METHOD FOR INTERCONNECTING FLOOR DRAINS

A method for interconnecting floor drains includes attaching a first elbow fitting to an existing floor drain through an existing floor. A second elbow fitting is attached to a new floor drain that is to extend through a new floor overlying the existing floor. An extension pipe extends between the spaced first and second elbow fittings to create a fluid pathway between the new floor drain and the existing floor drain.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to plumbing. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for interconnecting floor drains, which is particularly useful when a new drain during a remodel can be connected to an existing drain.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a typical shower arrangement for a bathroom on a ground level or on a concrete slab, a hole is formed through the concrete slab through which a shower drain is disposed. A waterproof membrane typically encases a lower portion of the shower to prevent water from leaving the shower and causing water damage to surrounding areas and materials. The floor is typically slightly sloped so that water will flow to the drain. The floor may be tiled. A similar arrangement is present when a bathtub is installed in the bathroom.

In a remodel situation, the bathtub or shower may be moved. When the redesign of the bathroom occurs, and the shower or bathtub is repositioned, such as three or five or even ten feet or more away from the old location, the plumber or builder has to jackhammer through the concrete slab for the new drain placement. Jackhammering through six-inch deep concrete to move the drain several feet is time-consuming and requires a lot of labor from a plumber or builder. Sometimes, there is hydronic heating in the concrete which further complicates the matter as the plumber or builder will not want to break a water line.

Outside of the remodel situation, at times a plumber may set a drain which is offset from the valves out of center. However, the drain and the valves must be aligned with one another so that they can be connected and properly drain the water from the bathtub or shower.

Accordingly, there is a need for a method for interconnecting an existing floor drain and a new floor drain. Such a method should include an adjustable drain attachment for attaching a drain offset from the valves out of center and/or when the shower or bathtub or the like is moved during a remodel in order to avoid having to create a hole through the concrete slab for the new drain placement. The present invention fulfills these needs, and provides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a method for interconnecting floor drains, such as attaching a drain offset from the valves out of center and/or when a new drain is to be installed in order to use the existing drain. The method of the present invention provides many benefits, such as avoiding the need to create a hole through the concrete slab for the new drain placement.

The method for interconnecting floor drains in accordance with the present invention generally comprises the steps of attaching a first elbow fitting to an existing floor drain through an existing floor. A second elbow fitting is attached to a new floor drain that is to extend through a new floor overlying the existing floor. The new floor drain is laterally spaced from the existing floor drain. An extension pipe is created having a length sufficient to extend between the first and second elbow fittings. A first end of the extension pipe is attached to the first elbow fitting. A second end of the extension pipe is attached to the second elbow fitting, such that a fluid pathway is formed between the new floor drain and the existing floor drain.

Typically, the first and second elbow fittings each have a first portion that is of a generally cylindrical configuration for attachment to the respective existing and new drains. The first and second elbow fittings each have a second portion which extends away from the first portion at an angle. This second portion of the first and second elbow fittings is of a reduced profile, such as having a generally flat configuration at once surface thereof and a generally curved configuration at a surface generally opposite the flat surface.

Preferably, the extension pipe also is of a reduced profile. The extension pipe may have a generally flat configuration at one surface thereof, and a generally curved configuration at a surface generally opposite the flat surface.

Creating the extension pipe may comprise cutting an elongated intermediate pipe to a desired length. Alternatively, or additionally, the extension pipe may be created by interconnecting multiple intermediate pipes and/or couplings to one another. The extension pipe may include a curved intermediate pipe to create a bend in the extension pipe.

The existing drain may be connected to spaced apart first and second new drains. The extension pipe may have a Y-shaped portion defining first and second branches which fluidly connect the first and second new drains to the existing drain.

The method of the present invention may include coupling at least one shim to a lower portion of the extension pipe to create a desired slope between the new and existing drains. The shim may comprise at least one U-shaped shim coupled to the extension pipe. One or more flat shims may be attached to the U-shaped shim to elevate at least a portion of the extension pipe to create the desired slope between the new and existing drains.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in the accompanying drawings, for purposes of illustration, the present invention resides in a system and method for interconnecting floor drains. The system and method of the present invention is particularly useful in showers which have been moved due to remodel. The present invention is also useful when a drain is offset from center from the valves. The system and method of the present invention may also be used in other instances when it is desirable to retain an existing floor drain and connect one or more new floor drains to the existing floor drain.

