Removal of shower – what to do with plumbing?
RM
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
We are currently planning for a reno that will give us a master bathroom (finally) and in doing so will allow us to remove a walkin shower in another bathroom . The removal of the other shower will free up room to turn a pantry closet into a full blown walk in pantry.
I’m trying to plan ahead here and was curious as to what has to be done with the plumbing (drain and water supply lines) when I take the shower out. Is it as simple to cap the lines and cover/seal the drain within the joist space and then cover over for good? Access, if ever required, could be gained from the basement but would require removal of drywall.
Thx. for any input.
Cheers … Ray
Replies
SOP
S.O.P. would be to remove readily accessible pipe, cap and cover.
Jim
Cut and cap the water pipes feeding the shower valve. (Don't let someone talk you into leaving the shower valve connected!). Cut the horizontal shower drain line a few inches from where it tees into the riser and cap it. You may be left with an unneeded vent pipe, but no matter unless it's in the way of something.
Leave the water lines exposed for a few days to make sure there's no seepage.
Since you have access to the plumbing from below, that is where I would cap it. That way, if you ever want to use it again for another location, you are not opening up your new wall.
Why not put a deep sink in the walkin pantry? Useful to have and you've already got the plumbing for it.