How to install a shower in a basement with a sump pump? Installing a shower in a basement is a great addition to any finished basement. The shower can greatly increase the value of the home by adding functionality and most importantly an extra amenity to this empty space.
Installing a shower in a basement with a sump pump becomes even easier because the sump pump will conveniently remove the excess water that might be occasioned by the shower. Usually, the sump pumps are installed in a specially dug hole secured at the lowest point in the floor. If you need a guide on how to install a bathroom in your basement, we got you covered. Read on to find out.
What You Need
In order to make your shower installation in the basement be a success, you will need to gather the right tools and plumbing fixtures.
Materials and Tools Needed
- PVC drain pipe
- PVC pipe cleaner
- PVC piping
- PVC cement
- Ready-mix cement
- Tiling supplies
- Framing materials
- Screws
- Electric drill
- Shovel
- Trowel
- Pressure-treated lumber
- Concrete saw or jackhammer
- Basic hand tools
A basement equipped with a sump pump already will make your installation process easier since installing the sump pump is a bit complicated for a DIY. Regardless, adding a shower in a basement with sump pump requires some careful planning. Even though the sump pump is already in place, several other items require to be prepared and installed for the shower to run appropriately.
How to Install a Shower in a Basement with Sump Pump: Steps to Follow
Step 1: Locate the Where the Shower Stall is to be Installed
Determining the precise location for the shower stall is the first thing to do before you start preparing the materials. The closer the shower will be to the sump pit, the easier the installation process the less it will cost you.
Therefore, mark the center point of the bathroom stall carefully, especially where the drain will be installed. After marking the drain point, mark a straight line leading to the sump pit. The line will be the route for your shower drain lines.
Step 2: Excavate along a Drain Line
Using a jackhammer or a saw that is designed to cut through concrete, excavate along the drain line you marked. Make the trench approximately 3-inches wide and 6 inches deep. At the point where the shower drain will be situated, consider making the opening in the concrete a bit larger. For instance, you can make it approximately 12 inches deep and 8 inches wide.
Step 3: Install Drain Line
Prepare a 2-inch PVC to install it in the trench as a drain line from the sump pit to the shower drain point. At the shower drain area, consider installing a shower p-trap before bringing the pipe up and attaching a threaded pipe fitting compatible with the drain on the shower stall you are about to install.
Step 4: Patch the Floor
Mix the concrete in a wheelbarrow until it is read. Ensure the drain coupling is appropriately fitted before filling the trench with concrete. With the trowel, you can smooth the fresh concrete mix until it is level and even with the existing floor. Let the concrete set for at least a day before continuing to install other shower components.
Step 5: Install the Tee Junctions
You can install the tee junctions in the nearby cold and hot water pipes. Route the new lines to the shower area and align the pipes with the openings on the shower stall. Connect the faucets and stem valves appropriately. Make sure the measure and re-measure each of the fittings to guarantee perfect fitting.
Step 6: Build the Framework
With pressure-treated lumber, build the framework for your shower stall. To guarantee the best results for your basement bathroom, place the studs at least on 16-inch centers. Once you are done with the framework and it is perfectly in place, slide in the shower stall into the opening and secure it in place by screwing 1 ½ -inches screws.
Make the final sewer lines connections and install the showerhead and faucet handles. Once you are done with this, the shower is ready for use. Run the shower to ensure it operates as required. However, depending on your intended use for the shower area, you can also consider boxing the shower area with drywall and molding along the front edges for aesthetics.
How can I install a bathroom in the Basement Without Breaking Concrete?
There are several ways you can use to install your basement bathroom without breaking concrete. We discuss some below.
Install Basement Bathroom in Close Proximity to an Existing Bathroom
Installing a basement shower in close proximity to an existing bathroom will allow you to have a shower in the basement without breaking the concrete floor. Moreover, installing a flush toilet system will be a convenient and efficient way of disposing of wastewater in the basement.
Instead of breaking the basement floor concrete, you will have a continuous circulation from your sewage tank and directly to the main sewer line. However, this can be limiting, time-consuming, and end up costing you more.