With reference now toFIG. 1, a plumbing system100embodying the present invention is shown. The system100of the present invention generally comprises a first elbow fitting102, which is to be operably connected to an existing floor drain. A second elbow fitting104is operably connectable to a new drain laterally spaced from the existing drain and which extends through a new floor overlying the existing floor. An extension pipe106, which may comprise a single pipe or a plurality of pipes, couplings, and other connectors, extends between the first and second elbows102and104to create a fluid pathway between the new floor drain and the existing floor drain, in accordance with the present invention.

With reference now toFIG. 2, a shower arrangement for a bathroom is shown for exemplary purposes for the use and incorporation of the system100and method of the present invention, such as when a redesign of a bathroom occurs, such as during a remodel, and a shower or bathtub is repositioned. In the illustrated example, the shower is positioned on an existing floor10, which may be ground level or more typically on a concrete slab10. As is known in the art, a hole is formed through the concrete slab or existing floor10through which an existing drain12extends. A mortar bed14is typically formed above the floor or concrete slab10, which is slightly sloped so that the water will flow to the drain12. The existing floor may be considered to be the ground or concrete slab10, the mortar bed14and/or tile, which may be placed on the mortar bed14. Typically, a shower pan or waterproof membrane16encases a lower portion of the shower, such as extending along the floor and a distance of side walls, as illustrated, to prevent water from leaving the shower and causing water damage to surrounding areas and materials. Typically, the shower is at least partially enclosed by one or more walls18and20, and may include a door or a curtain to close off the shower when in use and prevent water from spraying into the bathroom.

In accordance with the method of the present invention, the plumber or other installer confirms that the original plumbing is in place and proper. This includes confirming that the existing plumbing drain12, including a bottom flange and P-trap with appropriate venting in accordance with local plumbing code requirements is present. As necessary, or desired, a new upper flange22may be installed to secure the waterproof membrane16between the flange22and drain12to ensure that the shower pan is waterproof and pre-pitched as required by plumbing codes, such as a 0.25 inch per foot pitch or fall.

With continuing reference toFIG. 2, the location of the new drain24is then determined. The new drain24is typically laterally offset from the existing drain12. This distance may be a few inches or several feet or more. The distance between the existing drain12and the new drain24is then determined. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the new drain24is typically elevated with respect to the existing drain12. This may be due to the fact that the new floor drain24is to extend through a new floor overlying the existing floor. In any event, the new floor drain24must be elevated with respect to the existing floor drain12to create the proper pitch or slope between the new and existing drains24and12to ensure proper fluid flow therebetween.

With continuing reference toFIG. 2, a first elbow fitting102is attached to the existing floor drain12. One end of the elbow fitting102is attached to the existing drain12, either directly or to the flange22coupled thereto. This may be done by means of threaded connection or any other acceptable means.

With reference now toFIGS. 6 and 7, a first elbow fitting102embodying the present invention is shown. A first portion108is generally directed downwardly. The first portion108is typically circular and having an outer diameter which is slightly less than an inner diameter of the connecting portion of the existing drain12. The first portion108may include external threads110for threaded attachment to the existing drain12. In this manner, the first elbow fitting may be rotatedly and threadedly attached to the existing drain12, such as to the coupled flange22and tightened in place, as shown by the directional arrows inFIG. 2.

With continuing reference toFIGS. 6 and 7, the first elbow fitting102also has a second portion112, which extends away from the first portion108at an angle, such that an outlet114and an inlet116of the elbow fitting102are offset from one another, such as generally at a ninety degree angle with respect to one another. Given the small space between the bottom of the shower, such as at the top of the new floor, and the existing floor or concrete slab10, preferably the first and second portions108and112of the first elbow fitting102are disposed at an approximately ninety degree angle to one another. Moreover, preferably while the first portion108is generally cylindrical, so as to be operably inserted and attached to the existing drain12, the second portion112is of a reduced profile so that it can fit under the shower and above the slab or existing floor10without having to disturb the waterproofing16or existing drain12that is already in place.

