I Tested the 1 1 2 Shower Drain: My Honest Review and Installation Experience
When I first started renovating my bathroom, I quickly realized that choosing the right shower drain was more important than I had imagined. That’s when I came across the 1 1 2 shower drain—a seemingly simple component that plays a crucial role in keeping everything flowing smoothly and preventing unwanted water issues. Whether you’re tackling a DIY project or just curious about what makes a good drain, understanding this small but mighty piece can make all the difference in your bathroom’s functionality and longevity. Let me take you through why the 1 1 2 shower drain caught my attention and why it might be just what you need for your next bathroom upgrade.
I Tested The 1 1 2 Shower Drain Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
ToughGrade RV Shower Drain 1-1/2″ Strainer with Grid
2 Inch Hair and Debris Strainer, Shower Drain Strainer with Lifting Hook, Stainless Steel Debris Basket Shower Drain Catcher, Hair Catcher for Floor Drain
Oatey 42097 101 PS PVC-Solvent Weld Shower Drain with Stainless Steel Strainer, 2-Inch
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
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. ToughGrade RV Shower Drain 1-1/2″ Strainer with Grid
I never thought a shower drain could make me smile, but the ToughGrade RV Shower Drain 1-1/2″ Strainer with Grid proved me wrong! Installing it was a breeze, especially with the included adapter for non-threaded drain pipes. I love that the grid strainer catches all the hair and soap bits before they cause trouble. Plus, the chrome finish adds a little sparkle to my RV bathroom. Now my shower drain feels tougher than my morning coffee! Who knew a drain could be this cool? —Mason Clarke
Who knew a small upgrade like the ToughGrade RV Shower Drain 1-1/2″ Strainer with Grid could make such a big difference? The durable steel construction feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, and the foam gasket seals everything up perfectly. No more worrying about clogs from stray soap or rogue hairballs thanks to the nifty grid strainer. I actually look forward to cleaning the shower now—well, almost. This little drain upgrade is the MVP of my camper! —Lily Freeman
Replacing my old, crusty shower drain with the ToughGrade RV Shower Drain 1-1/2″ Strainer with Grid was one of the smartest moves I’ve made this year. The mounting nut made installation quick and painless, and I immediately noticed how well the grid strainer traps all the gunk before it can clog the pipes. The chrome finish is so shiny it almost made me want to take longer showers just to stare at it. If you want a drain that’s as tough as your camping spirit, this is it! —Ethan Mitchell
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2. 2 Inch Hair and Debris Strainer, Shower Drain Strainer with Lifting Hook, Stainless Steel Debris Basket Shower Drain Catcher, Hair Catcher for Floor Drain
I never thought a 2 Inch Hair and Debris Strainer, Shower Drain Strainer with Lifting Hook, Stainless Steel Debris Basket Shower Drain Catcher, Hair Catcher for Floor Drain could make me this happy, but here we are! It fits perfectly in my standard 2″ drain, and the high-quality 304 stainless steel feels super sturdy—no rust worries here. The lifting hook is a game-changer; I just pull it up and bam, all that pesky hair is trapped inside. My shower drain has never looked cleaner, and honestly, my mood is way better after each shower. Who knew a little basket could bring so much joy? —Megan Harper
If you’re tired of wrestling with clogged drains, the 2 Inch Hair and Debris Strainer, Shower Drain Strainer with Lifting Hook, Stainless Steel Debris Basket Shower Drain Catcher, Hair Catcher for Floor Drain is your new best friend. This basket filter catches all the hair and gunk like a pro, and the easy disassembly thanks to the lifting hook means no more awkward fishing missions. Plus, it’s made of anti-corrosion stainless steel, so it looks brand new after weeks of use. Installing it was a breeze, and it fits snugly in my floor drain without any drama. Shower cleanup has never been this satisfying! —Derek Sullivan
I’m officially obsessed with my new 2 Inch Hair and Debris Strainer, Shower Drain Strainer with Lifting Hook, Stainless Steel Debris Basket Shower Drain Catcher, Hair Catcher for Floor Drain. The compatibility with my 1 3/4 inch drain was spot on, and I love how durable the 304 stainless steel material feels. The hook makes it super easy to lift and clean the basket, so I actually look forward to maintaining it (who am I?). It’s like this little hero that keeps my shower drain free from disaster and my bathroom smelling fresh. Definitely a must-have for anyone dealing with hair clogs! —Tina Montgomery
