Replacing the floor waste can be a not-so-difficult task but it still depends on the type of floor waste that is installed in the bathroom. Floor waste grates are easily replaceable but drain pipes and traps are harder
to change. Make sure to read the steps carefully and follow as recommended.
Steps in Replacing Floor Waste
Consult a local plumbing inspector
The laws governing floor waste replacement vary in every country and state that you are in. You can research the rules about the removal, replacement, and disposal of materials in your local area. Better yet, you can consult a local plumbing inspector to have a better grasp of the regulations that you need to comply with regarding your floor drain replacement.
Prepare the tools and materials that you will use
Prepare all the items that you will use before the start of your work. Get a hammer, circular saw, and glue. You should also get all the replacement parts that include the drain pipes and floor waste grates.
Remove the old drain
This step includes the old floor waste grates as well as the drain pipes underneath the bathroom floor. To do this, you must cut through the slab and concrete to remove the old materials. A hammer can help in breaking through the slab. You may also utilize a circular saw for a smoother cut.
Usually, no electrical lines are installed on the flooring of the bathroom. To be sure, proceed with caution when cutting through the slab. To be on the safe side, you should switch off the circuit breaker for the area.
You should also turn off the water valve in case you accidentally cut any water line. You can trace this valve by looking at the concrete wall nearest your bathroom area. Some valves are located outside the room outside the house.
Remove the old pipes and drain and set them aside. Check the local rules to determine the proper disposal of these pipes.
Install the new drain pipes
Install the right drain pipes that are required by the building code in your area. If you notice that the old pipes have a different shape or size than your new drain pipes, do not worry. You should always comply with the regulations set for replacement drain lines. The usual diameter of a common household drain line is 2 inches.
Install the floor drain cover
The floor drain cover is the fixture that people will see in the bathroom. It comes in different shapes and sizes. The most common ones are the square or round-shaped floor waste grates. But you can also find rectangular ones that can give your home a more modern appearance.
For your convenience, it is best to replace your old floor drain cover with the same size. In this way, you will not need to cut through the tiles for additional space. But if you really want to change the appearance of your floor drain, do some measurements and make sure that you have the right size and length of drain pipes that will accommodate the new floor drain.
Compressed floor drains are installed with nuts. Use a cordless drill to screw the nuts. Ordinary floor drain covers can be placed on the slab or steel using glue.
After checking the work, you can switch the electric circuit breaker back on and open the water valve.
Conclusion
If you are looking to replace your bathroom floor waste by yourself, you should consider the steps that we stated above. The process can be easy for experienced ones but it can be a ch
allenge for beginners. Floor waste grates, drain pipes, and traps are parts of the drain that you should take careful handling to prevent leaks, bad odors, and other sewage problems from occurring.