In order to achieve the benefits of having a low profile, at least one surface118of the second portion112of the first elbow fitting102is flattened so as to have a generally flat configuration. While the second portion112may have a generally rectangular cross-sectional area, more preferably, a generally opposite surface120of the second portion112has a generally curved configuration, as illustrated inFIG. 7. Thus, the second portion112, at least towards the inlet end116has a generally D-shaped cross-sectional area. Preferably, the cross-sectional area of the inlet116is approximately equal to the cross-sectional area of the outlet114so as to enable the shower water to drain easily through the first elbow fitting102and to the existing drain12. Regardless, the cross-sectional area of the second portion112should be sufficiently large so as to enable the shower water to drain therethrough easily. Thus, the cross-sectional area of the inlet116may be substantially equivalent to or slightly less than or slightly larger than the cross-sectional area of opening outlet114so as not to impede the flow of fluid between the drains24and12.

For purposes of illustration, the first elbow fitting102may have the following dimensions, although it will be understood that the invention is not limited to such. The first portion108may have a diameter of approximately two inches. The first portion may rise vertically approximately two inches. The second portion112may extend approximately five inches from one end of the elbow fitting to the generally opposite end. The inlet116may have a width of approximately three inches, and a height of approximately 1.25 inches. Thus, it can be seen that the reduced profile of the second portion112is of a wider width than the width of the outlet114of the first portion108, but of a flattened or lower profile height, to achieve the purposes of the present invention of providing the benefits of a low profile for placement purposes while providing a sufficiently large cross-sectional area in relation to the outlet114and the existing drain12so as to not impede fluid flow therethrough.

With reference now toFIGS. 2 and 3, as the first elbow fitting102is attached to the existing drain12, it is positioned, such as being rotated, as shown by the directional arrows inFIG. 2, such that the inlet116thereof is pointed towards the direction of the new drain24placement. This sets one end of the system100and helps the installer determine the total assembly length of other fittings for proper installation. The extension pipe106can then be created which will extend between the first elbow fitting102attached to the existing drain12and the second elbow fitting104attached to the new drain24. Depending upon the circumstances, the extension pipe106may be comprised of a single intermediate pipe or multiple pipes and/or couplings interconnected with one another between the first and second elbow fittings102and104.

With reference now toFIG. 8, an elongated intermediate pipe122may be used either as the extension pipe or forming a portion thereof. The intermediate pipe122may be provided in different lengths, such as being multiple feet in length. The intermediate pipe122may be cut to the desired length, so as to either extend between the first and second elbow fittings102and104or to form a portion of the extension pipe. Thus, the intermediate pipe122could be considered to be an adjustable middle piece. It may be offered, for example, in dimensions of eighteen inches or more in length. It may have a wall thickness of one eighth of an inch.

Preferably, the intermediate pipe122also has a reduced profile, such as having a generally rectangular cross-sectional area or more preferably, as illustrated, having a flat upper surface124and a curved lower surface126generally opposite the upper surface124. This would provide a generally D-shaped cross-sectional area which would provide a low profile while also providing a sufficiently large cross-sectional area through the hollow pipe122, between the inlet128and outlet130thereof to accommodate the water passing through the drains24and12without impeding the fluid flow. For example, the intermediate pipe122could have an elongated width of 2.75 inches, and a maximum height of one inch.

The intermediate pipe122may be sized and configured so as to be inserted directly into the inlet116of the first elbow fitting102. The open end116of the second portion112of the first elbow fitting102may have a shoulder132disposed therein a distance from the open end to act as a stop when inserting the intermediate pipe122. The shoulder132may be formed by having the peripheral walls extending between the shoulder132and the open end of the second portion112being of a reduced cross-sectional diameter compared to the remaining wall thicknesses of the second portion112. Alternatively, the shoulder132may be formed as a rib within the second portion112in the desired spaced distance from the opening116during the manufacturing process. The outer diameter configuration of the intermediate pipe122is slightly less in size than the inlet opening116so as to be snuggly fit therein. Adhesive, such as solvent cement, could be used to sealingly connect an end of the intermediate pipe122to the first elbow fitting102, or even the second elbow fitting104or any other coupled pipes or couplings or the like.

With reference now toFIG. 9, the extension pipe106may comprise one or more intermediate coupling pipes134. The coupling pipe134, similar to the intermediate pipe122, is also preferably of a reduced profile, such as having a generally rectangular cross-sectional area or more preferably having a generally flat top surface136and a generally curved bottom surface138, forming a D-shaped cross-sectional area, as illustrated. The coupling pipe134is also hollow between the inlet140and outlet142ends thereof.

