If you want to add a drain to your existing plumbing, I come bearing good news.
That is, it isn’t as complicated as it sounds, and any plumbing enthusiast with intermediate skills can do it. Do you find it difficult to believe?
Then read my guide and decide for yourself!
How To Add A Drain To Existing Plumbing
1. Gather The Tools
The right tools can simplify the procedure to a large extent, so here’s the equipment you’ll need for your drain addition project:
- Cutting and fitting tools
- Reciprocating saw
- Hex driver
- Transition fittings
- An appropriate joining material for your drain (based on its construction)
2. Make The Markings
Prime two five-inch pieces of any pipe into a tee fitting and run the drain you want to install into the room, keeping it longer than required. Dry-fit the assembly onto it and place it adjacent to the old pipe.
Now, mark the old pipe for cutting, keeping it bigger than the assembly to accommodate neoprene sleeves.
3. Provide A Support
Secure the pipe in position using riser clamps above and below it. Also, install a blocking and two or three studs to support the upper clamp.
4. Position The Tee Assembly
Once the pipe is fixed at the desired location, you can start positioning the tee assembly. Put a no-hub fitting onto the ends of the old drain, moving the banded coupling. Next, slide in the tee fitting, folding the neoprene sleeves over it.
Finally, fix the metal bands on the sleeves and tighten the bolts using a hex driver.
5. Cut The New Pipe
After all the fitting is done, cut the new drain to the required length and check if it fits snugly into the assembly. You might have to rotate it slightly after loosening the bolts.
Lastly, glue and prime the new pipe to the old one, and you’re good to go.
Tips And Tricks
1. To Tap With The Existing Supply Lines
Tapping into existing supply lines is easy; you just need to cut an opening, dry-fit the tee and the required pipes, and finally, mark the alignment. In case the old drains are rigid, remove a few clamps to pull out the pieces easily.
2. Connecting New PVC To ABS
Specialty primers and cement are available to join PVC pipes to existing ABS lines, but you can use no-hub fittings with metal clamps and neoprene sleeves to do the job. This method is better because local codes don’t allow connecting drains using cement.
Final Words
On that note, I’ve reached the end of my handy little guide on how to add a drain to existing plumbing. I’ll wrap up for the day with one final tip - always keep the new drain longer than needed and cut it later to ensure the best fitting.
I’ll see you next time!