Watco

Watco Manufacturing Company is a manufacturer of bath waste and drain products for residential and commercial plumbing applications, specializing in bathtub drains, shower drains, lavatory drains, and drain trim kits. Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Independence, Missouri, Watco is the leading manufacturer of bath waste products in the United States. Watco products are specified by plumbing contractors, remodelers, and builders for new construction and renovation projects where a complete drain and waste solution is required in a single brand. Watco's Innovator product line introduced patented testable membrane technology for shower drains, and the company offers both new-installation and replacement trim kit products that update existing drain trim without disturbing the drain body. Watco bath waste products cover all standard bathtub, shower, and lavatory drain configurations in residential and light commercial construction.

Watco Product Lines

Innovator Bath Waste Systems

The Innovator Bath Waste System is Watco's principal product line for bathtub drain and overflow applications in new construction and remodeling. Innovator Bath Waste systems are available in the 900/901, 920/921, and 940/941 series, covering different tub configurations, overflow plate locations, and linkage types. Innovator series products feature patented design elements that simplify installation and serviceability compared to traditional drum-trap and inline waste configurations. The Innovator line is designed for use with standard one-piece and two-piece fiberglass and acrylic bathtubs in residential construction. Where a bathtub requires a complete drain and overflow assembly, the Innovator Bath Waste System provides a coordinated solution in a single kit.

Innovator Shower Drain

The Watco Innovator Shower Drain features patented testable membrane technology designed for new shower pan and tile shower applications where a pre-test of the shower pan membrane is required before tile installation. The testable membrane allows the installer to pressure-test the shower pan liner without installing the drain strainer, confirming watertight integrity before tiling. Watco Innovator Shower Drains are available in square and round configurations for tile shower applications. The Innovator Shower Drain differs from the Innovator Bath Waste line in that it is designed for tile shower floor applications rather than bathtub waste and overflow systems.

Schedule 40 Bath Waste

Watco Schedule 40 Bath Waste products are designed for new residential and light commercial construction where a Schedule 40 ABS or PVC drain connection is standard. Schedule 40 Bath Waste systems from Watco feature corrosion-resistant components and include innovative design features such as integrated cleanout access for maintenance. The Schedule 40 line is suited to new tub installations where the drain and overflow assembly must be compatible with Schedule 40 waste piping. Where the Innovator series is the standard choice for renovations and standard-duty new construction, the Schedule 40 line is specified where Schedule 40 drain compatibility is a specific project requirement.

Trim Kits and Replacement Drains

Watco QuickTrim and Universal NuFit trim kits allow the visible drain and overflow plate components to be updated without removing the existing drain body from the bathtub or floor. QuickTrim and NuFit kits fit a wide range of existing drain body sizes and configurations, making them a practical solution for bathroom renovation projects where the existing drain body is in good condition and only the trim needs updating. WatcoFlex and Flex 924 products provide flexible drain connection options for retrofit applications where rigid waste connections are not practical. Lavatory drain products from Watco, including the IDEALLAV line, cover sink drain applications in coordinating finishes.

Why Contractors Specify Watco

Plumbing contractors and remodelers specify Watco bath waste products because the company has led the bath drain market since 1979 and offers a complete system approach to bathtub, shower, and lavatory drain installation. Watco's Innovator Bath Waste line provides a coordinated drain and overflow kit that reduces the number of separate components a contractor needs to source for a standard bathtub installation. The Innovator Shower Drain's patented testable membrane technology addresses the inspector requirement for a tested shower pan membrane before tile installation, simplifying the inspection sequence on tile shower projects. Watco QuickTrim and NuFit replacement kits allow bathroom renovation projects to update drain appearance without a full drain replacement, reducing labor on remodel jobs. Watco products are available through plumbing wholesale supply distributors and through SupplyHouse in the full range of drain configurations.

How to Choose a Watco Product

The primary selection variable for a Watco drain product is application type. Bathtub waste and overflow applications call for the Watco Innovator Bath Waste series (900/901, 920/921, or 940/941) or the Schedule 40 Bath Waste line. Tile shower floor drain applications call for the Watco Innovator Shower Drain. Lavatory sink drain applications call for Watco lavatory drain products such as the IDEALLAV line.

For bathtub waste system selection, identify the tub type, the overflow plate location, and the existing or planned drain pipe size. Watco Innovator Bath Waste series differ in linkage type and overflow plate configuration; match the series to the bathtub manufacturer's drain rough-in specification. For new construction with PVC or ABS waste piping, confirm the Watco drain body outlet size matches the drain rough-in.

For renovation projects where only the drain trim needs updating, Watco QuickTrim or Universal NuFit trim kits are the practical choice. Measure the existing drain body flange diameter and cross-bar configuration to confirm trim kit compatibility before ordering. WatcoFlex flexible drain products suit retrofit applications where rigid offset drain connections make a standard drain body difficult to fit.

FAQs

Where are Watco products manufactured?

Watco Manufacturing Company is headquartered in Independence, Missouri. For manufacturing origin details on specific Watco product lines, consult Watco directly at watcomfg.com or through an authorized distributor.

What warranty does Watco offer on its bath waste products?

Watco warranty terms are available through the product documentation and at watcomfg.com. Confirm the warranty applicable to a specific Watco bath waste system or trim kit with your Watco distributor at the time of purchase.

What is the difference between Watco Innovator Bath Waste series 900 and 920?

The difference between Watco Innovator Bath Waste series 900/901 and 920/921 is in the linkage configuration and drain actuator type. Each Innovator series is designed for a specific bathtub drain and overflow configuration. Confirm the Watco Innovator series matches the bathtub manufacturer's drain rough-in specification before ordering. Watco product documentation at watcomfg.com provides series-specific selection guidance.

How does the Watco Innovator Shower Drain testable membrane work?

The Watco Innovator Shower Drain's patented testable membrane allows the installer to water-test the shower pan liner before the drain strainer is installed. The membrane seals the drain opening during the test, confirming watertight integrity of the shower pan before tile installation proceeds. The membrane is removed and the drain strainer is installed after the test is complete and the shower pan is approved.

Can Watco trim kits be used with any existing drain body?

Watco QuickTrim and Universal NuFit trim kits are designed to fit a wide range of existing drain body sizes and configurations, but compatibility depends on the existing drain body flange diameter and cross-bar spacing. Measure the existing drain before ordering a Watco trim kit to confirm fit. Watco product documentation at watcomfg.com provides dimensional specifications for each trim kit model.

What finishes are available for Watco drain products?

Watco bath waste and lavatory drain products are available in multiple finishes to match bathroom fixture trim. Specific finish availability varies by product line and model; consult the Watco product catalog at watcomfg.com or the SupplyHouse product listings for finish options available for each Watco drain model.