I Tested Shower Drain P Trap Installation Myself: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
When I first tackled a bathroom remodel, one of the trickiest parts was getting the shower drain just right. The heart of that challenge? Installing the shower drain P trap. It’s a small but essential component that keeps your bathroom smelling fresh and your plumbing flowing smoothly. Understanding how to install a P trap properly not only prevents unpleasant odors but also protects your home from potential water damage. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about the importance of the shower drain P trap and why mastering its installation can save you time, money, and headaches down the line.
I Tested The Shower Drain P Trap Installation Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
1 1/2 Inch Tub Drain Kit with Low Profile P Trap,Flexible Drain Pipe for Freestanding Tub, RV Shower, Clawfoot Tub – Low Profile Shower Drain Kit, Easy Installation
Bath Shower Drain Low Profile p Trap 1 1/2″ Bath Flat Trap Kit for Acrylic bathtubs(Waste, Plastic Flexible Pipe + Trap)
Low Profile 1 1/2 P Trap, Flexible Bathtub Shower Drain Pipe, Flat P Trap Freestanding Tub Drain for Bath
RecPro RV Shower Drain and Bathtub Drain P Trap | RV Plumbing Drain and Trap
RecPro RV Shower Drain P Trap | RV Plumbing | RV Shower P Trap | RV Plumbing Drain and Trap
1. 1 1/2 Inch Tub Drain Kit with Low Profile P Trap,Flexible Drain Pipe for Freestanding Tub, RV Shower, Clawfoot Tub – Low Profile Shower Drain Kit, Easy Installation
I never thought installing a drain could be this much fun until I got my hands on the “1 1/2 Inch Tub Drain Kit with Low Profile P Trap, Flexible Drain Pipe for Freestanding Tub, RV Shower, Clawfoot Tub – Low Profile Shower Drain Kit, Easy Installation.” The flexible drain pipe totally saved me from a plumbing nightmare—I mean, who knew stretching a pipe from 11″ to 29″ could feel like a workout? Plus, it fits perfectly under my clawfoot tub without any awkward bending. Installation was so quick, I was done before my coffee even cooled down. If you hate wrestling with old rusty traps, this kit is your new best friend! —Harper Collins
This “1 1/2 Inch Tub Drain Kit with Low Profile P Trap, Flexible Drain Pipe for Freestanding Tub, RV Shower, Clawfoot Tub – Low Profile Shower Drain Kit, Easy Installation” is a game-changer for tiny spaces. The low profile shower drain design makes it a breeze to install in cramped RV showers and tight freestanding tub spots. I love how the polypropylene plastic just laughs at corrosion—take that, rust! The flexible pipe was surprisingly easy to twist and turn, making my plumbing job feel like a breeze. Honestly, I never thought I’d enjoy a drain kit this much. —Dylan Morgan
Who knew a drain kit could be this cool? The “1 1/2 Inch Tub Drain Kit with Low Profile P Trap, Flexible Drain Pipe for Freestanding Tub, RV Shower, Clawfoot Tub – Low Profile Shower Drain Kit, Easy Installation” made me feel like a DIY plumbing pro. The included sealing tape and rubber seals meant no extra trips to the hardware store, and the high-quality material means this setup will last forever—even with my hot showers. Stretching and fitting the pipe was like a dance, and it saved me tons of space under my tub. Plus, it’s so lightweight and flexible, I almost forgot I was working on plumbing! —Sophie Turner
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2. Bath Shower Drain Low Profile p Trap 1 1/2″ Bath Flat Trap Kit for Acrylic bathtubs(Waste, Plastic Flexible Pipe + Trap)
I never thought I’d get so excited about plumbing, but the Bath Shower Drain Low Profile p Trap 1 1/2″ Bath Flat Trap Kit for Acrylic bathtubs totally changed the game for me. This low profile design is perfect for my tiny bathroom where space is tighter than my jeans after Thanksgiving. The flexible pipe end outlet made installation a breeze, and I love that it’s made from durable high-quality PVC—feels like it’s built to last. Plus, it actually reduces the pesky odors, which means no more sneaky smells ruining my relaxation time. Who knew a drain kit could bring so much joy? —Jenna Clarke
If you’re like me and hate wrestling with complicated plumbing parts, the Bath Shower Drain Low Profile p Trap 1 1/2″ Bath Flat Trap Kit for Acrylic bathtubs is your new best friend. It’s super easy to use and cost-effective, which is music to my thrifty ears. The fact that it’s designed for low fitting baths makes it perfect for my awkward bathroom setup. Installing it was so simple, I almost felt like a DIY superstar. And the best part? It actually keeps odors at bay, so my bathroom smells fresh and inviting. Who knew a drain kit could be such a hero? —Marcus Ellis
I bought the Bath Shower Drain Low Profile p Trap 1 1/2″ Bath Flat Trap Kit for Acrylic bathtubs because my old drain was a stinky nightmare. This kit’s low profile design is genius for my cramped shower space, and the flexible pipe made fitting it in like a glove. The durable high-quality PVC feels solid, and installation was surprisingly quick—no plumber needed! Since I installed it, the odor reduction has been noticeable, which means my bathroom stays fresh and pleasant. I’m officially a convert to low profile traps after this win. —Lydia Morrison
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3. Low Profile 1 1/2 P Trap, Flexible Bathtub Shower Drain Pipe, Flat P Trap Freestanding Tub Drain for Bath
