Cost To Replace Shower Drain

The Average Cost To Move A Shower Drain

Two of the costliest home improvement repairs involve plumbing modifications and electrical work. Both require specialists with knowledge, training and experience to do the work and equipment to facilitate the job. Moving a shower drain involves obtaining construction permits and locating specialized and licensed workers. If the current drain system fails to meet building standards and codes, the job involves additional costs, and modification to the shower and the drainage system.

Why Do Showers Get Clogged

Most shower drains get clogged from human hair that comes out during showers and baths, as well as soap fat that can adhere to the hair. Hair inevitably falls through the drain and can get stuck on the drain mechanism or build up in the trap.

Over time, enough hair and soap scum can accumulate to impede the flow of water through the drain and the trap.

If left without the proper plumbing repair, the clog will get worse to the point where water backs up into your tub or shower while the fixture is in use. Complete clogs in the trap are rare, but they can lead to a shower drain that fails to empty at all.

Contractor Installed An $1800 Shower Drain And Then Changed His Mind And Put In A $150 Drain Should He Eat The Cost

My contractor built an addition, and on the bathroom shower floor, he told me absolutely the only option was to put in this $1,800 drain. I had a heart attack over the price and objected, etc, but he said the shower floor left no room for any other drain, so I bought it. When the tile was finished, they turned the shower on and water went in all directions. The shower pan slope was built incorrectly.

So he ripped the tile and shower pan out, built another pan and had me order and pay for new tile. This time, he put in a different drain, one that cost only $150. No materials were changed in the rebuild, except for the type of drain. So it seems now suddenly, a $150 drain is fine to use. And of course, the $1,800 drain that was removed has suddenly disappeared.

I’m out a bit over $2,000 because of his error. The completion payment is coming up in a week or less. Would it be reasonable to deduct the screw up from my final payment? If not, how is something like this usually handled?

This contractor is not cheap either. His bid for the entire project was higher than most others, so he’s been paid very well so far.

Thanks for any advice.

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Water Damage Cleanup Costs

If the drain breakage is severe or your rooms exposure to water is prolonged, it may cause water damage which is often quite expensive to repair. Most homeowners pay between $2,000 and $5,000 to restore water damage. The costs can go as high as $8,000 if the electrical installation in the home is broken.

What Is The Best Material For A Shower Pan

The best material for a shower pan depends on budget and preferences. Acrylic and fiberglass are budget-friendly but not the most durable. Cultured stone and cast-iron cost more but provide longevity and an upscale look. Tile pans are the most customizable but require more maintenance due to the grout.

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Shower Repair Cost By Type Of Replacement

In some cases, the parts of your shower may be damaged beyond repair. It might also be more efficient and cost-effective to replace rather than repair. It is common for showers to need replacement parts when they get damaged or wear from old age. The costs of shower replacement parts vary depending on the part required. See the table below for common shower component replacements and average replacement costs.

Pull In Place Pipe Lining

Pull in place pipe lining is more fit for pipes with cracks or large gaps and costs homeowners between $60 and $200 per foot. To do this process, the plumber will fix the epoxy-coated liner into an existing pipe. They will have two access points–one to insert the liner and the other to pull it through. The overall cost depends mostly on the epoxy pipe lining cost, as it is the main component used in the process.

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How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Clogged Shower Drain In Canada

Clogged shower drain repair costs in Canada

If you’ve got a clogged shower drain that refuses to flow properly, you may find yourself exploring proper solutions, whether that’s shower drain repair or replacing your shower drain. Both of these options will likely require the help of a professional plumber. Read on to find out what kind of costs you’ll be looking at if you go down this route.

Tips To Save On Plumbing Costs

There are multiple ways to save on plumbing costs its merely a matter of deciding which options work best for you.

• Take care of any simple plumbing tasks yourself.
• Practice proper plumbing maintenance rather than reacting to plumbing emergencies. Keep drains running clear, make sure toilet parts are in good repair, and make a schedule to inspect all plumbing aspects in your home.
• Get a detailed estimate before the work is done to avoid surprises.
• Choose a plumber who warranties work done.
• If drywall needs removing before the plumber can do a repair job, remove it yourself.
• Choose a cheaper pipe, such as PEX, which can last 3040 years and cut your material costs almost in half.
• When it comes to fittings, purchase crimp-fit over push-fit they cost less.
• Get all necessary plumbing repairs done around the house in one visit.

