How to Plumb a Basement Shower
A finished basement can greatly increase the livable area of a home at a very reasonable price. These areas are excellent for home theaters, game rooms and play areas. A convenience desirable for each of these areas is a bathroom. Depending on what you will be using your basement area for, a shower may also be a very convenient addition. While this presents several challenges, it is certainly not impossible. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Level
- Pipe
- Various fittings
- Pump
- Shower stall
- Faucet
- Treated lumber
Instructions
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1
Determine the best location for the shower. Since the shower drain will be below the outgoing drains of your home, it will be necessary to pump the water up to an existing drain pipe. The vertical distance will be set by the ceiling height of your basement, but the horizontal travel distance will be determined by your selection of where to install the shower. For ease of installation, lower material costs, as well as reducing the work load on the pump, attempt to locate the shower directly beneath an existing drain pipe.
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Make all of your plumbing connections. Tap into existing water lines with a Tee junction, and bring hot and cold water to the shower area. Depending on the building codes in your area, you can do this in copper or PVC pipe. For most weekend handymen, PVC pipe is much easier to work with and much more forgiving of errors. Since you will be running the piping from overhead, just rough in the pipes far enough to reach the faucet area. The final connections will not be made until you have installed the shower stall.
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3
Prepare the drain area. You have several options. If you have an up-flushing toilet in the same bathroom, many times you can tie in the drain from the shower to the toilet and make use of the toilet pump. Otherwise you will need to create an opening in the basement floor large enough to house the trap as well as a pump system to remove the waste water. Most of these will require a 115-volt power supply, so bring a power supply to this location as well. Follow all of the manufacturer's recommendations and instructions when installing the pump to avoid dangerous situations or a failed system.
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Construct the framing for your shower enclosure. Since you are working in a basement, use all pressure-treated lumber. This is required by code in many areas and is a good idea even if it isn't required in your area. Check the shower stall framing directions for the specific requirements for the unit you have selected. Be certain to securely anchor the framing either to other wall studs or to the exterior cement wall using masonry screws.
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5
Slide the shower stall into place, and anchor it to the framework. Attach the drain, and finish plumbing in your water supply lines. Once this is done, install the faucet and shower head. Frame in the outer portion of the shower with molding or other material of your choosing, and install the shower curtain or shower door. Test the water lines and pump for leaks and smooth operation.
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Tips & Warnings
When drilling through the shower stall for the piping, make the absolute smallest hole possible. This will allow you more options when installing the faucet.
Use only GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) devices in any bathroom or potentially wet environment. These devices offer added protection and are required by almost all area building and electrical codes.
