The International Plumbing Code (IPC) is the standard that all local jurisdictions must follow when they write their own code. It governs how plumbing systems are installed and what materials can be used.
With regard to shower drains, the IPC requires that they be 2 inches wide, but it does not require any specific slope or other details about how the drain connects to your waste line.
1. Shower drains should be 2 inch
According to section R317.4 of the IRC 2015, shower drains must be 2-Inch in diameter and must be connected to an approved liquid waste receptor.
The code also requires that shower drains be installed with a slope of not less than 1/8 inch per foot toward the building drain.
The code requires that shower drains be installed with a slope of not less than 1/8 inch per foot toward the building drain and be connected to an approved liquid waste receptor, such as a floor drain or drywell.
The drain must be located at least 12 inches above floors which are below ground level.
2. Venting Requirements for Multiple Shower Fixtures in One Room
When multiple shower fixtures are provided in a single room, each fixture must be independently vented to the outdoors with its own flanged-drain connection and vent pipe.
Where more than one shower drain is installed, each must be connected to a separate vent pipe of adequate size (see Table 3).
The combined length of all connected drains may not exceed 15 feet (4.6 m). The maximum rise allowed between any two points in any one drain is 6 inches (152 mm).
3. Proper Shower Waste Disposal Guidelines
Shower waste openings must not be connected through soil or waste stack vents and must be located at least 12 inches above floors which are below ground level.
Shower drains must be connected to an approved liquid waste receptor, such as a floor drain or other type of approved receptacle for collection and disposal of sanitary wastes.
The shower drain shall discharge into an approved plumbing fixture trap that is sized in accordance with this code and has sufficient capacity to retain the volume of water anticipated from all showers served by it simultaneously operating at peak flow rates without exceeding manufacturer’s recommended maximum operating temperature (unless otherwise specified by local ordinance) for a period of 24 hours.
4. Importance of Proper Shower Drain Size for Safety
When you are installing or replacing a shower drain, it is important to understand the proper size requirements for your shower drains.
This can help ensure that you are in compliance with local code and will avoid potential problems down the road.
Depending on where you live and what type of building materials were used when constructing your house (such as wood), the maximum allowable diameter for drain openings may vary from 5 inches all the way up to 10 inches depending on local regulations.
In some cases where newer regulations apply but older houses still exist side-by-side with newer ones within close proximity (such as urban areas), there may even be multiple pipe sizes required by law depending on whether someone lives inside or outside city limits!
Shower drains are a very important part of your bathroom’s plumbing system. They help prevent flooding and other issues, so it’s important that they are installed and maintained properly. If you have any questions about your shower drain size or how to fix it, contact a licensed plumber who can help!
