SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CALIFORNIA —João Escórcio has spent most of his life around plumbing. As a teenager, he followed his older brother into the trades, working summers on job sites and learning the fundamentals of residential plumbing. What started as a part-time opportunity quickly turned into a lifelong professional career.
Today, Escórcio is a licensed plumbing contractor serving the San Francisco Bay Area. He also holds a leadership role overseeing plumbing operations at a prestigious private research university in California.
In the latter role, he helps oversee plumbing operations across a campus that functions much like a small city, supporting thousands of students and facilities. He also makes time to mentor newer technicians entering the trade.
Outside of his institutional responsibilities, Escórcio runs his own plumbing company, Escórcio Plumbing, focusing on residential remodels, repipes, and water heater installations throughout the East Bay.
Escórcio has also built a growing following on social media, where he shares job-site insights, tools, and techniques with other tradespeople. In recent years, he started designing and producing custom 3D-printed plumbing tools and replacement parts, using them to solve problems he encounters in the field.
“We started experimenting with a 3D printer to make parts we couldn’t easily find anymore,” Escórcio explains. “Now I’m designing small tools and accessories that make certain plumbing tasks easier.”
Remodel Project Requires a Durable Shower Drain Solution
One recent project for Escórcio’s company involved a full residential renovation that transformed the home from a single-bath layout into two full bathrooms. The remodel included installing a new shower with a preformed shower pan, which required a drain that could be installed quickly while also providing long-term reliability.
For the project, Escórcio selected the Oatey® No-Caulk Shower Drain, a product specifically engineered for use with preformed shower stall bases. As its name indicates, the no-caulk design eliminates the need for caulking, solvent cement or adhesives. This allows plumbers to complete installations faster while avoiding the mess and cure time associated with traditional methods.
Instead, the drain uses a compression-style sealing system that forms a watertight connection when tightened. A compression gasket and ring system fits securely around a 2-inch Schedule 40 DWV (drain, waste, vent) pipe. Fiber and rubber washers help prevent leaks, creating a dependable seal that contractors can trust.
“My favorite shower drain is the brass Oatey drain,” Escórcio explains. “These drains just last forever, and it’s a quality product.”
The drain’s durable brass construction is designed for long-term performance, making it a reliable option for remodels where homeowners expect lasting results. The system is also compatible with Oatey® Universal 4-1/4 in. Snap-Tite Designer Finish Strainers, which are available in multiple designer finishes to complement a variety of bathroom styles.
The installation itself went quickly and efficiently, fitting seamlessly into the overall project timeline. “I’d say the installation took about 10 to 12 minutes at the most,” Escórcio adds.
Once completed, the remodeled home was ready to go on the market.
Built for Reliability and Everyday Plumbing Work
For Escórcio, durability is one of the most important factors when selecting plumbing materials, especially for remodel projects in which long-term performance matters.
“It’s brass, so you know it’s going to last a lifetime,” he says of the No-Caulk Shower Drain. “In the whole scheme of things, it costs more than plastic, but you get what you pay for.”
Availability is another advantage. For contractors moving between job sites, having access to dependable products without delays is essential.
“You can source Oatey drains at supply houses or even at home improvement stores,” Escórcio says. “They’re easy to get and easy to work with.”
A Trusted Brand Across the Plumbing Industry
Escórcio’s familiarity with Oatey products goes back to the beginning of his career in the trades. “When you start plumbing, some of the first products you come across are from Oatey,” he says. “The solder, the plumber’s putty — everything.”
That long-standing reputation continues to influence his product choices today: “It’s always good buying from a company that’s been around a long time,” Escórcio adds. “You know they’re going to stand behind their products.”
For Escórcio and many contractors working across the Bay Area, the Oatey® No-Caulk Shower Drain remains a dependable solution that simplifies installation while delivering the durability professionals expect.
Published on August 14, 2026