As a hands-on home renovator, I know that the various types of shower drains play a role in bathroom design and functionality. In this article, I’ll break down the main types – point and linear – and delve into their sub-types, including one-, three-, and multi-piece assemblies, along with tileable and decorative grates.
Each comes in various shapes and sizes, offering different installation methods to align with your plumbing setup. The choice of drainage significantly affects your bathroom’s final look and usability. Based on my own experience in renovating bathrooms, I’ll provide guidelines on selecting the best drain for your space.
Types of Shower Drains
Center drains are available in three different configurations: one-piece, multi-piece, and three-piece. Linear drains that go up the side of walls are called “hidden and attractive.” Even though the most frequent and least priced option is the point drain, linear units are better suited for use in curbless floor drain layouts.
Point Drains
The most frequent drain types in a shower are point assemblies. It is commonplace for them to be positioned in the center of shower floors, with the floor sloping down to the center drain in all directions. The shower floor acts as a gently sloping funnel, funneling all of the water down the floor drain.
A square grate is preferable to a round one, so keep that in mind when shopping. Using a square design will make your shower floor look better, and the installer won’t have to make round cuts on the square tile.
Pros and Cons of Point Drainage
A drawback of point drainage is that you can’t always use large tiles. Point drains are inexpensive, simple to set up, and readily available. Point units may appear small, but they can handle all of the water.
As a result, point drains are easier to set up than linear units. If you want to give your shower a unique look, you can buy ornamental covers for point drains.
Point Drainage
One-Piece
Easy to install and maintain, one-piece units are a great choice for the home. If your shower was built on top of a concrete slab, you most likely have a one-piece. The simplest to install are the one-piece designs, which fit directly over the drainpipe.
One-piece units may look basic, but they are useful and sufficiently stop clogs and leakage from occurring. Concrete can endure water. Therefore, one-piece shower designs are ideal for concrete bases.
One-piece units can be found for a reasonable price. There are no installation expenses because all you need is a screwdriver.
Three-Piece
Leaks and costly repairs can be avoided by using three-piece drains, which are quite effective. Three-piece assemblies are ideal for homeowners with wood floors beneath their showers. If you have a wooden floor, you’ll need a shower pan, and that’s where three-piece drains step in.
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An ideal shower design is a three-piece unit that keeps water from leaking out the bottom. Mold and mildew can cause serious health issues if they are allowed to grow in wood environments. Installing a three-piece unit is more difficult than installing a one-piece model, thus it’s best to call a professional plumber.
Multi-piece
The most advanced and difficult point drains are multipiece designs. You will require a multipiece unit if you have a one-piece stall. One portion of a multipiece doesn’t connect to a drainpipe: the top.
Drains with several pieces screw together in the same manner as single-piece drains and require two to four screws to secure the top plate in place. The rubber seals are strong enough to handle heavy water pressure in multipiece assemblies. Installing a multi-piece is a hassle, so again it’s best to call a professional plumber.
Linear Drainage
Linear drains are long and narrow, as their name suggests. Standard units can handle a water flow rate of up to 9 gallons per minute, Channel drains have become increasingly fashionable in recent years, adding a dash of elegance. The majority of the time, however, they are installed along one of the shower walls rather than in the middle of the floor.
Due to the construction and position of the linear assemblies, the entire area slopes gently and uniformly in the direction of the floor drain. There will be no more funnels. Linear models are available in a variety of lengths, up to 72″.
You need to realize that both drains are equally effective at removing the water. You can use either one as long as your space doesn’t have an abnormally high water flow rate. A linear unit will almost always be more expensive than a point system.
Different Types of Linear Drainage
Drainage systems using traditional waterproofing methods can benefit from one of two types of linear designs: site-sizable or fixed-length assemblies.
Customized or Site-sizeable Linear Drainage Systems
A conventional pan liner and a clamping floor drain can be used to connect a site-sizeable linear unit to the waste line.
Fixed-length Linear Drainage System
We can use a clamping or conventional waterproofing floor drain with a fixed-length linear system.
This is a fixed-size, fixed-outlet linear system. Therefore, there’s no flexibility on-site. If you’re creating a custom-built home or renovating an expensive mansion, this can be a problem.
Fixed-length systems, on the other hand, might be an excellent choice for new construction, big multifamily or tourism projects, or any situation where the speed of the installation process is critical. Offset or centrally-placed outlets are available, depending on the manufacturer.
Linear Drainage Design
Decorative Drains
Drains for decorative showers exist solely for the sake of aesthetics. A decorative cover distinguishes them from the usual 1-3 piece assemblies. If there is already one, homeowners won’t spend a lot on decorative covers.
The price of embossed decorative shower drains can get more expensive, but you can personalize them to fit your bathroom floor. Decorative models don’t take away from the practicality of the design; rather, they enhance it with their eye-catching appeal.
The point setup includes decorative designs, which are simple to install. Cleaning is a cinch because it can be simply removed.