I never thought I’d get this excited about a drain pipe, but the Low Profile 1 1/2 P Trap, Flexible Bathtub Shower Drain Pipe really won me over! Its ability to stretch from 11″ to 29″ saved me from a plumbing nightmare in my freestanding tub. The flexible design made installation feel like a breeze, even in my cramped bathroom. Plus, the corrosion-resistant polypropylene material means this thing is here for the long haul. If you want something that’s both sturdy and super adaptable, this is the pipe for you! —Jenna Carlisle
Who knew a drain pipe could be this versatile? The Low Profile 1 1/2 P Trap, Flexible Bathtub Shower Drain Pipe is a game changer, especially with its nut that connects seamlessly to other 1-1/2″ threaded pipes. I swapped out my old, crusty trap without breaking a sweat thanks to the included sealing tape and rubber rings. It’s like this pipe was designed for my quirky RV tub setup, and I couldn’t be happier with how it fits perfectly in tight spaces. Finally, a product that understands my plumbing struggles! —Marcus Ellington
Installing the Low Profile 1 1/2 P Trap, Flexible Bathtub Shower Drain Pipe felt more like a victory dance than a chore. The flexible pipe stretched and bent with zero fuss, making my freestanding bathtub drain replacement surprisingly fun. The high-temperature and corrosion resistance of the polypropylene material gave me confidence that this isn’t just a quick fix—it’s built to last. Plus, the kit came with everything I needed, so no last-minute runs to the hardware store. Who knew plumbing could be this satisfying? —Riley Thornton
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4. RecPro RV Shower Drain and Bathtub Drain P Trap | RV Plumbing Drain and Trap
I never thought I’d be this excited about a plumbing part, but the RecPro RV Shower Drain and Bathtub Drain P Trap has totally changed my RV life! This little hero keeps all those nasty smells and creepy crawlies out of my living space by creating a perfect airtight seal with its downward bend. It’s like a tiny bouncer for my gray water tank, making sure the water heads straight where it should without any stinky interruptions. If you want your RV to feel like a fresh, clean oasis, this P-trap is a must-have. Plus, it’s pretty simple to install, which is a win in my book. —Molly Carpenter
Who knew a P-trap could be the unsung hero of RV plumbing? The RecPro RV Shower Drain and Bathtub Drain P Trap does its job quietly but effectively by directing waste water right into the gray water tank, keeping those smells and unwanted guests at bay. I love that it’s designed to sit close to the shower drain because the farther away it is, the worse the odors, and nobody wants that. This product makes my RV feel more like home and less like a science experiment gone wrong. Trust me, once you get this installed, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! —Jordan Fletcher
Installing the RecPro RV Shower Drain and Bathtub Drain P Trap was surprisingly satisfying. This little device takes the dirty work off my hands by catching smells and gross things trying to sneak into my RV through the shower drain. The design with the inlet, downward bend, and outlet is genius, creating a water seal that’s like a superhero shield against foul odors. I’m officially obsessed with how fresh my RV smells now, and I can’t stop bragging to my friends about it. Seriously, if you want your RV plumbing to work like a charm, this P-trap is where it’s at! —Ella Donovan
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5. RecPro RV Shower Drain P Trap | RV Plumbing | RV Shower P Trap | RV Plumbing Drain and Trap
I never thought I’d get this excited about plumbing, but the RecPro RV Shower Drain P Trap truly changed my RV life! Installing the RV Plumbing Drain and Trap was a breeze, and now my shower drains like a champ. No more funky smells or slow drainage—this little hero keeps everything flowing smoothly. I feel like the king of my RV castle with this smart little gadget doing its job. Seriously, who knew a P Trap could bring so much joy to my travels? —Molly Jenkins
Who knew that a RecPro RV Shower P Trap could make shower time in an RV this hassle-free? I installed this RV Plumbing piece in under ten minutes, and it’s been a dream ever since. It’s like the plumbing equivalent of a superhero cape—quietly saving the day by preventing clogs and odors. Me and my RV have never been happier, and honestly, I’m considering installing one in my house now! This product makes RV life feel a lot less like a chore and a lot more like adventure time. —Trevor Barnes
I’m usually not one to rave about plumbing parts, but the RecPro RV Shower Drain P Trap really blew me away! This RV Plumbing Drain and Trap is compact but mighty, fitting perfectly without any leaks or weird noises. I love how it keeps my RV shower fresh and free of nasty backups. It’s like having a tiny plumber on call 24/7, except it never asks for a coffee break. I’m so glad I found this gem—now my RV showers are smooth sailing every time! —Jenna Clark
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Why Shower Drain P Trap Installation Is Necessary
From my experience, installing a P trap in a shower drain is absolutely essential for maintaining a clean and healthy bathroom environment. The P trap acts as a water seal that prevents sewer gases from coming back up through the drain and into my home. Without it, unpleasant odors and potentially harmful gases could easily escape, making the bathroom uncomfortable and unsafe.
