.
The first trap is usually a U-bend or an S-trap, which is filled with a sufficient amount of water. This helps to prevent the entrance of sewer gasses into the building. The second trap is typically an air admittance valve or a mechanical backflow preventer.
This second trap helps to ensure no water from the white goods, such as a washing machine or a dishwasher, is able to escape back into the building drainage system, which could be a health and safety hazard.