Bathtub drain pipe size depends on the local plumbing code, meaning your areas have size codes that you need to know before assembling the bathtub drain pipe. However, the majority of the bathtub drain pipe size comes with 1 1/2 inches to 2-inches in USA’s local areas.
If you are doing a new installation or trying to reinstall the bathtub drain pipe, you should consult the drain pipe local code first. When you are using the right size pipe for the bathtub drain, you may easily avoid drainage woes.
I know it would be better for you to get a detailed answer from this article. However, you can check out this article to clear your confusion and get further information on the size of the pipe for the bathtub drain. Stay connected.
What Size Pipe for Bathtub Drain?
Typically, the pipe size is determined by the inside diameter of the pipe, which is measured by tape measure. Moreover, the popular brand and well-known brands pipe also measure the size with advanced technology.
For bathtub pipe size, the drain comes with 1 1/2 inches to 2-inches which is standard and follows most of the drain code. According to my research, most bathtub drain pipe size comes with a minimum of 1 1/2 inches and a maximum of 2-inches.
Furthermore, the code sets most of the USA’s areas are 2-inches. Even you will also see the UK drain systems’ same measurement. So, you can try a 2-inch pipe for the bathtub drain pipe without facing any drainage problems.
Can You Use 1 1/2 Pipe for Shower Drain?
For shower drain, pipe size plumber code uses 1 1/2-inches in the USA nearly 20-years. But, some states in the USA use a 2-inches pipe size for showers because of the high amount of water pressure and high water supply.
If your shower head follows 2.5 gals or less, you should use a 1 1/2-inches pipe for the shower drain. But, if you think that the showerhead comes up to a 2.5 gals shower system, I would love to suggest you use a 2-inches shower drain pipe.
How to Measure Bathtub Drain Size?
Measuring bathtub drain size is a critical task. Here are a few steps you can follow to measure bathtub drain size. Let’s follow the steps below and find the pipe’s location, code, and other features.
Step 1: Measure Your Drain Hole Diameter
Take a tape to measure the diameter of the drain hole. Note, you just need to measure the width drain hole diameter, which means you don’t need to measure height and another measure.
Step 2: Remove Plumbing Access Panel
If you think that the plumbing access panel is properly damaged, you should remove the plumbing access panel. Well, you can lose the nuts and bolts to remove the access panel. If the nuts and bolts are tightened, you can WD-40 or a big wrench to remove the nuts and bolts.
Step 3: Measure Drain Pipe Vertical & Horizontal
Is the old drain pipe still available? It would help if you took the measurement properly because installing the new drain pipe properly. If you don’t find the old drain pipe, you can follow the below steps to measure the drain pipe.
- First of all, measure straight down from your bathtub
- After that, you should measure the drain hole to the level
- Now, it is time to find out piping branches off.
- Write down the measurement vertically, which you find.
Step 4: Connect New Bathtub Drain
Finally, you should connect the new bathtub drain with a powerful wrench so that it is strongly tightened. On the other hand, make sure that the drain pipe and drain line are connected properly and that there haven’t been any leaks.
Reference: https://www.hunker.com/13417419/how-to-measure-for-a-bathtub-drain
Importance of Correct Size Pipe for Bathtub Drain
The correct size pipe for the bathtub drain is very important because of the drain, bathtub fixture, assemble, as well as your bathroom wall. You may face clog, yellow color, and other problems when you are not using the correct size pipe for the bathtub drain.
FAQs (Frequently Ask Questions)
Q: What size drain pipe do I need for a bathtub?
Answer: You can use a 1 1/2-inches to 2-inches drain pipe for a bathtub. It also depends on your drain area code because different comes with different areas code. It is very important to choose the correct size.
Q: What kind of pipe do you use for a tub drain?
Answer: The tub drain pipe is commonly made with three different types of materials such as brass, PVC, and ABS plastic. You should check out or buy the pipes which come with these three materials.
Q: What size is tub drain PVC?
Answer: PVC tub drain pipe is a pipe which is used for drain system. You will find the PVC pipe in your toilet or shower drain or combo. However, you can also check using the PVC pipe for your bathtub.
Q: What is the code for a bathtub drain?
Answer: The code for bathtubs is depended on your local area. In the USA, most of the states come with a 1 1/2-inches to 2-inches code for bathtubs. It would be better for you to check out the old code of your bathtub.
Q: Does the bathtub drain need a trap?
Answer: Yes, you should use P-trap for plumbing the bathtub drain. Moreover, it is essential because of the waste water drain system, which helps the drain smoothly flow the water.
Is It Clear to You?
Now, you have enough information and method to measure the bathtub pipe size for the drain. According to my research, the bathtub drain pipe size comes with 1 1/2 inches to 2-inches which is also standard for most bathtub pipes. So, you can use this size pipe for your bathtub.
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Hi, there my name is William Lee and I am the founder of the DecorHomefFiner.com website. I am an expert DIY for bathrooms, living rooms, and kitchens. I am also a social helper which means I am helping people on social media about their homes.