As a home improvement specialist with over 10 years of experience renovating bathrooms, I‘m often asked how to remove a shower drain that‘s been glued into place with PVC cement. It‘s certainly possible for a DIYer to break apart glued PVC with the right techniques, but patience and care are key.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through the entire process start to finish using my proven methods. I‘ll also provide tips and tricks I‘ve learned along the way to make the job easier. Let‘s get started!
Gather the Proper Tools and Materials
Before tackling a glued PVC drain, assemble the following supplies:
- Safety goggles and gloves
- Utility knife with fresh blades
- Needle nose pliers
- Adjustable wrench
- Rag
- PVC cleaner/primer
- PVC cement
- Emery cloth or sandpaper
- Mineral spirits
- Replacement drain parts
Safety is paramount when dealing with PVC cement and primer. Always work in a well-ventilated area and use caution when handling solvents.
Shut Off Water Supply and Remove Drain Cover
The first step is to turn off the water supply to the shower area. This prevents water from spraying out when you detach the drain. Have a bucket ready to catch any water in the P-trap.
Carefully pry off the drain cover plate with a flathead screwdriver. In most cases, it‘s held on with silicone or plumber‘s putty and should pop off easily.
Break the Seal Around the Drain
Use a sharp utility knife to slice through any caulk or silicone sealant around the drain. Cut deep enough to sever the waterproof seal.
Be very careful not to scratch or gouge the surface of the tub when doing this. Any damage will be visible later.
Twist and Rock the Drain Plate
Insert needle nose pliers into the drain plate crossbars. Twist back and forth while pulling up lightly to break the seal. Applying steady outward pressure with the pliers helps separate the glue.
Don‘t yank too hard, as you could snap the brittle PVC pipe. Gentle rocking works better than brute strength.
Loosen the Slip Nut
Reach into the drain opening with an adjustable wrench to grip the slip nut. Turn counterclockwise to loosen the nut, which connects the drain plate to the pipe.
Take care not to crush the pipe with the wrench. PVC can crack easily. Loosen slowly and gently.
Withdraw the Drain Pipe and Gasket
Once the nut is detached, the drain pipe and gasket should pull free. Remove them slowly and carefully.
Have your bucket ready to catch water in the P-trap. Set aside the old hardware.
Remove Traces of Old Cement
Examine the interior slip-fit pipe. Use a rag dampened with mineral spirits to wipe away any remaining PVC cement.
This ensures the new drain will seat properly. Let the mineral spirits fully evaporate before moving on.
Sand and Prime the Pipe End
Take emery cloth or fine sandpaper and scuff up the end of the pipe. This roughs up the surface so the new PVC cement adheres better.
Next, use a rag to apply PVC primer to the sanded pipe end. Allow 30 seconds to cure before cementing.
Cement New Drain in Place
Follow the steps below to cement the replacement drain:
- Apply PVC cement to the pipe‘s interior slip-fit surface with a rag. Spread evenly.
- Also coat the drain pipe exterior and threads with cement.
- Insert the drain pipe fully into the opening and tighten the slip nut.
- Wipe away any excess cement with a rag before it dries.
Allow the joint to cure for at least 24 hours before using the shower. The cement will reach full bond strength in two days.
Extra Tips and Precautions
Follow these additional tips when removing and replacing a glued shower drain:
- Call a plumber if you can‘t access or detach the slip nut. Don‘t risk damaging pipes.
- When cementing, ensure all parts are aligned before the cement sets.
- Dispose of rags covered in PVC cement carefully, as they are extremely flammable.
- Work in a well-ventilated room. Inhaling primers and cements can be dangerous.
- Check new drain height/positioning before cementing to ensure proper water flow.
And those are the key steps for removing a stubborn PVC shower drain! Let me know if you have any other questions. I‘m always happy to help fellow DIYers with their home improvement projects.
Sincerely,
Lillie