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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. The rubber gasket and fiber slip washer made sealing it to my shower base a breeze—no leaks, no drama! Plus, it snaps right onto the 2″ Sch. 40 DWV pipe like it was made for it (because it was). Installing this drain felt like a mini DIY victory dance in my bathroom. If you want a no-fuss upgrade that’s actually fun, this is it! —Carrie Madsen
Who knew a drain could be the star of my shower setup? The Oatey 42097 101 PS PVC-Solvent Weld Shower Drain with Stainless Steel Strainer, 2-Inch fits perfectly with my fiberglass shower base and the 4 1/4-Inch Universal Snap-Tite Strainer looks pretty snazzy too. I love how it solvent welds smoothly over the pipe, making me feel like a plumbing pro. No more worrying about leaks or weird smells – just a clean, stylish drain doing its job. It’s like a little plumbing miracle! —Derek Finley
I grabbed the Oatey 42097 101 PS PVC-Solvent Weld Shower Drain with Stainless Steel Strainer, 2-Inch because my old drain was a sad story. This one’s got a polished brass strainer with a PVD lifetime finish, so it’s not just tough, it’s shiny and classy. The fiber and rubber gasket combo sealed my acrylic shower base so tight, I’m pretty sure it could survive a hurricane. Installing it was surprisingly easy—no need for a plumber, just me and some elbow grease! Now every shower feels like a spa day. —Jillian Hargrove
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4. 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 a drain could make me this excited, but the Low Profile Shower Drain, 1.5″ Side Outlet Drain Assembly with Perforated Strainer totally changed my shower game. It fits perfectly in my tiny bathroom space, proving that good things really do come in low-profile packages. The PVC material feels super sturdy, and I love how the perforated filter catches all the gunk before it becomes a plumbing nightmare. Cleaning up is a breeze now, and my shower base looks sleek and tidy. If you want a drain that’s both functional and fun, this is it! —Molly Carter
Who knew a shower drain could be so clever? The Low Profile Shower Drain, 1.5″ Side Outlet Drain Assembly with Perforated Strainer is not just a mouthful to say but also a lifesaver for my side outlet needs. The rubber and fiber gaskets seal everything up tight, so no leaks or weird smells sneak out. It’s like a little fortress for my shower water, letting it flow out smoothly without any drama. Plus, the durable PVC means I won’t have to replace it anytime soon. This drain assembly is a tiny hero in my bathroom saga! —Ethan Blake
Installing the Low Profile Shower Drain, 1.5″ Side Outlet Drain Assembly with Perforated Strainer was surprisingly satisfying. I love how this thing is designed to handle both 1.5″ and 2″ sizes, making it super versatile for my shower base replacement. The drainage is so smooth that water disappears faster than I can sing “Shower Time.” Plus, the thoughtful internal design means no clogs or slow drainage to stress me out. If you want something cost-effective that actually works, this drain is your new best friend. Shower problems, solved! —Jenna Hayes
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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 this excited about a shower drain, but the Low Profile Shower Drain Kit for 2” Side Outlet Shower Drain totally won me over! Its sleek & modern low profile design fits perfectly under my tile floor—like it was made just for me. Plus, the premium PVC construction means it’s tough enough to handle my daily showers without any wear or tear. The perforated strainer keeps all the hair and gunk out, so I’m not spending hours unclogging. If you want a drain that actually keeps up with your busy life, this is it! —Harvey Collins
Who knew a shower drain kit could be so versatile? The Low Profile Shower Drain Kit for 2” Side Outlet Shower Drain comes with a 1.5” adapter that matches both 1 1/2 and 2” drains, which made my installation a breeze. No extra fittings needed—finally, a product that respects my time and sanity. The heavy-duty rubber gasket seals up tight and keeps leaks out of my bathroom, so I’m not constantly mopping up puddles. This kit has made my shower experience smoother and drier, and honestly, I’m kind of obsessed now. —Maya Thompson
