CODA-B Shower Drain Relocator Installation Instructions & Guide
Relocating a shower drain during a bathroom remodel can often be one of the most challenging and expensive parts of the project. Traditional drain relocation frequently requires breaking concrete, opening subfloors, modifying plumbing lines, and performing extensive demolition. The CODA-B Shower Drain Relocator was designed to simplify this process by allowing installers to relocate a 2-inch shower drain without major plumbing reconstruction.
Whether you are converting a bathtub into a walk-in shower, installing a new shower pan, upgrading to a bond flange drain, or redesigning a bathroom layout, the CODA-B system provides a practical solution for moving a drain up to 30 inches center-to-center while maintaining proper drainage performance.
This installation guide walks through the recommended installation process and highlights important tips to help ensure a successful shower drain relocation project.
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Spanish Installation Instructions Available
Spanish-speaking installers can download the manufacturer's official Spanish installation guide here: Descargar Instrucciones de Instalación CODA-B en Español (PDF).
Before You Begin
Before starting installation, verify that your shower base, drain location, and plumbing system are compatible with the CODA-B Shower Drain Relocator. The system is designed for 2-inch ABS drain applications and is commonly used with foam shower pans, bond flange drains, bathroom remodels, and custom shower installations.
Review all local plumbing codes before installation. Proper drain slope is critical for efficient drainage and long-term performance.
Tools & Materials Required
- CODA-B Shower Drain Relocator
- ABS primer
- ABS glue or solvent cement
- Fine grit sandpaper or emery cloth
- Tape measure
- Marker or pencil
- Saw suitable for cutting ABS pipe
- Level
- Foam shower base or shower pan system
- Bond flange shower drain
Step 1: Install the Foam Shower Base
Begin by installing the foam shower base that has been pre-cut to accommodate the CODA-B system. Secure the foam base according to the shower pan manufacturer's instructions and verify that it is properly supported and level.
If you are using a traditional mortar bed shower pan with a top-coat waterproofing system, this step may not apply to your installation. Always follow the recommendations of your shower system manufacturer.
Step 2: Test Fit the Male Elbow
Once the shower base has been installed, test fit the CODA-B male elbow to confirm proper alignment with the existing drain location and the intended location of the new shower drain.
If you are connecting directly to a 2-inch ABS drain stub, the male elbow should slide onto the existing pipe and rotate to align with the new drain position. If you are adapting to an existing drain assembly, install the appropriate adapter before proceeding.
Do not use primer or glue during this stage. A complete dry fit allows you to verify fitment and make adjustments before creating permanent connections.
Step 3: Determine the Correct Extension Length
Measure the distance between the installed male elbow and the location of the new shower drain. The CODA-B system includes extension sections and couplers that allow the drain to be relocated up to approximately 30 inches center-to-center.
Careful measurements at this stage help ensure proper drain placement and reduce the likelihood of installation errors later in the process.
Step 4: Cut the 18-Inch Extension if Necessary
Once the required drain location has been determined, the 18-inch extension can be trimmed to fit your installation.
Important: The 18-inch extension may be cut as needed. The 6-inch extension should not be cut because it will no longer properly connect with the included couplers.
After cutting the extension, remove any burrs or rough edges using sandpaper or emery cloth. Clean pipe ends help create stronger solvent-welded connections and improve overall system reliability.
Step 5: Perform a Complete Dry Fit Assembly
Before applying any primer or glue, assemble the entire CODA-B system using the elbows, extensions, and couplers. Verify that the final drain location aligns correctly with the shower pan and intended drain position.
This dry fit step is one of the most important parts of the installation process because it allows adjustments to be made before any permanent connections are created.
Check the following during the dry fit:
- Drain location aligns with the shower pan opening
- All fittings seat fully
- Extensions are cut to the correct length
- Slope can be maintained toward the existing drain connection
- No components interfere with surrounding framing or plumbing
Step 6: Final Assembly and Gluing
After confirming proper fitment, begin the final assembly process.
Apply ABS primer and glue to the existing drain connection and secure the male elbow in the correct orientation. Continue assembling the remaining extensions and couplers one connection at a time.
Apply primer to both mating surfaces followed by a generous amount of ABS glue. Immediately connect the components and hold them in position until the connection begins to set.
Allow sufficient curing time according to the adhesive manufacturer's instructions before proceeding with the remaining installation steps.
Install the Multi-Drain Adapter into the female elbow and verify that it is fully seated before continuing with the final drain assembly.