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Copper Drain Pipe Repair

If your copper drain pipe needs repairing, you can expect to pay $2 to $15 per linear foot to bring it back in working condition. Copper pipes are becoming increasingly popular because they have higher corrosion resistance than many other piping materials. Copper doesnt contain iron which means it doesnt corrode and pollute the water but can still last as long as cast iron pipes, around 70 years. However, suppose the water has high acidity. In that case, the inside of the copper pipes can deteriorate and result in copper piping, corrosion that causes leaks, and can result in mold buildup or damage.

How Do You Tell If You Have A Broken Drain Pipe

There are several signs a drain pipe needs to be repaired or replaced, including slow draining water, backups of water or waste, regular clogs and strange gurgling sounds or foul odors coming from the drain. You should also contact a plumber if you see rust or oxidation on a drain pipe under the sink or in the basement.

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Install The Strainer Assembly

Attach the drain strainer assembly to the drain, so it extends up above the liner. This piece usually has male threads that screw down into the female threads of the middle flange. The degree of extension for the strainer assembly depends on how the tile will be installedfollow the manufacturer’s instructions. It may be as much as 1 1/2 inches if you are laying tile on a solid mortar bed.

Now you are ready for the rest of the ceramic tile installation. Usually, this involves a second layer of mortar, then ceramic tile applied over the mortar. The tile should be grouted, sealed, and cured before you use the shower.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Cost To Install Tile Shower Pan

The average cost to install a tile shower pan is $900 to $3,500. The cost to replace a shower pan with tile depends on the pan size, tile material, and installation of a tile-ready pan or a poured mud bed.

• Tile-ready shower pans cost $500 to $800 for the pan alone and save installation time.
• Retiling a shower costs$800 to $3,000, not including shower pan replacement.
• Tile installation costs$7 to $25 per square foot for a shower.

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Square Or Rectangular Shower Enclosure Repair

Homeowners spend between $100 and $600 on shower repairs for square or rectangular shower enclosures. Enclosures are some of the most common shower types in family homes worldwide. However, since they have doors, cracks and issues can occur with the door and the shower. Other common issues include head and valve problems.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Shower Drain Pipe

To replace a shower drain pipe, we will need to determine the type of drain pipe used. We can do this by removing the existing drain pipe and looking at it. The primary two types include PVC drain pipes and ABS drain pipes. The PVC drain pipes are more popular because they are less expensive and easier to install. While ABS drain pipes are more costly, they last longer than PVC pipes. Noticing a screw or nut on the end of the drainpipe, it is likely a PVC drain pipe, and this type of drain pipe will cost less than $100 per yard to replace. Otherwise, the shower drainpipe is an ABS plastic drain pipe, and this type of drain will cost around $200 to $300 to replace.

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Labor Cost To Install A Shower

The labor cost to install a shower is $350 to $1,000, not including the materials. Installing a new shower may also require hiring a plumber and electrician near you to ensure the work is up to code.

Labor to install a shower stall includes:

• Framing and setting backing board at existing plumbing rough-ins.
• Securing the mortar and routing the plumbing connections.
• Sealing the wall panels.

Clogged Drain Repairs Sink Bathtub Shower

The plumber cost to unclog a drain is $100 to $275 on average. Soap residue, hair, and other things clog drains slowly as debris builds. Youll notice the sink taking longer to drain until it finally wont drain at all.

Try plunging it before calling a plumber, and avoid using harsh chemicals on older pipesyou might cause the already corroding pipes to fall apart from the chemicals.

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Cost To Repair Vs Replace A Shower

You may find yourself hesitating between repairing or replacing your shower. Weigh the pros and cons and consider different factors to make the right decision. Usually, a repair is the best option for most people and costs less because the average cost of replacing a shower is between $8,500 to $9,000. However, some situations favor a replacement.

If your shower is old and has been repaired many times, it might be nearing the end of its life. Showers can last decades with regular maintenance and occasional repairs, but in some cases, they cause problems when they get older. In these situations, a replacement might be the easier option. Or, you might replace the shower when upgrading or remodeling your bathroom.

You might also want to replace the shower if extensive damage occurs and the repair costs are high. If a plumber quotes $3,000 for a large shower repair, it might be more efficient to replace it. In most situations, repairs are much cheaper and simpler. With repairs, you can usually have the shower up and running within a few hours. Replacements usually take longer, so it is usually best to opt for a repair.

