Are you wondering how to install shower in basement without breaking concrete?
Trust me, it isn’t as difficult as it sounds, and all you need to do is get a little innovative. Slight floor elevation and using the existing shower stub-outs can save a lot of hard work.
Keep reading for more details!
How To Install Shower In Basement Without Breaking Concrete
1. Use The Existing Stub-outs
Shower stub-outs are installed during the rough-in stage of plumbing in a property when the walls haven’t been covered. Once the painting and drywall work is complete, the plumber hooks them to the fixtures for future use. They are of two types - supply and drain, both of which are required in a bathroom.
Speaking of which, the most cost-effective and efficient way to install a shower without breaking the concrete is by using the old shower stub-outs. Although this approach will limit your bathroom layout, it will save a lot of labor and money. Simply run the plumbing lines through the stub-out and install the shower.
2. Up-Flush System
Another solution is installing an up-flush drainage system in the basement. It comprises a pump that eliminates sewage from the holding tank present behind a shower, bathtub, or toilet. The wastewater is ultimately pumped to the elevated main drain of the property leading to the city sewer or the septic system.
Additionally, this drainage system consists of a grinder to liquefy solid waste to facilitate easy movement and removal. You’ll have to install it near a power outlet, as the pump runs on electricity, and connect it to the plumbing vent system of the house. This way, you won’t have to dig drain pipes in the bathroom to transport the used water to the sewer.
3. Elevate The Shower Base
If you install an up-flush system, you’ll have to elevate the shower for adequate drainage. The slope required for the drainage pipe is a quarter of an inch per linear foot of the tube. For accommodating this slope and P-trap installation, an elevated shower base becomes a necessity.
Some Important Considerations
It’s a known fact that basement ceilings are not as high as the rest of the house, and using an elevated shower base further reduces the headspace in the stall. So, consider the height limitations of your space before going ahead with the process.
Furthermore, the position of your shower will depend on where you install the up-flush system. I suggest keeping the plumbing fixtures closer to the tank to allow an easy passage without having to elevate the floor too high.
Final Words
Installing a basement shower doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to break the concrete. As discussed above, there are several other ways to go about it.
That said, I’ll sign off for the day. Until next time, take care!