What is this copper pipe going into the underside of my shower tray for?

[cmillar7]

I'm going to replace my shower tray and had a look under my shower for the first time. Its a fairly standard looking slim shower tray about 1200 by 800 mm.

I was looking under to see where the waste pipe goes, but I was surprised to find a copper pipe going to the underside. I am no plumber but from some research this does not appear normal. What would it be for?

There is an electric shower above the tray and the water supply comes from the wall and not the tray.

I have not been able to trace the other side of the pipe it runs along side the waste towards the exterior wall. The red X is where it connects to the tray.

 

[accelerator]

It's not for anything, it's an old pipe left in situ.

 

[cmillar7]

But it's screwed into the shower tray.

I was thinking it's possibly a heated shower base, if that's a thing. Although I've never noticed it ever being warm. I haven't seen an exit but also haven't looked at all of the underside.

 

[foxhole]

But it's screwed into the shower tray.

I was thinking it's possibly a heated shower base, if that's a thing. Although I've never noticed it ever being warm. I haven't seen an exit but also haven't looked at all of the underside.

Would need an inlet and outlet to heat the base.Can you confirm the nut holding it is damaged , photo appears to show it split and cracked?

 

[JimCrow]

That's a lead sheet tray that the shower tray is sitting in; they were used years ago when the shower bases were made of fireclay or when tiled in situ to deal with any water penetration; a bit overkill in this situation.

 

[Koolpc]

Its not cracked. Thats a shadow..

 

[endecotp]

Where does the other end of the pipe go?

Is it some sort of overflow?

 

[foxhole]

Its not cracked. Thats a shadow..

You can see tape on top of the shadow?

 

[endecotp]

You can see tape on top of the shadow?

The bit of PTFE tape is casting a shadow. Nut is not cracked.

 

[jj4091]

Take the skirting off and look underneath, in your first pick the union is too low to be attached to the shower tray. Pobably what Jim Crowe says is correct answer

 

[Koolpc]

You can see tape on top of the shadow?

Nut is not cracked. Tape is causing a shadow

 

[cmillar7]

Thanks for all replies.

Yes there is definitely a lead sheet tray. You can see in in my second picture above where the previous owner painted over it. I've always thought it looked unfinished.

Also yes that nut is not cracked, its the shadow.

There does not appear to be a skirting that comes off. Its one unit. The crack in photo 1 continues into the shower tray. Even if the side came off, I doubt I would see anything as the shower is almost flush with the floor. The tray is about 108mm tall (incl a few mm for the lead), with a depth of 88mm in the tray, leaving the main base about 20mm above floor level. I just cant see it being connected to anything else but the shower tray, but maybe I'm wrong.

I would find it strange if it is connected to our oil heating as our heating as it is a basic with one loop for both floors and hot water. I've just checked and the pipe does not get warm with the heating on.

Here is another photo. Of where the waste is also connected to the lead underside of the tray, maybe it shows how close the base is.

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

I'd check that joist too, they've cut a fair depth out to accommodate the Shower trap.

 

[JimCrow]

The copper pipe is the DRAIN for the lead tray, nothing to do with heating or anything else.

 

[cmillar7]

I'd check that joist too, they've cut a fair depth out to accommodate the Shower trap.

Yes that was a bit concerning to see. I'll have a good look when I take it out, but this is near the end of the joist and underneath the shower is a brick wall (between hall and kitchen) going in the other direction.

The copper pipe is the DRAIN for the lead tray, nothing to do with heating or anything else.

Thanks Jim, yes it has to be this.

I only opened the hatch to see if I could put a corner drain in. Now I know the layout underneath I'll source a try and likely replace this in a month or so. Thanks all.