Gurgling Or Other Odd Sounds

Similar to bad odors, gurgling or other odd sounds coming from your drains can be another key indicator of a drain pipe problem about to go from whats that noise? to whats that smell? and then to Ive never seen so much mold. We recommend doing a bit of investigation into where these sounds are coming from and calling a plumber if they persist or get more regular or louder.

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What Do You Need To Know About Unclogging A Shower

First, before we dive straight into costs, lets talk shower drains.

Whether you plan on attempting a DIY unclogging or hiring a professional, it helps to understand how your drain works, where the issue is likely occurring, how to prevent future shower clogs from occurring, and why the plumbing problem may be more severe than it seems.

Install The Middle Flange

Insert the middle flange of the drain fitting over the liner and drain opening, using bolts to secure it to the bottom flange beneath the liner. The liner will be tightly sandwiched between the flanges. At this point, it’s common practice to pour water over the shower pan to check the liner for leaks.

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

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Additional Considerations And Costs

• Warranty. If your shower is still under warranty and has a fault or failure, you may be able to make a claim and have the repair costs paid for on your behalf. Shower warranty policies usually last for 5 years, but they can vary in length and coverage, so check the details of your warranty to learn more.
• Permit. You do not usually need a permit for shower repairs. However, rules vary from state to state. If the repair is big, with piping replacements and repairs behind drywall, a permit might be needed. Speak to your plumber and building authority to learn more.
• DIY. It is possible to carry out some basic shower repairs yourself. Homeowners should be able to clean a drain that is clogged with hair. If you have DIY experience, you might also be able to deal with leaky valves or loose shower doors. However, it is often best to let professionals handle the more complex repairs.
• License. Work with licensed plumbers for shower repairs. You need expert workers to carry out the repairs efficiently, so always check the plumbers license. If you choose to work with a handyman, make sure they have experience and skills in shower repairs.

Replace Water Pressure Regulator Cost

The cost to replace a water pressure regulator is $150 to $350 and takes about three hours to install. Regulating your water pressure keeps your pipes in good condition. Too much water pressure will cause undue strain on pipes, resulting in cracks and leaks. You can get a pressure regulator at your local home improvement store for about $85.

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Can You Replace The Drain In A Bathtub

The good news is that, thankfully, a bathtub drain can be replaced. The process can be done either by a professional or as a do-it-yourself project. Usually, its a relatively straightforward process. Some drains can be easily replaced within a few minutes. Be aware, though, that others will require extensive plumbing work beyond that of a simple drain replacement. How involved the process is will likely be determined by the type of bathtub you have and the reasons you want or need to replace the drain.

Broken Drain Pipe Under Slab

If the broken drain pipe is located under the slab, it can be one of the most expensive pipe repairing projects, costing anywhere between $500 to $4,500 to detect and repair the pipe. The high cost results from the need for the plumber to break through the slab to reach the damaged pipe. This repair is a complex and time-consuming process. Often, repairing the pipe can break the slab, so it would have to be replaced partially or fully. Repairing or replacing a foundation can cost anywhere from $500 to $21,455, depending on the size, material used, depth, and style.

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Shower Repair Price By Problem

Many problems may arise with your shower. It could become clogged, or you might find you suddenly have no hot water coming from the showerhead. Valves break, leaks appear, and water pressure randomly changes. The repair costs for these issues vary depending on which parts have been affected, whether replacement parts are required, and how much labor is needed. The table below shows common shower problems and the average repair costs.

How Do You Replace A Shower Drain

Barring that level of involvement, you will likely be able to replace the drain yourself. Typically, the process involves removing the old drain, cleaning and prepping the area for the new one, placing it for fitment and final installation.

We have a full installation guide if you want to go the DIY route. Heres a quick overview:

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Cost To Add Shower To A Half

Adding a shower to a half-bath costs $1,100 to $11,500, depending on if the bathroom has enough space or if walls need moving. The minimum bathroom size to accommodate three fixtures is 5′ x 7′.

• The shower must be at least 30″ x 30″ to meet minimum code requirements.
• Confirm the subfloor can support a shower. Additional reinforcement may be required.
• Wall framing costs $3 to $4.50 per square foot to build new walls for a shower in a half-bath.

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Diy Vs Hire A Professional

Since installing a new shower is a complicated process thats easy to do incorrectly, youll want to hire a professional shower installer near you. A pro can:

• Grade the floor for proper draining

• Confirm that the liner is sufficiently waterproof

• Provide a seamless installation

Remember that your installer may not be a licensed plumber. For a completely new shower or a larger bathroom remodel, youll probably need both pros.

Hire a Shower Installer Near You

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