Unlike the elongated intermediate pipe122, the coupling pipe134is typically not capable of being cut to a desired length. This is due to the coupling pipe134having ends which are configured and adapted for coupling to another component of the extension pipe, such as an end of the intermediate pipe122. Similar to the end of the second portion112of the first elbow fitting102, each end of the coupling pipe134includes a shoulder144formed on an inner surface of the coupling pipe134a distance from the open edge defining the inlet140or outlet142. This distance is typically sufficiently large so as to interconnect an end of the intermediate pipe122or other component thereto, such as being approximately one inch from the open end of the coupling pipe134. The shoulder144may be formed by a rib extending from the interior surface of the coupling pipe134created during the manufacturing process, or by creating each open end having a reduced wall thickness to create the shoulder134, which will create a stop when inserting the end of the intermediate pipe122or other coupling or pipe component.

Exemplary dimensions for a coupling pipe134used in connection with the present invention may be three inches in diameter and 1.25 inches in height. The length of the coupling pipe134could vary, and be offered in various lengths, but is typically less than a foot in length, such as being approximately five or six inches in length. The wall thickness of the coupling pipe134may be 3/16 of an inch thick, and in the case where the area adjacent to each open end140and142are of a reduced wall thickness so as to create shoulder144, the sleeve wall in such a case may be only 1/16 of an inch in thickness to create a generally circumferential shoulder or rib144of 2/16 of an inch in height.

With reference now toFIG. 10, the extension pipe may also include one or more sleeve couplings146. The sleeve couplings146may be used, for example, to interconnect the coupling pipes134to one another or an end of a coupling pipe134to the first or second elbow fitting102or104. The sleeve coupling146is also preferably of a reduced profile, such as having a generally rectangular cross-sectional area or more preferably having a top surface148of a flattened configuration and a generally opposite bottom surface150being curved, such as to form a generally D-shaped cross-sectional area. The sleeve coupling146is generally hollow and has generally opposite open ends152and154.

A rib156extends upwardly from an outer surface of the sleeve coupling146, intermediate ends152and154. The rib156may be disposed generally equidistant between the open ends152and154. This creates sleeves158and160of comparative reduced diameter with respect to the rib156which are sized and configured so as to be inserted into an open end of the coupling pipe134and/or second portion of the first or second elbow fitting102or104. This can be seen, for example, inFIG. 3.

Sleeves158and160have an outer dimension which is insertable into the ends of the elbow fittings102or104and/or coupling pipe134, until engaging a shoulder thereof. Preferably, the width of the sleeve158or160is approximately the same length as the distance between the open end and the shoulder144of the coupling pipe134or the shoulder132and the open end of the elbow fitting102or104. Preferably, the rib156provides a smooth transition between an outer surface of the coupling pipe134or end of the second portion of the elbow fitting102or104, as illustrated inFIG. 1. The sleeve coupling146may be attached with adhesive, such as solvent cement, to form a permanent and waterproof bond between it and the elbow fitting102or104and/or coupling pipe134.

The sleeve coupling may have the following dimensions, for exemplary purposes. The sleeve wall may be approximately ⅛ of an inch in thickness. The sleeve coupling146may be approximately two inches in length, and 2⅞ inches in width and approximately one inch in height. The rib may extend outwardly approximately ¼ inch. These dimensions are exemplary and the invention is not limited to such.

With reference now toFIGS. 13 and 14, the second elbow fitting104is shown. It has a similar configuration as the first elbow fitting102in that it has a first portion108which is configured to be attached to the new floor drain24, and as such is typically cylindrical. Opening114forms a fluid inlet from the new drain24in this case, and the first portion108may include internal threads110for coupling to external threads of the new floor drain24. Alternatively, the first portion108of the elbow fitting104may be configured to be attached to the new floor drain24by other means, such as adhesive connection or the like. Once again, the first portion108and the second portion112are offset from one another such that openings114and116are formed at a generally ninety degree angle with respect to one another. Also, the second portion112is of a reduced profile, which may be of a generally rectangular cross-section, but more preferably, as illustrated, has one surface118of a generally flattened configuration and a generally opposite surface having a generally curved configuration, so as to form a generally D-shaped cross-sectional configuration. Similar to the first elbow fitting102, the second elbow fitting104includes a shoulder132extending inwardly a distance from opening116, such as approximately one inch.

