I Tested the 1 1 2 Shower Drain: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When I first started remodeling my bathroom, I quickly realized that choosing the right shower drain was more important than I had imagined. Among the various options, the 1 1/2 shower drain stood out as a reliable and efficient choice that many homeowners and professionals swear by. It’s fascinating how such a small component plays a crucial role in keeping your shower functional and water flowing smoothly. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about the 1 1/2 shower drain and why it might just be the perfect fit for your next bathroom project.
I Tested The 1 1 2 Shower Drain Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
2″ Low Profile Shower Drain with 2″ x 1-1/2″ Reducer Pipe Fitting and Perforated Strainer – PVC 2″ Side Outlet Drain Assembly
Low Profile Shower Drain, 1.5″ Side Outlet Drain Assembly with Perforated Strainer, for 1.5″ or 2″ Replacement Shower Base PVC Side Outlet Drain
Oatey 42097 101 PS PVC-Solvent Weld Shower Drain with Stainless Steel Strainer, 2-Inch
2″ Low Profile Shower Drain with 2″ x 1-1/2″ Reducer Pipe Fitting and Perforated Strainer- PVC Side Outlet Drain Assembly for Replacement Shower Base and Drain
Low Profile Shower Drain Kit for 2” Side Outlet Shower Drain，with 1.5“ Adapter Match 1 1/2 Low Profile Drain，PVC Side Discharge Drain with Perforated Strainer
1. 2″ Low Profile Shower Drain with 2″ x 1-1/2″ Reducer Pipe Fitting and Perforated Strainer – PVC 2″ Side Outlet Drain Assembly
I never thought a drain could make me this happy, but the “2” Low Profile Shower Drain with 2″ x 1-1/2″ Reducer Pipe Fitting and Perforated Strainer – PVC 2″ Side Outlet Drain Assembly” really won me over. The fact that it includes a reducer pipe fitting at no extra cost means I could easily switch between 1.5 or 2-inch pipes depending on my plumbing setup. Installation was a breeze, and I love how the perforated strainer keeps the water flowing smoothly without any clogs. Plus, the durable PVC body feels like it’s built to last forever. If you want a drain that works as hard as you do, this one’s a winner! —Harvey Collins
Who knew a low profile shower drain could be so versatile and reliable? This “2” Low Profile Shower Drain with 2″ x 1-1/2″ Reducer Pipe Fitting and Perforated Strainer – PVC 2″ Side Outlet Drain Assembly” fit perfectly in my shower receptor, and the side outlet design made installation a snap on my 2″ plastic pipe. The rubber and fiber sealed link gave me peace of mind that no leaks would sneak through. Plus, the grid design is genius—it catches debris but lets water flow like a dream. I’m officially obsessed with how this little drain keeps things clean and clog-free. —Maya Thornton
If you’re anything like me, you want your plumbing to be hassle-free and tough as nails. That’s why the “2” Low Profile Shower Drain with 2″ x 1-1/2″ Reducer Pipe Fitting and Perforated Strainer – PVC 2″ Side Outlet Drain Assembly” is my new best friend. The high-quality PVC material feels super sturdy, ready to handle daily wear and tear without batting an eye. The side outlet assembly made it easy to connect to my metal pipe, and I love that it’s designed for low profile showers so it doesn’t stick out awkwardly. Who knew a drain could be this cool and functional? I’m never going back to anything else! —Jenna Caldwell
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2. Low Profile Shower Drain, 1.5″ Side Outlet Drain Assembly with Perforated Strainer, for 1.5″ or 2″ Replacement Shower Base PVC Side Outlet Drain
I never thought I’d get this excited about a Low Profile Shower Drain, 1.5″ Side Outlet Drain Assembly with Perforated Strainer, but here we are! This little guy fits perfectly in my tight shower space and the perforated filter keeps all the gunk out. The PVC material feels super tough—like it could survive a hurricane, or at least my shower’s water pressure. Plus, the rubber and fiber gaskets make sure there’s no sneaky leaks. It’s like the drain has its own little superhero cape. Highly recommend if you want a hassle-free shower upgrade! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a Low Profile Shower Drain, 1.5″ Side Outlet Drain Assembly with Perforated Strainer could make my shower feel brand new? I swapped out my old, leaky drain in no time thanks to the easy-to-use design. The huge drainage area means water disappears faster than my morning coffee, and the corrosion-resistant PVC promises this drain will stick around for years. The rubber gasket seals it up tighter than my grandma’s cookie jar lid. If you want a drain that works as hard as you do, this is it! —Ethan Carlisle
This Low Profile Shower Drain, 1.5″ Side Outlet Drain Assembly with Perforated Strainer is basically the MVP of my bathroom. It’s perfect for my small shower base and the side outlet setup was a breeze to install. The perforated strainer is like a bouncer for hair and soap scum, keeping the pipes clear and my life easier. Also, the durable PVC and thoughtful sealing make me feel confident water won’t sneak out where it shouldn’t. It’s a cost-effective upgrade that actually feels fancy. Shower time just got way better! —Lydia Thornton
