Can a Toilet and Shower Share the Same Drain? Exploring Plumbing Options

We all have our own personal stories, and there is nothing more mysterious than the pipes running through our homes. It is difficult to understand how toilets and shower drain operate and how they connect only a few drains. Can a Toilet and Shower Share the Same Drain?

The shower drains are connected, and the toilet could share a bathtub drains if you install one vent that is common to stop backflow. Then, connect both drains properly with high-quality PVC connectors. The connection of bathtub drains connected to shower drains connected must be within 6 6-foot (1.83 m) distance.

Can a Toilet and Shower Share the Same Drain? Exploring Plumbing Options
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Therefore, it’s usually possible to mix the shower bathtub shower drains connected together for the shower pipe and toilet. Their wastewater is disposed of in a single location (the sewer or the septic tank).

I’ll explain the best way to combine both bathtub shower drains connected to prevent major leaks in your home. In addition, I will address additional questions related to yours that you may be facing.

Can A Toilet And Shower Share The Same Drain? If Yes, How?

In the end, both the shower as well as the shower could be a part of the same main drain line. However, it is necessary to satisfy these three requirements:

Can a Toilet and Shower Share the Same Drain? Exploring Plumbing Options
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1: Install A Common Vent

The main issue when mixing different drains is the incompatibility could lead to an airlock that encourages backflow.

For shower drains and toilets there is a significant risk of a backflow of human waste. As well as various other contaminants and debris that can contaminate your home or trigger a disease that can be transmitted through water, like the cholera.

But, this issue can be solved by installing an open vent to allow all the toilet wastewater out of both drains to go out, without the formation of an airlock. Over time, it will stop backflow.

The first requirement for showers and toilets to have the same drain is the installation of the same vent. I suggest Oatey 39012 1.5 In NPT ABS in-Line Vent. Oatey 39012 1.5 In NPT ABS In-Line Vent.

The spring-loaded ABS vent is designed to block backflow from sewage, and will generally work with the majority of drains.

2: Use PVC Connectors

A common vent may be essential if you wish to connect shower and toilet drains, it’s by no means the only option.

Keep in mind that the drain for toilets is generally greater than shower drain This means they are almost impossible to coexist.

It is possible to make sure that both are perfectly matched by using suitable PVC connectors. They are usually about 3 inches wide.

Make sure you be able to cut off the edges of the sink and toilet vents before joining the two. Since the vent for your sink is able to drain into the vent for your toilet (the largest of both) and you’ll have install sink traps in order to stop sewer gas from entering your home.

3rd Condition:

The final requirement is that it is important to ensure that you have made connections within 6 feet distance.

If you connect your toilet with the shower that is not too further than greater than six inches, then the valve may not be able to properly feed the drainpipe. If this isn’t the case it is recommended to separate both drains in order to prevent problems.

The Supplies For Fitting Shower And Toilet On Same Drain

You should check to make sure that you’re carrying all the items you require for combining the shower and toilet drains. This includes:

Can a Toilet and Shower Share the Same Drain? Exploring Plumbing Options
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  • Common vent
  • PVC pipe 3 inches
  • Caps made of PVC 3 inches
  • Connectors made of regular PVC
  • PVC adhesives
  • PVC saw
  • Shower strap
  • 3-inch PVC bends

Another thing to consider is whether you set your shower traps and pipes in a proper way (that’s more than the height of the toilet). This will ensure that all connections are sealed to prevent the possibility of backflow. If you need to extend the distance, it may be necessary to add another vent.

Simple Steps For Combining The Shower And Toilet On Same Drain)

In general, there are the five steps to unify shower and toilet drains:

Can a Toilet and Shower Share the Same Drain? Exploring Plumbing Options
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Step 1 – Preparation 

Get your equipment ready and get rid of the flow materials or wall panels in order to reach your pipe.

Step 2 – Common vent installation

Include a common vent to your bathroom sink plumbing system in order to minimize backflow. The vent you choose to use is about 5 feet away from your bathroom shower drain.

Step 3 – Shower-to-vent-connection

Connect your shower pipes to the vent with PVC pipes and glue. While you’re at it, make sure that the shower pipes as well as s-straps sit higher than your toilet.

