For most people this will be useless information…    However, for a few out there, this will save you a few headaches and extra work.  Whenever I have to install a new shower drain I tell the plumber just to leave the 2″ pipe sticking up the right place and I’ll take it from there.  The problem later is that I have to somehow cut this pipe below the floor and I often don’t have access to it from below.

The answer is to get an internal pvc pipe cutter.  It’s a small attachment that inserts into your drill with a blade on the end.  It’s very important to cut your pipe accurately or you’ll have bigger problems on your hands.  I usually measure things a couple of times and then put some tape on the pipe cutter to show me how deep it needs to be to cut the pipe correctly.

After the pipe is cut, I can install the drain and I’m ready to build the sloped mortar bed and continue with the shower waterproofing.