The second elbow fitting104may have the following exemplary dimensions. Opening116may be approximately three inches in width and approximately 1.25 inches in height, similar to the opening116of the first elbow fitting102. The internal diameter of opening114may be 2 and ⅝ of an inch in diameter so as to receive the coupling portion of the new floor drain24therein. The second elbow fitting104may also be slightly smaller than the first elbow fitting102, in that the first portion is only 1.75 inches in vertical height, and the second portion112may not be as long as the second portion112of the first elbow fitting102. The second elbow fitting104may have a wall thickness of 3/16 inch, a thread wall of ¼ inch, and a sleeve wall, forming shoulder132of 1/16 inch in thickness. It will be appreciated, however, that these dimensions are merely exemplary and the invention is not so limited.

With reference now toFIG. 15, the extension pipe106may include a curved intermediate pipe162, such as for creating one or more bends in the extension pipe. The curved intermediate pipe162may have a desired curved radius, such as a fifteen degree angle allowing the extension pipe106to turn a fifteen degree corner. It will be understood that the angle or amount of curved radius can be altered, such that the curved intermediate pipe162is offered in varying angles. The curved intermediate pipe162may be offered in various lengths. As illustrated, the ends164and166may be of a reduced wall thickness so as to create first and second sleeves164and166which may be inserted, for example, into the ends of coupling pipe134, or other component, for attachment thereto.

Exemplary dimensions of the curved intermediate pipe162may be approximately five inches in length, and 3.375 inches in width at the central portion thereof, with the end sleeve portions164and166being 3.25 inches in width. In the central portion, the pipe wall may be 0.1375 inches in thickness, and 0.125 inches at the sleeve ends164and166. Similar to the other components illustrated and described above, preferably, the curved intermediate pipe162is of a reduced profile, such as having a generally rectangular cross-sectional area, or more preferably having a flat upper surface168and a curved lower surface, so as to have a generally D-shaped cross-sectional configuration.

With reference now toFIG. 16, the present invention contemplates multiple new drains24being simultaneously connected to the existing drain12, such as having two new drains24connected to the existing drain12. In such a case, a Y-shaped intermediate pipe section172is provided having first and second branches174and176which extend from a main portion178. The branches174and176will extend towards the new drains24, while the main portion178will extend to the existing floor drain12. In the case where there were two existing drains and only one new drain, the opposite arrangement could be used with the main portion178extending to the new drain. The Y-shaped intermediate attachment pipe will preferably have inner shoulders formed therein, similar to the coupling pipe134for attachment to the elongated intermediate pipe122and/or sleeve coupling146or even an end of the curved intermediate pipe162, as described above.

With reference toFIGS. 3 and 4, the extension pipe106is created to interconnect the existing floor drain12and the new floor drain24. As mentioned above, this may be by means of cutting an elongated intermediate pipe122to the proper length between the first and second elbow fittings102and104, and/or coupling multiple components to one another, which may include any combination of an elongated intermediate pipe122, a coupling pipe134, one or more sleeve couplings146, one or more curved intermediate pipes162, etc.

An installer may wish to test fit the various interconnected components forming the extension pipe106to ensure that it properly reaches between the first and second elbow fittings102and104, which are coupled to the existing drain12and new drain24, respectively. These components may then be cemented to one another, such as using an adhesive, such as solvent cement, to form a watertight bond.

With reference toFIG. 4, to ensure that the water flows down from the new drain24to the existing floor drain12, a minimum desired slope between the new and existing drains24and12is needed. For example, a proper fall is usually ¼ inch per linear foot between the new drain24and existing floor drain12. In such a case, if the new shower drain24is placed two feet from the existing floor drain12, to ensure proper flow, the new drain24, as well as the extension pipe106would have to be elevated at a height of ½ inch. This may be accomplished by using at least one shim180coupled to the extension pipe106to create a desired slope between the new drain24and the existing drain12, as illustrated inFIG. 4.

With reference now toFIGS. 11 and 12, a segment of the extension pipe106is shown having a shim180attached thereto so as to raise that portion of the extension pipe106to achieve the desired slope, such as ¼ inch fall per foot. At least one shim180is attached to a lower portion of the extension pipe106to create the desired slope between the drains24and12. In a particularly preferred embodiment, as illustrated, a U-shaped shim180is configured so as to receive a lower portion of the extension pipe106therein, such as by being snap-fit into place. The shim180may also be attached by other means, such as by means of adhesive or the like. The shim180is configured so as to raise the extension pipe106one-quarter of an inch. One or more flat shims182may be used to increase the overall height of the shim, and thus the extension pipe106and new drain24. Preferably, these flat shims182are of a predetermined height, such as one-quarter inch, so that the elevation of the extension pipe106and new drain24may be controlled in one-quarter-inch increments, although the invention is not necessarily limited to such as the shims180and182may have varying thicknesses or heights.