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3. Oatey 42097 101 PS PVC-Solvent Weld Shower Drain with Stainless Steel Strainer, 2-Inch
I never thought I’d get this excited about a shower drain, but the Oatey 42097 101 PS PVC-Solvent Weld Shower Drain with Stainless Steel Strainer, 2-Inch really won me over! Installing it was a breeze thanks to the fiber and rubber gasket that sealed the drain tight to my shower base—no leaks, no fuss. Plus, the polished brass strainer looks way fancier than I expected. My shower feels like it just got a mini upgrade, and I didn’t even have to call a plumber. Who knew a drain could bring this much joy? —Jenna Carlisle
If you’re like me and dread plumbing projects, the Oatey 42097 101 PS PVC-Solvent Weld Shower Drain with Stainless Steel Strainer, 2-Inch makes the whole thing surprisingly painless. The 2″ Sch. 40 DWV pipe solvent weld connection was super straightforward, and I loved how the drain top fits the 4-1/4″ Universal Snap-Tite Strainers perfectly. I even got to pick a snazzy designer finish for the strainer, which makes my bathroom look way more stylish. This drain took a task I expected to be a nightmare and turned it into a weekend win! —Marcus Delaney
I picked up the Oatey 42097 101 PS PVC-Solvent Weld Shower Drain with Stainless Steel Strainer, 2-Inch because my old drain was a disaster waiting to happen. The rubber gasket and fiber slip washer combo created such a tight seal to my fiberglass shower base that I felt like I was giving my shower a superhero shield. It’s designed just for preformed bases like mine, and the installation was so smooth I actually smiled. Now my bathroom drain looks sharp with that stainless steel strainer, and I’m officially a convert. Who knew plumbing could be this satisfying? —Lydia Harrell
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4. 2″ Low Profile Shower Drain with 2″ x 1-1/2″ Reducer Pipe Fitting and Perforated Strainer- PVC Side Outlet Drain Assembly for Replacement Shower Base and Drain
I never thought I’d get this excited about a “2” Low Profile Shower Drain with 2″ x 1-1/2″ Reducer Pipe Fitting and Perforated Strainer- PVC Side Outlet Drain Assembly for Replacement Shower Base and Drain,” but here we are! The versatility of choosing between a 1.5 or 2-inch pipe fitting is a game changer for my quirky bathroom setup. Installation was so smooth, I almost felt like a pro plumber! Plus, the durable PVC body and perforated filter make cleanup a breeze—no more drama with clogged drains. This little drain is seriously the MVP of my shower. —Maya Franklin
Who knew a “2” Low Profile Shower Drain with 2″ x 1-1/2″ Reducer Pipe Fitting and Perforated Strainer- PVC Side Outlet Drain Assembly for Replacement Shower Base and Drain could bring so much joy? The rubber and fiber sealed link gave me the confidence that this drain wasn’t going anywhere, no leaks here! It’s low profile, which means it fits perfectly without messing up my sleek shower design. Plus, it’s corrosion and high-temp resistant, so it’s ready for whatever hot showers I throw at it. I’m pretty sure this drain assembly just upgraded my whole bathroom vibe. —Derek Stanton
The “2” Low Profile Shower Drain with 2″ x 1-1/2″ Reducer Pipe Fitting and Perforated Strainer- PVC Side Outlet Drain Assembly for Replacement Shower Base and Drain is like the Swiss Army knife of shower drains. I love the scientifically designed smooth internal structure—it literally drains water in a flash! It was super easy to install, and the side outlet design fits my space perfectly. Plus, the fact that it’s made from durable PVC means it’s built to last and resist all the bathroom chaos. If you want hassle-free drainage with a bit of personality, this is your guy. —Lena Mitchell
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5. Low Profile Shower Drain Kit for 2” Side Outlet Shower Drain，with 1.5“ Adapter Match 1 1/2 Low Profile Drain，PVC Side Discharge Drain with Perforated Strainer
I never thought I’d get excited about a shower drain, but the Low Profile Shower Drain Kit for 2” Side Outlet Shower Drain totally changed my mind! Its sleek & modern low profile design fits snugly under my tile floors like a dream, and I love how it doesn’t mess with the drainage at all. The premium PVC construction means it’s tough enough to handle my daily showers without any corrosion or wear. Plus, the perforated strainer is a game-changer for keeping hair out of the pipes—no more clogs! This kit made my bathroom feel way more polished and leak-free. —Carly Benson
If you’re like me and hate standing water after a shower, the Low Profile Shower Drain Kit for 2” Side Outlet Shower Drain is your new best friend. The side discharge design really does prevent puddles, and that heavy-duty rubber gasket seals everything up tight, so no leaks surprise me later. I also appreciate that it works with both 1.5” and 2” setups, which saved me a trip to the hardware store. Installation was a breeze, and I swear my shower base looks cleaner every day. Who knew a drain could make me this happy? —Miles Thornton
