Shower Drain Cover

A shower drain cover is fixed between the shower enclosure and the drainage pipe. It acts as a well deserved divide that you seek between the filthy drainage pipe and the refreshing bathing area where you like to unwind yourself. Imagine, if there were no drain covers, you probably wouldn't have been able to spend even few minutes in the bathroom. Well, but you may have to remove or replace the shower drain cover at some point or the other. Sometimes, the drainage pipe may get clogged, or you may need to replace the broken drain cover, or you may just feel the need to clean the drainage pipe. You do not have to call professionals at such times as dealing with drain covers is quite an easy job.

Buying the New Drain Cover
You have to choose a right type of drainage system for your bathroom. The selection process depends much on the kind of drain pipe you have. Some drain covers are fixed over the pipe using screws and others can be fixed using special waterproof seals or solvent welds, etc. You also have to consider the size of the drain and buy the cover accordingly. Measure the diameter of the drain and buy a drain cover that covers a little more surface area than the actual drain. You also have to consider the design, material, and pattern of the drain cover before buying it. You have the choice to choose from plenty of patterns and designs which can suit the overall decor of your bathroom well. But when it comes to materials, plastic drain covers seem to be the most preferred variety as they are durable and also offer a wide choice in patterns and designs. So, considering these factors you first have to buy a new drain cover.

Removing the Existing Drain Cover
The only thing you will need to remove the existing drain cover is a screw driver. First, dry the area around the drain cover thoroughly and locate the screws with which the drain cover is fixed to the drain or the fixture. Once you find the screws, remove all of them using a screw driver. You may not have to store the screws if you are going to replace the drain with a new drain cover that comes with new screws. When all the screws are removed, pull off the drain cover from the fixture. In case a drain cover that has no screws, you'll have to pry it open with the help of a flat headed screw driver. Also, remove all the sealant from the fixture and make the surface clean. Before replacing a new drain cover you might as well clean the drainage pipe since you have anyway removed the drain cover.

Installing the New Drain Cover
Installing a shower drain cover is not as difficult as installing a shower drain. It is quite easy if you have some basic plumbing skills. With the new drain cover you will get the screws with which you need to fix the drain cover in the fixture. You may also use some caulking material, such as white cement to fix the cover tightly. In case of screw less drain covers too, you can use white cement, or silicon caulk to fix the drain cover over the drain fixture. Make sure you install a trap directly below the drain to prevent sewer gases from the pipe to escape into the bathroom. Also make sure you install a vent pipe above the level of the drain pipe so that the adequate air pressure helps in smooth water flow.

However, make sure you take enough precaution and safety measures while removing and replacing the shower drain cover. As far as buying a new drain cover is concerned, you can buy it online where you can compare prices and designs and buy ones that suit your taste and your pocket aptly.