Oatey No-Caulk Shower Drains are designed for use with preformed shower bases and provide a secure, watertight seal without the need for traditional lead caulking. These drains are widely used in residential plumbing applications and are engineered to ensure durability and compatibility with a variety of pipe materials and shower base types. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the installation process, key considerations for proper setup, and frequently asked questions based on the official installation instructions and technical specifications.
Overview of Oatey No-Caulk Shower Drains
Oatey No-Caulk Shower Drains are mechanical drain systems that are specifically designed to be used with preformed shower bases. Unlike traditional shower drains that rely on caulk to create a seal, these drains use a mechanical sealing method involving rubber and friction washers to secure the drain in place. The system includes a universal snap-in strainer that is available in various finishes to match the décor of the bathroom. These drains are compatible with a range of pipe materials, including PVC, ABS, cast iron, and galvanized steel.
One of the key advantages of the Oatey No-Caulk system is its ease of installation. It eliminates the need for messy caulk applications and simplifies the sealing process by using a putty or gasket-based system. The installation process involves securing the drain body to the shower base using a combination of washers and a locking ring. This mechanical system ensures a tight fit and reduces the risk of leaks or improper sealing.
Installation Process
Step 1: Prepare the Shower Base
Before beginning the installation, it is essential to verify that the shower base is a preformed shower base. Oatey No-Caulk Shower Drains are not intended for use with tiled shower floors. Once the base is confirmed, the next step is to apply a ½-inch bead of Oatey Plumber’s Putty around the underside of the no-caulk barrel flange. It is important to note that ABS shower drains should only use silicone, not putty, for sealing.
After applying the putty, insert the no-caulk barrel through the top side of the shower base hole. The drain should be compressed as far as possible without twisting the drain. This ensures that the barrel is properly seated in the base. Once in place, the rubber sealing washer and friction washer should be placed over the barrel from the underside of the shower base. These washers help create a watertight seal between the drain and the base.
Once the washers are in place, the locking ring should be tightened using adjustable pliers. This secures the drain in place and ensures that the putty is evenly distributed around the barrel. After tightening, any excess putty should be removed from the top of the drain to maintain a clean appearance.
Step 2: Install the Shower Base
With the drain secured, the next step is to carefully set the shower base into its final location. This step should be performed with care to avoid damaging the drain or the base. Once the base is in place, the next step is to install the rubber pipe gasket, which is an essential component of the sealing system.
Step 3: Install the Rubber Pipe Gasket
The rubber pipe gasket is placed over the vertical drainpipe that extends up from the floor. The bevel side of the gasket should face upward, and the gasket should be pushed down into the no-caulk barrel until it reaches the bottom of the barrel. This ensures that the gasket creates a watertight seal around the pipe and prevents water from seeping through the drain area.
It is important to verify that the vertical drainpipe is properly sized and aligned with the drain body. The vertical drainpipe should be two inches in diameter and made of a material that is compatible with the Oatey No-Caulk system. The gasket provided with the drain assembly is designed to create a watertight seal around PVC, ABS, cast iron, and galvanized drain pipes. However, if the pipe is two-inch DWV copper or 1½-inch IPS, it may be necessary to consult Oatey’s website for optional gasket selections.
Step 4: Secure the Drain
After the gasket is in place, the drain should be fully tightened to ensure a secure fit. The locking ring should be tightened using adjustable pliers, and any excess putty should be removed from the top of the drain. This completes the installation process and ensures that the drain is properly sealed and secure.
Key Considerations for Installation
Material Compatibility
One of the most important considerations when installing an Oatey No-Caulk Shower Drain is the material of the existing pipe. The type of pipe material will determine the type of connection used during installation. There are generally five different types of pipes used in residential plumbing, which can be divided into two categories: plastic and metal.
Plastic pipes are commonly found in newer construction and include materials such as PVC and ABS. These pipes are lightweight, durable, and cost-effective. Metal pipes, on the other hand, are more commonly found in older homes and include materials such as cast iron, galvanized steel, and copper. Each of these materials has different properties and may require different installation techniques.
