There are two main types of shower drains: friction and compression. If you're planning on installing a new shower base, you'll probably want to go with a friction drain. Shower drains like the Oatey 2-Inch PVC No-Calk have a rubber gasket built into the body. Before installing a new shower base, remove the rubber gasket and clean it with plumber's soap. Then slide the drain body into the base, tighten the compression nut, and snap the strainer into place.

Hair is the most common cause of clogged shower drains. Using a basic rubber or plastic drain cover can capture stray hairs. Body oils and scrubs can also cause the drain to clog. To prevent this, you should avoid using oily bath products during your shower. Also, larger bits of debris and dirt can collect in your shower drain.

When you are using a chlorine bleach solution, the drain cover should be soaked in hot water for at least an hour. Then, pour a mixture of half a cup of chlorine bleach and two cups of hot water down the drain. After an hour, pour more hot water down the drain to rinse it out.

When installing a shower drain, you'll need to make sure the drain has proper vents and vent pipes. Both of these will help remove sewer gasses and prevent water from clogging the drain. If you're installing a drain over a floor pipe, you'll need a vent pipe that extends up above the drain to provide air.