As illustrated inFIGS. 11 and 12, with the primary U-shaped shim180having the lower portion of the extension pipe106disposed in its U-shaped cavity, generally conforming to the lower surface of the extension pipe106, one or more additional flat shims182may be attached to the U-shaped primary shim. This may be done, for example, by providing recesses184in the lower portion of each shim180or182, into which is received a projection186from a lower shim to be attached to the shim above it. In this manner, a number of shims can be easily and quickly interconnected, or even detached, from one another to achieve the desired height at that portion of the extension pipe106.

FIGS. 11 and 12illustrate one primary U-shaped shim180attached to the extension pipe106, with two flat shims182attached thereto. This would provide, in the case where the shims180and182are each one-quarter inch in height a total height or elevation of three-quarter inch. This could be increased or decreased, based upon the number of shims used. Utilizing three shims might be desirable, for example, near the new drain24. However, a single shim180may be used closer to the existing drain12, as illustrated inFIG. 1, so as to achieve the desired slope or fall per foot to ensure proper water drainage.

With reference now toFIG. 5, once the existing floor drain12and the new floor drain24have been connected to one another with the created extension pipe106, and the extension pipe106and new floor drain24properly elevated using shims180, the installer may then set the assembly100in mortar and place tiles28thereover, or whichever desired floor material or new shower or bathtub pan or the like to create the new floor overlying the existing floor. Water will then drain and flow through the new drain24, through the assembly100of the present invention, and into the existing floor drain12without the need to jackhammer through the concrete slab10to create a new floor drain through the existing floor. The existing subfloor and waterproof membrane, etc. can also be retained in place.

With reference now toFIG. 17, when the existing drain12and the new drain24are to be closely spaced from one another, such as less than a foot apart from one another, or even only a few inches laterally spaced from one another, an assembly200of the present invention having a generally Z-shaped configuration may be utilized. A lower portion202of the assembly200can be coupled to the existing drain12, such as by means of external threads208. An upper portion204is attachable to the new drain24, such as by means of internal threads208. The tubing section therebetween, which is typically integrally formed with the lower202and upper204portions forms the extension pipe206which may only be several inches in length, such as four to six inches in overall length. This one piece unit has its lower end202attached to the existing drain12and rotated to the desired location on the new drain24, which is attached to the upper portion204, such as by means of threaded connection.

The present invention also contemplates use of a P trap access elbow. This would allow for the consumer or user to access the original P trap while using the system of the present invention. The P trap access elbow is a pipe that has a generally T-shaped configuration and gives access to the P trap. The end of the T-shaped elbow gives access through a dummy-type access drain that screws down from the top. It is threaded on the inner part of the T-shaped pipe to allow the dummy drain to be adjustable to finish the outer tile finish. The P trap access elbow of the present invention can also act as a typical drain for water flow, thus making it a two drain system. The generally opposite end of the T-shaped access elbow threads into the original drain. The elbow portion of the T-shaped access elbow, being the longer part of the “T” is connected to the drain system of the present invention, allowing for the new replacement of the newer drain to flow. The P trap elbow could be shaped and adaptable to the drain system of the present invention and also be able to thread into the original drain system for P trap cleaning and accessibility. This would allow for another drain to thread down into it from the top.

With reference now toFIG. 18, the present invention contemplates the use of a cleaning tool300for cleaning and clearing obstructions from the drain system100embodying the present invention. A cleaning brush302is attached to one end of a flexible rod304having a handle306at a generally opposite end thereof. The flexible rod304may be flexible like a fishing pole to allow flexibility while pushing the cleaning brush tip302from the new drain24, into the second elbow fitting104, extension pipe106, second elbow fitting102and even to the existing drain12. Depending upon the distance between the drains, or the desired extension of the tool300into the new drain assembly100, it is contemplated that the rod304may be formed in multiple pieces which can be assembled together to make it longer when necessary. Preferably, the cleaning brush tip302has an inner sponge material308surrounded by a microfiber material310, or scrubber material or the like, allowing it to clean the assembly100without marring or scarring the inside surface thereof. The handle306may be formed of a foam material enabling it to be more easily held onto while cleaning the drains.