If you’re facing a leaky shower drain, you’ve probably considered the daunting and costly task of ripping out your shower and starting from scratch. But what if I told you there’s a much simpler, cost-effective solution?
Enter the WingTite shower drain, a revolutionary product designed to fix your leaky shower drain from the top down, without the need for a full remodel. In this article, I’ll walk you through the pros and cons, compare it with other brands, and share some handy maintenance tips.
By the end, you’ll see why WingTite is the best choice for a quick, reliable fix.
My Experience With WingTite
When I first heard about WingTite, I was skeptical. A product that claims to replace a leaky shower drain without any major tear-outs sounded too good to be true.
But my curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to give it a shot. I had a leaky drain in my fiberglass shower, and the thought of tearing out the entire shower to fix it was giving me nightmares.
- Installation Process
The installation was surprisingly straightforward. After removing the old drain, cleaning off the old sealant, and preparing the drain pipe, I slid the WingTite drain into place.
The process required a bit of silicone gel around the drain hole and tightening the adjustable steel wings with a screwdriver. In just about an hour, the drain was installed, and I didn’t need to access the bottom of the shower.
I left it overnight for the sealant to dry, and the next day, my shower was leak-free.
Pros And Cons of WingTite Shower Drain
Pros
- Easy Installation
One of the standout features of the WingTite shower drain is its incredibly straightforward installation process.
Unlike traditional shower drains, which often require access to the underside of the shower pan, WingTite installs entirely from the top.
This means you can replace your leaky drain without needing to tear out your shower or cut through any floors or ceilings.
The process is simple: remove the old drain, clean the area, apply silicone gel, insert the new drain, and tighten the adjustable steel wings.
This can be done in about an hour, even if you’re not a professional plumber. This ease of installation makes it an excellent choice for DIY enthusiasts.
- High-Quality Materials
WingTite is constructed from high-quality materials designed to ensure durability and reliability. The adjustable wings are made from steel, not plastic, which provides a secure fit and prevents future leaks.
The use of robust materials means the drain can withstand the stress of daily use without deteriorating quickly. This high-quality construction gives you peace of mind knowing that once installed, your shower drain will perform reliably for years to come.
- Cost-Effective
At approximately $40, WingTite offers a cost-effective solution to a potentially expensive problem. Traditional methods of fixing a leaky shower drain often involve significant labor costs, as they require tearing out parts of the shower and possibly even accessing the area from below.
These procedures can quickly escalate in cost, sometimes reaching into the thousands. In contrast, WingTite provides a quick, affordable fix that doesn’t compromise on quality, saving you both time and money.
- Compatibility
WingTite is versatile and works with fiberglass or plastic showers, accommodating both white 2-inch PVC and black 2-inch ABS drain pipes. This compatibility makes it a suitable option for many shower setups, whether in residential or commercial properties.
It’s particularly beneficial for those who have specific material requirements or who are working with existing shower installations that use these types of pipes.
- Prevents Future Leaks
One of the most innovative features of the WingTite shower drain is its patented O-ring sealing design. This design allows for vertical (up and down) movement of the shower pan, which is often the cause of the original drain failure.
By accommodating this movement, the WingTite drain prevents stress on the shower drain and pan, reducing the risk of future leaks. This proactive approach to design ensures long-term reliability and minimizes the need for future repairs.
Cons
- Not Suitable for Tile Showers
A significant limitation of the WingTite shower drain is that it is not designed for use with tile showers.
It’s specifically tailored for fiberglass and plastic showers, which means if you have a tile shower, you’ll need to look for an alternative solution.
This restriction can be disappointing for homeowners with tile showers who are looking for an easy, top-down installation option.
- Initial Cost
While the WingTite drain is cost-effective in the long run, some users might find the initial price of around $40 relatively high compared to standard drains.
Traditional drains can cost significantly less upfront, but it’s essential to consider the overall savings in installation and potential repair costs when evaluating WingTite’s value. Despite the higher initial investment, the benefits and savings over time make it a worthwhile purchase.
- Noise
A few users have reported experiencing some noise when moving around in the shower after installing the WingTite drain. This noise is likely caused by the O-ring moving against the PVC drain pipe.
While this issue doesn’t affect the drain’s functionality or its ability to prevent leaks, it can be an annoyance. However, it’s a relatively minor drawback considering the overall effectiveness and benefits of the product.
Comparison With Other Brands
When comparing WingTite to other shower drain products on the market, a few key differences stand out.
- Traditional Drains
Traditional drains often require access to the bottom of the shower, which means you might have to tear out parts of your shower or bathroom floor. This process is not only time-consuming but also very expensive.
While these drains are cheaper initially, the overall cost of installation and potential remodel can be much higher than using WingTite.
- Oatey Drains
Oatey is a well-known brand in the plumbing world, but their standard drains often involve complex installation processes that require professional help.
Additionally, removing an old Oatey drain can be challenging and frustrating, sometimes requiring you to cut out parts of the drain assembly.
- Delta Shower Drains
Delta offers a variety of shower drains that are known for their quality, but similar to Oatey, they often require access to the bottom of the shower.
This makes installation more complicated and costly. WingTite, on the other hand, simplifies the process by allowing installation entirely from the top.
Tips To Get The Best Out of WingTite Shower Drain
Maintaining your WingTite shower drain is crucial for ensuring its longevity and preventing future leaks. Here are some tips:
- Regular Cleaning: Make sure to clean the drain cover regularly to prevent hair and debris from clogging the drain.
- Check Sealant: Periodically check the silicone sealant around the drain hole to ensure it’s still intact. If you notice any cracks or gaps, reapply the sealant to prevent leaks.
- Inspect O-Ring: Occasionally inspect the O-ring for wear and tear. If it looks worn out, replace it to maintain a proper seal.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Use mild cleaning solutions to clean your shower and drain. Harsh chemicals can damage the materials and reduce the lifespan of your drain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Absolutely. WingTite is designed to be a reliable solution for leaky shower drains in fiberglass and plastic showers. Its unique top-down installation process and high-quality materials ensure a durable and leak-free result.
Removing a WingTite shower drain is relatively simple. You’ll need to remove the snap-in-place shower drain cover, loosen the adjustable steel wings with a screwdriver, and carefully lift the drain out. Make sure to clean any old sealant residue before installing a new drain.
The best type of drain for your shower depends on the shower material and your specific needs. For fiberglass and plastic showers, WingTite is an excellent choice due to its easy installation and reliability. For tile showers, other drains might be more suitable.
For walk-in showers made of fiberglass or plastic, WingTite is highly recommended. Its top-down installation and durable design make it ideal for this type of shower. For tile walk-in showers, consider other high-quality brands like Oatey or Delta.
Wrapping Up
After using WingTite, I can confidently say that it’s a game-changer for anyone dealing with a leaky shower drain. The ease of installation, cost-effectiveness, and high-quality materials make it an unbeatable choice.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional plumber, WingTite saves you time, money, and a lot of hassle. If you’re tired of dealing with leaky drains and expensive remodels, it’s time to give WingTite a try. You won’t be disappointed.