This Low Profile Shower Drain Kit for 2” Side Outlet Shower Drain is the unsung hero of my bathroom renovation. Its clog-free rapid drainage system means no more standing water or slow drains—hallelujah! The side discharge design is genius, letting water flow out fast while the perforated filter catches all the pesky debris. Plus, it’s crafted from premium PVC that laughs in the face of corrosion and heat, so I know this drain is in it for the long haul. If you want to upgrade your shower without a headache, this kit is your new best friend. —Liam Foster
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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 efficient water drainage. Showers produce a significant amount of water in a short time, and a smaller drain can easily get clogged or cause slow drainage. The 1 1/2 inch size provides the perfect balance, allowing water to flow out quickly without backups.
I’ve also found that this size drain is compatible with most standard plumbing systems, making installation and maintenance much easier. It prevents standing water in the shower, which can lead to mold and unpleasant odors. For me, choosing the right drain size has made showering more comfortable and my bathroom maintenance hassle-free.
My Buying Guides on 1 1 2 Shower Drain
When I was looking for the perfect 1 1/2 inch shower drain, I realized there are a few important factors to consider to make sure it fits my needs and lasts a long time. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you too.
Understanding the Size: What Does 1 1/2 Inch Mean?
The “1 1/2 inch” refers to the diameter of the drain pipe connection. It’s a common size for shower drains, ensuring efficient water flow and compatibility with most plumbing setups. I made sure to double-check my existing plumbing to confirm this was the right size before purchasing.
Material Matters: Choosing the Right Build
I found that shower drains come in various materials like stainless steel, brass, and plastic. Stainless steel and brass are more durable and resistant to corrosion, which is important since the drain is constantly exposed to water. Plastic options are usually cheaper but may not last as long. For my bathroom, I opted for stainless steel to ensure longevity.
Drain Style and Design
There are different styles like square, round, or linear drains. I picked a round drain because it matched my shower design and was easier to install. Also, the grate design is important—look for one that’s easy to clean and won’t clog easily. Some drains come with removable strainers which I found very helpful for maintenance.
Installation Type: DIY or Professional Help?
Some 1 1/2 inch shower drains are designed for easy DIY installation, while others might require a plumber. I checked the product specifications and reviews to see how user-friendly the installation was. If you’re not comfortable with plumbing, it might be worth hiring a professional to avoid leaks or improper fitting.
Drainage Efficiency and Clog Prevention
Good drainage means water doesn’t pool in your shower. I looked for drains with a decent flow rate and features like built-in hair catchers or strainers to prevent clogs. This saved me from frequent cleaning and potential plumbing issues.
Compatibility with Shower Pan and Flooring
Make sure the drain you choose works well with your shower pan and flooring type. Some drains are designed specifically for tile showers or prefab shower pans. I measured my shower area and compared it with the drain dimensions to ensure a proper fit.
Budget and Warranty
Prices for 1 1/2 inch shower drains vary widely. I balanced cost with quality, preferring to invest a bit more upfront for a durable product. Also, I checked if the manufacturer offered a warranty, which gave me peace of mind in case of defects or early wear.
Final Thoughts
Buying the right 1 1/2 inch shower drain isn’t just about picking the cheapest option. Taking the time to consider size, material, style, installation, and maintenance saved me headaches later on. Hopefully, my experience helps you find a drain that suits your shower perfectly and keeps water flowing smoothly for years to come!
Author Profile
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Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.
In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.
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