Why does a shower require a 2-inch drain? Because the showers come with a low threshold for flooding. For this reason, a 2-inch pipe helps water or toilet drain faster than 1 or 1 1/2 inches shower drain pipe size.
We know that most home comes with a shower and toilet drain with one pipe, which creates extra pressure and lowers the threshold for flooding. To avoid this problem, most plumbers suggest using a 2-inch drain pipe so that it becomes faster.
There are several options you will discover on the internet, but it is true that a 2-inch drain pipe is standard to use on the drain. Thinking of installing a 2-inch drain pipe for your shower system? It is truly an awesome decision for you.
Why Does a Shower Require a 2 Inch Drain?
Most homes use 1 1/2-inches to 2-inches of shower drain because of several reasons. However, a 1 1/2-inches shower drain takes less pressure and is capable of taking a maximum of 8.3 GPM pressure.
Moreover, a 2-inch drain is standard for most homes. A 2-inch drain can take enough water and waste pressure, which keeps the pipe safe. Moreover, a 2-inches drain pipe is capable of taking a pressure maximum of 44 GPM, which is enough for a big house.
Furthermore, a 2-inch shower drain is also connected with the toilet drain, which means you can connect one line for both the toilet and shower without creating any pressure. People get extra benefits from using a 2-inch drain pipe than a 1 1/2-inches drain pipe.
Can You Use 1 1/2 Pipe for Shower Drain?
Of course, you can use a 1 1/2-inches pipe for the shower drain. I know it is not a standard size like a 2-inches pipe, but it is also popular for home owners use for drain pipes. So, you can also use a 1 1/2-inches pipe for the shower drain.
Moreover, the 2-inches pipe is far better than a 1 1/2-inches pipe for the shower because of creating the water pressure. Using a 2-inch pipe for the shower drain helps your drain pass the water and waste more smoothly without creating a single problem.
Furthermore, I recommend you go for a 2-inches pipe for the shower drain if possible. If you think it is impossible to go 2-inches pipe for the shower drain, you can comfortably use a 1 1/2-inches pipe for the shower drain.
How Many GPM Can a 1 1/2” Drain Handle?
A 1 1/2-inches drain handle is capable of producing 4.9 GPM for cast iron and 8.3 GPM for PVC. Some of the brands of PVC and cast iron produce more and less GPM because of considering water pressure and others.
Similarly, a 1 1/2″ drain pipe is not ready to get high pressure like a 2-inches drain pipe. That’s why you will get a maximum of 8.3 GPM and 4.9 GPM for cast iron pipe which is enough for the draining system. To get more GPM, you need to use an extra-size drain handle.
FAQs (Frequently Ask Questions)
Q: Can a shower drain by 1.5 inches?
Answer: The official answer is yes, a 1.5-inches drain is properly designed for the shower system. But, it would be recommended for you to use a 2-inches shower drain so that your home shower system takes enough pressure.
Q: What is the minimum size drain for a shower?
Answer: The minimum size drain for a shower is 1 1/2 inches to 2-inches. These two sizes are now standard, and most people use these two sizes in their homes. So, you can choose any of the sizes for your shower drain.
Q: Can 1 1/2 PVC be used for a shower drain?
Answer: It is common to use 1 1/2 PVC for a shower drain. This size is enough for a shower system because it smoothly helps the shower drain smoothly flow. So, you can use this 1 1/2 PVC pipe size for your shower drain.
Q: Do shower drains have to be 2?
Answer: It is wise to think to use a 2-inches shower drain for the home or office shower system. A 2-inch shower drain helps your shower system smoothly pass the water with waste and also floods the threshold properly.
Q: What size should a shower waste pipe be?
Answer: You can use 1 1/2 inches to 2-inches for a shower waste pipe. The majority of the house has a 2-inches shower waste pipe with the toilet drain pipe so that they can’t use the pipe separately and also reduce the cost.
Conclusions
Are you still confused about choosing the right drain pipe size for your home shower system? I think the above article clears your confusion. The shower required a 2-inch drain because of smooth water flow, taking enough waste and water pressure, and finally avoiding the low shower system.
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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.