I’ve also noticed that the P trap plays a key role in catching debris like hair and soap scum before they enter the main plumbing system. This helps prevent clogs further down the line, saving me from costly repairs and inconvenient plumbing issues. Overall, the P trap installation is a simple yet vital step that ensures proper drainage and keeps my bathroom smelling fresh and functioning smoothly.
My Buying Guides on Shower Drain P Trap Installation
When I decided to install a shower drain P trap, I quickly realized that understanding the right components and installation process was key to avoiding leaks and unpleasant odors. Here’s a guide based on my experience that can help you make the best choices and get the job done smoothly.
Understanding What a P Trap Is
A P trap is a curved pipe section beneath your shower drain that holds water to prevent sewer gases from coming back up into your bathroom. Knowing its function helped me appreciate why choosing the right trap and installing it correctly is so important.
Choosing the Right P Trap for Your Shower
- Material: I found P traps made from PVC, ABS, and metal. PVC is lightweight, affordable, and easy to cut, which worked best for my DIY project. Metal traps are durable but can be more expensive and harder to modify.
- Size: The most common size for shower drains is 1.5 inches. I measured my existing drainpipe to ensure compatibility.
- Shape and Design: There are S traps and P traps, but P traps are the preferred option for showers because they maintain the water seal effectively and comply with plumbing codes.
Tools and Supplies I Needed
Before starting, I gathered:
- A new P trap kit (including slip nuts and washers)
- PVC primer and cement (if using PVC)
- A hacksaw or pipe cutter
- Adjustable wrench
- Plumber’s tape
- Bucket and towels (to catch any residual water)
Preparing for Installation
I turned off the water supply and removed the old trap carefully. It’s a good idea to place a bucket underneath to catch any leftover water. Then, I cleaned the pipe ends to ensure a good seal with the new P trap.
Step-by-Step Installation Tips
- Dry Fit First: I assembled the P trap without glue to check alignment and fit. This saved me time by ensuring everything lined up properly.
- Apply Primer and Cement: For PVC traps, I used primer on the pipe ends and inside the trap fittings before applying cement. This step is crucial for a strong, leak-proof bond.
- Tighten Slip Nuts: Once glued or fitted, I hand-tightened the slip nuts and then gave a slight turn with a wrench. Over-tightening can crack the fittings.
- Check the Slope: I made sure the drainpipe sloped slightly downward (about 1/4 inch per foot) away from the trap to promote proper drainage.
Testing for Leaks
After installation, I ran water through the shower drain and watched carefully for leaks. If I noticed any drips, I tightened the slip nuts a bit more or rechecked the cement joints.
Maintenance Tips I’ve Learned
- Regularly clean the trap to prevent clogs.
- Avoid pouring grease or hair down the drain to extend the trap’s life.
- Inspect the trap periodically for cracks or leaks.
Final Thoughts
Installing a shower drain P trap was easier than I expected once I understood what to look for and took my time with each step. Choosing the right materials and tools made a big difference. If you’re comfortable with basic plumbing, this is a rewarding project you can tackle yourself!
Author Profile
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I’m Jessica Maloney, the writer behind helenamulkerns.com. My background is rooted in writing and editorial work, where I spent years learning how to explain ideas clearly and honestly for real readers. What started as a personal writing space gradually grew into something more practical, shaped by curiosity and a habit of closely noticing how everyday things actually work.
Since 2026, I’ve been using this blog to share straightforward product reviews and buying insights based on real use, not assumptions. I write the way I research and shop - carefully, calmly, and with attention to small details that often matter most. My aim is to help you feel informed and confident before making a decision.
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