A shower drain does one simple job, but it has to do it perfectly for decades: carry water away fast, seal tightly against the pan or tile bed, and never leak into the ceiling below. Whether you're building a new shower, replacing a failed drain, or upgrading to a linear drain for a curbless design, correct installation is everything.
We install and replace shower drains in Markham homes of every age, from standard point drains in acrylic bases to tile-in and linear drains in custom walk-ins, always sized and vented to code.
Shower Drain Installation Around Markham
Second-floor ensuites are where shower drain leaks hurt most in Markham homes, because the water lands on the kitchen or family room ceiling below. If you see a stain growing under an upstairs shower, stop using it and call before the drywall gives way.
Curbless showers with linear drains are increasingly popular in Markham renovations. They need careful floor slope planning, and the drain has to be set exactly right the first time.
Signs You Need Shower Drain Installation
You may need a new shower drain if you notice:
- Water pooling around the drain. Standing water means the drain sits too high or the base has settled out of level.
- A stain on the ceiling below. The classic sign of a failed drain seal, especially under second-floor bathrooms.
- Slow drainage with a clear line. If snaking doesn't help, the drain body itself may be corroded or partly blocked by scale.
- A loose or rocking drain cover. Movement at the drain breaks the seal between the drain and the pan.
- Musty smells near the shower. A failed seal lets water into the floor structure, where it feeds mould you can't see.
How We Do It
- 1
Assess the existing setup
We identify the drain type, pipe material and how the pan or tile bed was built.
- 2
Open the area
We remove the base or open the floor as needed to reach the drain body and trap.
- 3
Replace the drain and trap
A new drain body is fitted, connected to the trap and set at the correct height for the finished floor.
- 4
Seal and secure
The connection to the pan or waterproofing membrane is sealed so no water can escape around it.
- 5
Flood test
We fill the shower area and watch the ceiling below before anything is closed up.
Why Choose Markham Plumbing
A shower drain is the single most leak-prone fitting in a bathroom, and it's also the hardest to reach once the shower is finished. We set drains at the right height, seal them to the pan or membrane properly and flood-test before closing, so the ceiling below stays dry for the long term.
- Flood-tested before closing
- Point and linear drains
- Correct height and slope
- Ceiling-checked for leaks
Shower Drain Installation FAQs
Can you replace a shower drain without replacing the whole shower?
Often, yes. If the pan or tile bed is sound, we can replace just the drain body and reseal it, though some acrylic bases don't allow it.
What is a linear drain?
A long, narrow drain along one edge of the shower, popular in curbless walk-in designs because the floor only needs to slope one way.
Why does my new shower drain slowly?
Usually a slope problem, a partial blockage, or a drain set too high. We can measure the slope and correct it.
How do I know if the drain is leaking or the grout is?
A flood test with the drain plugged tells us. If water appears below with the drain plugged, the pan or grout is the issue, not the drain.
How long does a shower drain replacement take?
A straightforward drain swap on an accessible base takes a few hours. If the floor needs to be opened or the trap replaced, plan on most of a day.
Can you match the drain finish to my fixtures?
Yes. Drain covers come in chrome, brushed nickel, matte black and other finishes to match the rest of the bathroom.