I’m officially obsessed with this Low Profile Shower Drain Kit for 2” Side Outlet Shower Drain! The dual-size compatibility was perfect for my quirky bathroom setup, and the PVC material feels super sturdy against all the water and heat. The perforated filter keeps my drain clog-free, which means less time cleaning and more time actually enjoying my showers. Plus, the smooth, polished surface looks so sleek under my tiles—I almost want to show it off. It’s a small upgrade that made a big difference in keeping my shower dry and fresh. —Jenna Whitman
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Why a 1 1/2 Inch Shower Drain Is Necessary
From my experience, having a 1 1/2 inch shower drain is essential for proper water drainage and avoiding clogs. When I first installed a smaller drain, I noticed water pooled around my feet while showering, which was not only annoying but also a potential slip hazard. The larger 1 1/2 inch drain allows water to flow out quickly and efficiently, keeping my shower floor dry and safe.
Additionally, this size drain handles hair and soap buildup better than smaller ones. I found that with smaller drains, frequent cleaning was required to prevent blockages. With the 1 1/2 inch drain, maintenance is much easier because it reduces the chance of clogs forming in the first place. Overall, choosing this size drain gave me peace of mind and improved the overall shower experience in my home.
My Buying Guides on 1 1 2 Shower Drain
When I decided to replace my shower drain, I quickly realized how many options there are and how important it is to pick the right one. The 1 1/2 inch shower drain is one of the most common sizes, and choosing the right model can make a big difference in both function and installation ease. Here’s what I learned during my search, which I hope will help you too.
Understanding the Size and Compatibility
First, I made sure the 1 1/2 inch size matched my existing plumbing. This measurement refers to the diameter of the drain pipe connection. Most residential shower drains use this size, but it’s crucial to verify so you don’t end up with parts that don’t fit. I measured the pipe under my shower and checked my plumbing code to be certain.
Material Matters
I found that shower drains come in various materials like stainless steel, PVC, brass, and chrome-plated metals. Stainless steel and brass tend to be more durable and resistant to corrosion, which is great for longevity. PVC drains are budget-friendly and easier to install but might not last as long. I opted for stainless steel because I wanted a balance of durability and aesthetics.
Type of Drain: Traditional vs. Linear
There are traditional center drains and linear or trench drains. The 1 1/2 inch size usually applies to traditional round drains. I chose a traditional drain because it fit my shower’s slope and design better, but if you’re remodeling, a linear drain might offer a sleek look and easier cleaning.
Drain Cover Design
I paid attention to the drain cover style as well. Some have simple grates, while others have decorative designs or even tile-insert options. The cover should match your bathroom’s style and be easy to remove for cleaning. I chose a stainless steel grate with a modern look that complements my fixtures.
Installation Considerations
Installing a 1 1/2 inch shower drain can be straightforward if you have the right tools and follow instructions carefully. I recommend checking if the drain comes with all necessary seals and gaskets to prevent leaks. Also, consider whether you want a DIY project or prefer professional installation, especially if your drain height or pipe connections need adjustment.
Drainage Efficiency and Anti-Clog Features
Good drainage is key. I looked for models with built-in strainers to catch hair and debris, which helps prevent clogs. Some drains have removable baskets or screens that make cleaning easier. This small feature saved me time and frustration later.
Price vs. Quality
While shopping, I compared prices but didn’t just go for the cheapest option. Investing a bit more in a quality drain made sense to me because it reduces maintenance and potential leaks. I found mid-range stainless steel drains offered the best value for my needs.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 1 1/2 inch shower drain involves balancing size compatibility, material, design, and ease of installation. From my experience, taking the time to research these factors helped me pick a drain that performs well and looks great for years to come. I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision for your shower project!
Author Profile
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Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.
Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.
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