It is important to identify the material of the existing pipe before beginning the installation. This will help determine the type of sealant or putty that should be used and ensure that the installation is compatible with the existing plumbing system.
Sealant and Putty Selection
The selection of the appropriate sealant or putty is critical to the success of the installation. Oatey No-Caulk Shower Drains require the use of either Oatey Plumber’s Putty or silicone sealant, depending on the material of the shower base and the type of drain being used. For example, ABS shower drains should only use silicone, not putty, for sealing.
For shower bases made of granite, marble, quartz, sandstone, Corian®, or other porous materials, it is necessary to use Oatey Stain-Free Plumber’s Putty. This type of putty is specifically designed to work with porous surfaces and helps prevent staining or discoloration of the shower base.
It is also important to ensure that the putty or sealant is compatible with the specific material of the shower base. To verify compatibility, it is recommended to refer to the product submittals available on Oatey’s website. These guidelines will help ensure that the correct materials are used and that the installation is successful.
Height and Alignment
Another important consideration is the height and alignment of the vertical drainpipe. Before installing the shower drain, it is essential to measure the finished height of the vertical drainpipe to ensure that it aligns properly with the No-Caulk Shower Drain. The vertical drainpipe should be 3/4 inch below the top flange of the No-Caulk Shower Drain. This ensures that the drain will seal properly once the shower base is in place.
Verifying the height of the vertical drainpipe before installation can save time and effort in the long run. If the pipe is too high or too low, it may be necessary to make adjustments before proceeding with the installation. This step is particularly important when working with preformed shower bases, as the alignment of the drain can affect the overall performance and durability of the system.
Common Installation Tips
Chamfering the Pipe
Before installing the rubber gasket, it is recommended to chamfer the outside edge of the pipe. This involves removing the sharp edge of the pipe to prevent gouging or cutting into the rubber gasket. Chamfering helps ensure that the gasket fits properly and creates a watertight seal.
Correct Washer Orientation
The orientation of the No-Caulk washer is also an important detail to consider. The flat end of the washer should be placed downward, and the beveled side should be oriented upward. This ensures that the washer functions correctly and helps prevent leaks or improper sealing.
Removal of the Strainer
If it is necessary to remove the strainer for cleaning or maintenance, it is important to use the correct technique to avoid damaging the strainer or the shower base. To remove the strainer, a screwdriver can be used to gently lift it from the notched area of the strainer. Light upward pressure should be applied while being careful not to damage the finished surface. If there are any questions or concerns about the removal process, it is recommended to contact Oatey Customer Service for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Caulk a No-Caulk Shower Drain?
No, it is not recommended to caulk a No-Caulk Shower Drain. The mechanical sealing system is designed to create a watertight seal without the need for caulk. Adding caulk can interfere with the sealing process and may affect the performance of the drain.
Do I Need a Pan Liner?
No, a pan liner is not required for a No-Caulk Shower Drain. The shower base is considered to be the waterproof barrier, and the drain system is designed to work with preformed shower bases that provide adequate waterproofing.
How High Should the PVC Pipe Sit Inside the Drain Body?
The vertical DWV pipe should fully terminate 1 inch inside the no-caulk drain body before the gasket is installed. This ensures that the gasket creates a watertight seal and prevents water from seeping through the drain area.
Conclusion
Oatey No-Caulk Shower Drains offer a reliable and efficient solution for preformed shower bases. The installation process is designed to be simple and straightforward, with clear steps that ensure a watertight seal and long-term durability. By following the official installation instructions and considering key factors such as material compatibility, sealant selection, and proper alignment, users can ensure a successful installation that meets the requirements of their plumbing system.
These drains are available in a variety of materials and finishes, making them suitable for a wide range of bathroom designs and styles. Whether you are a DIY enthusiast or a professional plumber, the Oatey No-Caulk system provides a dependable and user-friendly option for installing a shower drain without the need for traditional caulking.