Step 7: Set Proper Drain Pitch and Slope
Proper slope is critical to ensure efficient water drainage and long-term shower performance. The CODA-B kit includes U-shims and a flat shim that help establish the proper pitch between the relocated drain and the existing drain connection.
Each shim provides approximately one-quarter inch of rise. U-shims can be stacked on top of the flat shim to achieve up to one-half inch of additional elevation when necessary.
Verify that the completed installation complies with local plumbing code requirements and maintains positive drainage toward the original drain location.
Taking time to establish the correct slope now can help prevent standing water, drainage issues, and future service problems.
Step 8: Test Fit the Bond Flange Drain
Before permanently setting the shower pan, apply thin-set mortar as recommended by the shower pan manufacturer and position the foam shower base over the CODA-B assembly.
Verify that the drain opening aligns properly with the relocated drain location and that the shower base sits flat and fully supported.
Test fit the bond flange drain into the Multi-Drain Adapter and confirm that the drain seats fully within the assembly.
Confirm that the drain seats fully within the adapter and that the assembly remains properly aligned. If height adjustments are necessary, make them before the thin-set cures.
Verify that the drain flange sits at the correct elevation to accommodate the selected tile assembly and waterproofing system.
Step 9: Complete the Shower Installation
Once the drain location, pitch, and alignment have been confirmed, complete the installation according to the shower system manufacturer's instructions.
Allow all glued connections to fully cure before performing any water testing. Complete the waterproofing system, install the shower drain assembly, and proceed with tile installation or other approved finish materials.
After waterproofing and tile installation are complete, perform a final inspection to ensure proper drainage and verify that the shower drain functions as intended.
Installation Tips for Best Results
- Always perform a complete dry fit before applying primer and glue.
- Measure twice before cutting the 18-inch extension.
- Never cut the 6-inch extension.
- Verify slope throughout the entire installation.
- Use quality ABS primer and solvent cement.
- Follow local plumbing and building code requirements.
- Allow proper curing time before flood testing the shower.
- Confirm compatibility with your shower pan and drain manufacturer before installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far can the CODA-B Shower Drain Relocator move a shower drain?
The CODA-B system can relocate a shower drain up to approximately 30 inches center-to-center and provides a maximum overall extension length of approximately 32 inches, depending on the installation configuration.
Can the CODA-B be used for bathtub-to-shower conversions?
Yes. CODA-B is commonly used when converting an existing bathtub into a walk-in shower. It allows installers to reposition the drain without extensive demolition or costly plumbing modifications.
Can I install a linear shower drain using CODA-B?
In many installations, CODA-B can help reposition an existing drain location to accommodate a linear drain system. Always verify compatibility with the drain manufacturer's installation requirements.
Do I need to break concrete to relocate the drain?
One of the primary benefits of CODA-B is reducing or eliminating the need for extensive demolition. Every project is different, but many installations can be completed without major floor removal.
Can both extension pieces be cut?
No. Only the 18-inch extension may be trimmed to fit your installation. The 6-inch extension should not be cut because it will no longer properly connect to the included couplers.
What type of glue should be used?
Use ABS primer and ABS solvent cement that meet local plumbing code requirements. Always follow the adhesive manufacturer's instructions.
Is CODA-B suitable for residential and commercial projects?
Yes. The system can be used in both residential and commercial bathroom remodeling and shower construction projects where compatible drain systems are being installed.
Can CODA-B be used with foam shower pans?
Yes. CODA-B was designed to work with many modern foam shower pan systems and bond flange drain assemblies commonly used in tile shower installations.
Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid
- Cutting the 6-inch extension section.
- Skipping the dry-fit assembly process.
- Failing to maintain proper drain slope.
- Applying glue before confirming final drain placement.
- Using incompatible drain components.
- Not following local plumbing code requirements.
- Performing flood testing before adhesives have fully cured.
- Failing to verify shower pan compatibility before installation.
Why Choose the CODA-B Shower Drain Relocator?
The CODA-B Shower Drain Relocator provides a practical solution for contractors, plumbers, tile installers, and homeowners who need to reposition a shower drain without extensive plumbing reconstruction. By reducing demolition, lowering labor costs, and simplifying drain relocation, CODA-B helps streamline bathroom remodeling and shower installation projects.
Whether you are building a custom tile shower, installing a foam shower pan, converting a bathtub into a walk-in shower, or upgrading to a modern drain system, CODA-B provides greater flexibility when designing your ideal bathroom layout.
Helpful Resources
- CODA Shower Drain Relocator Installation Video
- CODA Shower Drain Relocator Installation PDF
- CODA Cutaway PDF
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