Hidden Drains
There are several types of hidden designs, which are linear units that merge into the floor drain. Choosing an invisible drain is usually necessary when building or remodeling a bathroom. There is a wide range of options for concealed models, and they can be used with both tiny and big tiles.
Hidden assemblies aren’t just seen in curbless showers; they can be found in any bathroom. To match your tiling, they are disguised in the design.
Tileable Grate
Tileable grates are compatible with most point systems. You can use a tileable grate if you have a shower liner. As far as styles go, you can choose one that suits you.
As a result, the water flow rate can be affected by tileable grates. You only need to worry about this when the drainpipe is clogged. Grates that can be tiled are a terrific method to keep small objects out of the plumbing.
Tileable grating compatibility with the one-piece or multiple-piece unit should be checked before starting the installation process.
Design and Finish
Whatever type of drainage we choose, the ultimate step is to decide on a grate style and finish. As the unit is visible, you want it to match your bathroom’s decor. To keep everything in the bathroom looking cohesive, I suggest going with a finish that complements the rest of the room’s fixtures.
To complete the aesthetic, your grate should be chrome to match your faucets and showerhead. Style is a matter of personal preference. While there are numerous choices, Schluter’s newest additions stand out for their ability to offer some personality while also standing out from more typical grates.
A tileable grate is a great option for a modern look. A tile that matches the shower floor’s surface is bonded to the top of a solid surface, and water runs along its edges. The grate region is virtually undetectable.
Linear System Pros and Cons
Linear shower drains have a lot to offer regarding both utility and aesthetics.
Traditional circular and square shower drains are replaced by linear units with rectangular shapes. You can place it flat against the wall or along the shower’s edge. You’ll need a sloped floor to ensure proper drainage.
Drainage placement is dependent on the location of the waste line, which may or may not is predetermined in your project. In some cases, it may be possible to move the waste line based on the site conditions of your project.
A linear unit has an advantage over a central design in that it is installed differently. Center drains require the floor to slope to channel the water in four directions. This means that you have more freedom in designing your shower because the floor must only be pitched in one way.
Advantages of Linear Systems
As a result of their positioning and the 4-sided pitch, the type of tile we use faces limitations when we have circular units. As a result, you’re limited to using tiles that are no larger than 2″ by 2″ in the pan.
With linear shower drains, there is no limit to the size of your tiles. This gives you a wide range of possibilities when it comes to designing your project. We can use large-format tiles in showers with linear drains since they tend to slope toward the walls.
For this reason, a linear model is more than just a practical component in your design; it also provides visual appeal. Linear units are commonly hidden behind one wall, making them virtually invisible. Liquid shower floor drains are ideal for showers without a threshold or a curb.
There is no ledge in a curbless design to keep water from dripping out. A linear shower drain covers the maximum surface area, resulting in better water drainage.
Styles and Finishes of Shower Drain Installation
The grate’s style and finish are the final considerations when deciding whether to use a point or linear drain. When it comes to the shower drain installation, the grate is a key design element to consider. It’s best to match the vanity’s finish to the rest of the bathroom to keep the space cohesive.
To put it another way, if you have a chrome showerhead and faucet, you should go with a chrome-grate drain to complete the design. On another note, style is a matter of personal preference. There are plenty of alternatives, whether you’re looking for something traditional or something with a little more personality.
Tileable grate shower floor drains are a stylish and innovative choice for shower floor drains. Thanks to these grates, the drain grate is covered with the same tile as the shower floor. In your shower, water drains out of the bottom around the tiled grate’s borders, where it is practically undetectable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of shower drain trap?
There are several types of traps used in shower drain setups:
- P-Trap: The most common type, named for its P-like shape. They are widely used due to their reliability and simple design.
- S-Trap: This trap is shaped like an ‘S’ and is found in older plumbing systems.
- Bottle Trap: Often used in bathroom designs where the plumbing is exposed.
- Drum Trap: An older style of trap, it’s a cylindrical drum that holds a large volume of water to provide a gas seal.
- U-Bend Trap: Similar to the P-trap, with wider bend,
- Shallow Trap: Designed for use where space is limited.
What kind of drain do you need for a tile shower?
For a tile shower, there are two main types to consider:
- Point Drain: The most traditional type of shower drain, usually located in the center or corner of the shower floor.
- Linear Drain: Popular in modern bathroom designs, linear drains extend along one side of the shower floor. This type allows for a single-direction slope, which is particularly suitable for large format tiles.
What is a three-piece shower drain?
A three-piece shower drain has three main components:
- Drain Base or Body: Installed beneath the shower floor and connected to the plumbing system.
- Clamping Ring: Used to seal the waterproof membrane or liner to the drain base.
- Strainer or Grate: Visible part of the drain, situated on the shower floor.
Conclusion
Understanding the various types of shower drains is a fundamental aspect of any bathroom renovation. Each type serves a specific function, suitable for various bathroom styles and practical needs. I advise considering the look, functionality, and compatibility with your specific design.