Install an Up-flushing Unit
You can install an up-flushing unit if you are unable to use the gravity feed drain. The up-flushing system comes with a pump that once it is installed, will be activated by a float or switch that turns on whenever there is too much water in the bottom tank. The up-flushing system is arguably the most convenient and effective way to get rid of wastewater from your basement bathroom into the main sewer line.
The main advantage of the up-flush system is that it can be installed even in tight basement bathroom spaces. Within these spaces, installing standard gravity feed systems can be cumbersome since they can’t handle wastewater that is below the sewer line. So, with the pump system, the up-flush system is able to send wastewater upwards without breaking concrete to install.
Install a High-Pressure Drain System
A high-pressure drain system involves an electrical pump that drains wastewater from the basement bathroom into the main drain line. Ideally, the main sewer line of your home should be located in a higher elevation than your basement shower floor.
The high-pressure drain system also features a grinder to liquefy the solid waste to enable an effortless draining of both liquid and solid waste from your basement toilet and shower.
Elevate the Basement Shower Base
Instead of breaking the concrete flooring, you can elevate your basement shower base to allow for good drainage from the shower to the main drainage line. Ideally, make a standard slope of about 4 inches per linear foot of water piping.
Use plywood 2 x 4 foot-high to develop a shallow foundation where the baths can rest in the bath stall. You will have to rise about 6 feet to enter the shower area so as to make room for the drain and P-trap in between the shower walls beneath the shower.
How to Install a Free-Flowing Basement Bathroom Without Cutting Concrete floors
Step 1: Check Depth
For purpose of installing a basement shower without breaking the floor concrete, you will require a macerating toilet that can grind down the solid waste. Moreover, opt for a unit with connections to a shower and sink.
Choose the kind of up-flushing system you will install depending on the distance from your sewer line. Equally, choose a unit with connections to the shower unit and sink.
Step 2: Install a Support Flange
Set up the washbasin by replacing the steel flange. Also, double-check the toilet mounting bolts and ensure they are properly set in place and that can accommodate a toilet installation.
Step 3: Install the Pump
Before you seal the unit and install it, make sure you verify that it works properly by reactivating the pump. To test a plug, simply attach it to a water supply line and connect it to its flange hole. Put the pump in the tank and mount the float switch on the pump. The pump may come with one discharge pipe and the second discharge pipe in the tank.
Step 4: Discharge Excess Water
Discharge the excess water from the discharge line. Plug the up-flush unit into the nearby GFVI-receptacle. Allow the tank to be filled slowly and once the correct level the pump will start releasing water. Ideally, the pump should turn on and release the water into a five-gallon bucket.
Step 5: Install the Vent Pipe
Ensure all the vents and drains are designed according to code. Hire a licensed plumber to do your drains before completing the installation. Use a little liquid soap to make pipe inserting a breeze. Run the valve into the main stack and installing in a way requiring approval from an inspector. It is basic to ensure that the vent and drain are designed in one code authorized form that can be used.
Step 6: Install the Backflow Device
The goal of installing a backflow device is to ensure the wastewater doesn’t flow back into the system. As such, ensure the connections are handled perfectly. Tie a 2-inch PVC pipe to the discharge tube and push it towards the drain head. Ideally, the vent and drain for this connection should be approved.
Step 7: Connect Pipes to the Main System
Make sure the unit is connected to the GFCI receptacle from the doorway. First, install the subflooring pump wall liners and pipes. Be cautious not to damage the tank. Connect the vent or drain valve to the system you just installed.
Step 8: Install the Toilet
Place the toilet in a wax ring and have the bowl lying upon the flush unit. Connect the toilet with a stop valve. Connect the toilet to the cold water line using the stopper and fining the wall and floor and then in the tank.
Step 9: Hook Up Additional Features
The macerating toilet manufacturer sometimes provides an extra flange to hook to the shower and sink drain to the tank. Therefore, ensure the take the necessary instructions given by the manufacturer in removing the hole for the floor drain. In the case of a bathtub or shower, it is normal for drain pipes to flow through the drainpipe into the water treatment system. Once everything is connected, your basement bathroom is ready for operation.
Conclusion
By reading all through to this point, we believe that you have grasped something on how to install a shower in a basement with a sump pump. Keep in mind that once you are done with the installation process, be sure to cover the sump pit.