Step 4 – Vent-to-toilet connection

Utilize the PVC connectors and adhesives to join the common vent to the toilet’s plumbing.

Step 5 – Cure

Give the adhesive time to set before testing the drain.

Step 6 – Testing 

After connecting all the components, you should flush the toilet as well as close the toilet water shower in a separate manner in order to avoid leaks.

Are Shower And Toilet Pipes Connected?

In normal circumstances under normal circumstances, both the toilet and pipes run through one location (the same main sewer line, or the septic tank). This is the place where they are joined.

Be aware that the toilet comprises two components: the tank and the bowl. The bowl is used to store water after flushing, and is directly connected with the sink drain main that leads to the sewer, or the septic.

Can a Toilet and Shower Share the Same Drain? Exploring Plumbing Options
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The other side it is the tank that holds the water used to flush (which is supplied through the same pipeline that feeds shower water). Thus, both the shower and toilet pipes share identical origins (water source and secondary line) which connects with the septic or sewer.

Is The Toilet And Shower Drain The Same?

Shower drains and toilets aren’t the same. They have one thing in common is they’re supplied by the same water source, and dispose of their waste at the same spot (septic or sewer).

But, now it is possible to connect both drains into one main drain. This is something you could make with PVC pipe, PVC adhesives, S-straps and common vents. If you mix both, their water will mix before it reaches the sewer tank or septic tank.

Can I Fit My Shower In An Existing Toilet Drain?

Since all drains (shower or sink toilet) drain all of their waste at the same location and share the same source of water so it is possible to change the drains. Therefore, it’s possible that you could install your shower into an older toilet drain.

Can a Toilet and Shower Share the Same Drain? Exploring Plumbing Options
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Why Connect The Shower And Toilet Drain?

Then, why do you endure all the effort of connecting your drains for toilet and shower? Here are two main reasons

  • Cost-Saving 

In joining the drains for toilet and shower to save money on the cost of plumbing. This means that there is no need to purchase numerous fixtures to install the toilet and shower drain.

Also, you can save on labour because you do not have to employ a plumber join in since the whole process is DIY. If you decide to set up the shower drains on your own it will require several people to perform the work and it can get costly.

  • Simplicity 

In combining drainage of the toilet and shower drains to avoid the need for complicated shower drains which can be costly to manage. This combination will result in a more efficient and practical drainage method.

Where Do I Dispose Of Blackwater Or Greywater?

If you’re living in a motorhome or RV it is necessary to drain the grey water and black water tanks. There are many RV campgrounds, campsites, and dealers have a designated area where you are able to safely get rid of the tank’s items.

Can a Toilet and Shower Share the Same Drain? Exploring Plumbing Options
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However, should you own an apartment or a house that is fixed and you want to dispose of the items in a water or sewage treatment facilities, facility or recycling facility. Some towns aren’t equipped with the facilities required, which means you may have to travel towards a city that is larger for disposal of your contents.

How Often Do I Need To Empty My Septic Tank?

If you’re living at home, whether in the city or the country it’s likely that you’ve got a septic tanks system. Inside a septic system, there’s a delicate balance between bacteria which helps to ensure that the system is functioning properly. There are times when there could be two greywater separate septic tank and an additional blackwater tank however, some houses are able to send both septic tanks down to the same location.

In general, home owners should get their tank cleaned each three to five years. This period of time can differ. The regular pumping of the a separate septic tank can help avoid expensive issues for example, a sewer backup or blocked drain fields.

If you’re not certain of the firms provide this service in your region go online, or talk with a licensed plumber for suggestions.

FAQ

Can a toilet and shower share a drain?

It could happen, but I’m not sure it will make sense! There are plumbing fixtures that require a certain amount of water that are older, such as those in houses, the combined drainage system might already be in place.

Can a toilet back up a drain?

The clogging of toilets is harmful If toilets get into the shower, they’ll become much worse. Although you could go for many years without having to be reminded the two gadgets are interconnected. If you find this connection to the water plants be problematic it could be causing problems in the future waste trap arm.

Can a washer drain share with toilet drain?

Don’t do it! The waste shower drain pipes and toilets are significantly larger than typical washers’ and waste.

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