How to replace a shower drain from the top
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Old leaky drain
An old drain might leak from bad gaskets or cracked joints. Stains will show up on any finished ceiling below.
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New leak-proof drain
A special drain assembly mounts from the top and clamps onto the shower pan.
If you have a leaky shower drain and don’t want to cut open a finished ceiling to get at it from below, consider using a special
drain such as the WingTite
Drain, which can be installed from
above if the drain is in a plastic or
fiberglass shower base.
This drain has an O-ring that seals to
a typical 2-in.ABS or PVC drainpipe
(adapters are available for 1-1/2-in. and
2-in. copper pipe). Four “wings” flip out
under the shower base to clamp the
drain in place. The job takes about 30
minutes and doesn’t require any special
plumbing tools.
The toughest part is removing the
old drain flange. You’ll probably have to
cut it with a hacksaw blade and pry it
loose in sections from the shower pan.
Leave the existing drainpipe intact. The
WingTite Drain simply slips over the
drainpipe and an O-ring seals it.
apply 100 percent silicone sealant to
underside of the drain flange to seal
to the shower base. A stainless
cover fits over the top (although decorator
finishes are also available).
