The p-trap is a vital component of sink plumbing because it prevents hazardous sewage gases from escaping into the residence. A few parameters influence the size of the tailpiece linking the drain to the trap, but what is the shower drain p-trap depth?

How Deep Can A Shower Trap Be?

The shower drain p-trap depth is not conventional but is defined by the size of the fittings or the pipes used. You have to ensure that the drain pipe functions correctly and the flooring material covers it firmly- and you won’t worry about its depth.

If you’re doubtful or unskilled, contact a certified plumber to guarantee your safety. Find out more about shower drain p-trap depth in the post.

How Does A Shower Drain Trap Work?

The P-trap on your shower drain works similarly to the p-trap on your toilet or sink in that it prevents objects and gases from backing up while letting the same go down the drain. The components that make up the structure of a shower drain trap are the inlet, the downward bend, and the outlet.

Let’s look at each component in more detail.

1) The Inlet

Water gets into the trap through the inlet of the p-trap; for instance, when you shower, water flows into the drain hole on the bathroom floor. The drain hole serves as the p-trap inlet.

2) The Downward Bend

The plumbing trap’s downward bend takes a “P” shape or a “U”’ shape (if the design includes the outlet). This section stores enough water to create a tight seal between the inlet sides of the trap and the sewage.

When the water reaches the entrance of a P-trap, it expels the water in the trap and causes it to flow down the drain.

The ‘trap’ component refers to when sewage gases rise from the discharge end of the p-trap and do not flow through the water and into the house. It captures gases and creatures that may not get through the water and curve their way to your home.

The cleanout in the center of the ‘U’ part of the downward bend drains the water from the plumbing trap during cleaning or maintenance.

3) The Outlet

A p-trap outlet provides an “escape” route for water from the trap to the sewer line and later to the main sewer.

The design of the shower drainpipe usually dictates the name ascribed to it. As mentioned previously, the p-trap comes in a ‘P’ shape.

Although the S-trap is another term for a p-trap, it has an ‘S’ form on a vertical plane that causes water to drain downwards instead of sideways.

Nevertheless, the drain traps function in the same manner as mentioned above.

What Is The Maximum Distance Between The P trap And The Shower Drain?

The distance between the p-trap and the shower drain should not exceed 5 feet. The p-trap, however, should be positioned as close as feasible to the shower drain entry.

The farther the plumbing trap is from the shower drain, the more likely the foul odors will invade your residence. Some might not be from the sewage but from the stench of decomposing filth in the portion between the p-trap and the drain.

Shower P trap Dimensions

A shower drain plumbing trap must be at least 2 inches wide, which is the width of the piping used to create the trap. It’s distinct from other drain traps, including those found in the kitchen sink (1 and 1/2 inches) and the bathroom sink (1 and 1/4 inches).

The thickness of the piping that bends to form the p-trap determines the trap’s size.

Where Should Shower P-trap Be Located?

Fix the p-trap just underneath the middle of the shower and adjacent to the shower drain. Homeowners who place plumbing traps too distant from the drain may notice more odors than typical.

Remember that the more the space between the p-trap and the shower drain, the more the drains will stench up your restroom.

How To Install A Shower Drain Trap

Now that you know what your shower drain p-trap depth should be, it’s good to know how to install or replace it to save the bucks you would otherwise spend hiring a plumber. Follow the steps below to connect a shower drain p-trap.

1) Remove The Subfloor Surrounding The Drain

Cut the subfloor surrounding the bathroom’s drain into 12 by 12 inches using an electric saw. Ensure that the piece you cut is above the floorboards so that you can nail the subfloor back after installing the trap.

In addition, avoid cutting them too deep, or else you’ll hurt the floor and the drain pipes.

2) Create Space Around The Drain

Pry the flooring open beneath the square cutout using a pry bar. Cut the drainage pipe just after the previous p-trap if you’re changing the p-trap.

If you’re assembling it, cut the drainage pipe at the same spacing from the drain as the plumbing trap size. Estimate the size of the p-trap from one tip of the ‘U’ curve to the other, and use the exact distance between where you trimmed the drainage pipe and the drain.

3) Link The P-trap To The Drainage Pipe

Using a connector and adhesive, secure the trap to the horizontal part of the drainage pipe. Ensure the opposite end of the p-trap is beneath the shower drain and faces upwards.

4) Reinstall Your Floor

Replace the square subfloor you cut out earlier and estimate the distance between the p-trap and the subfloor.

Cut piping to diameter and length that matches the end of the plumbing trap.
Reconnect the shower drain and the drain cover.
Wait for about an hour for the adhesive to dry, after which you can resume showering.

How To Clean A Shower P-trap

Cleaning the p-trap reduces odors and protects your p-trap from becoming blocked and requiring replacement. Cleaning your shower plumbing trap is more challenging than cleaning its counterpart under the sink, and you can only access your shower plumbing trap when remodeling your bathroom.

You can employ either of the two techniques below to clean your shower p-trap:

1) Removing The P-trap

Find the p-trap on the shower floor and then dismantle the flooring above it.
Put a bucket below it to catch any spills, then unplug it from the outlet piping.

Unscrew any nuts and screws that are holding the p-trap in place.
Soak it for 15 minutes in a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar, and brush it before washing with clean water.
Connect it to the outlet again before replacing the floor and drain cover.

2) Not Removing The P-trap

Pour a half-cup of baking soda into the shower drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar.
Seal the shower drain for about 15 minutes before flushing it with hot water.

Use a drain cleaner or a plumber’s snake to clean the shower drain. Avoid using strong drain cleaners, which might harm your bathroom’s plumbing. Instead, employ enzyme-based drain cleaners, which eat away the debris gradually without hurting your pipes.

Follow these cleaning methods every time you wash the shower drain to keep the restroom in perfect condition.

FAQ on Shower Drain P trap Depth

1. How Deep Should A Shower P-trap Be?

The spacing between the p-trap and the shower drain should be five feet or less. Nevertheless, the plumbing trap should be as near the shower drain intake as practicable.

For optimal performance, place the P-trap exactly beneath the shower drain.

2. How Far Below Drain Should P-trap Be?

The Universal Plumbing Code mandates that all arms, tailpieces, and adapters linking the drain to the p-trap should be less than 24 inches.

3. Where Is The P-trap In A Shower?

A p-trap for the shower is below the shower drain hole. It might be a single solid length of pipe or an extension pipe connected to a J-bend tubing to produce a “P.”

In both cases, you will attach the p-traps using the same procedure. The ability to access the p-trap is critical to the process.

Final Thoughts

According to the post, plumbing codes do not apply to the depth of a shower drain plumbing trap. However, the size of the fittings or pipes utilized has an impact.

The post also details the components of the shower drain p-trap, how they integrate, how to assemble them, and answers frequently asked questions about the topic.

If you need clarification, you can always contact a plumber near you.