Why a shower drain is often smarter than a shower waste
A linear shower drain collects water along its length and quickly carries it away within the shower area. Many buyers prefer a linear drain to a traditional point drain because it creates a cleaner-looking floor and works better with modern shower floors featuring larger tiles. A linear drain is less noticeable in the clean lines of the floor or wall, especially in walk-in showers. Not sure whether to choose an enclosure or an open screen for your walk-in shower? Read Walk-in shower: choosing an enclosure or screen for practical tips on choosing.
What size shower drain do you need?
The right length depends on the width of the shower area, the showerhead’s position and how much water needs to drain away.
Situation
Commonly chosen length
What to look out for
Small shower area
50 to 70 cm
Always check both the visible dimensions and the installation dimensions.
Standard shower
70 to 90 cm
Choose based on the wet area and the position of the water stream.
Wide walk-in shower or rain shower
90 to 120 cm or longer
Pay extra attention to the specified drainage capacity and the drain’s placement.
Which design is right for your bathroom?
- Visible grate: clearly visible in the floor, easy to clean and suited to a distinctive finish.
- Tile insert grate or tile-in design: creates a cleaner-looking floor because the drain is less noticeable among the shower tiles.
- Without flange, with floor flange or wall flange: the right design is important for a watertight connection and for positioning the drain, either in the floor or flush against the wall.
- Finish and style: a stainless steel or dark finish creates a different look from a tile insert that is almost completely concealed. Match it to your floor construction, the bathroom’s look and any shower screens. If you’d like to create extra storage space in the shower area, also take a look at shower niches.
What should you consider when installing and maintaining it?
- Proper installation starts with the slope: without the correct slope and a well-planned drain position, water will not drain as effectively.
- Choose tiles with sufficient grip: check the floor’s R-rating; learn more about the slip resistance rating of tiles (R-rating) to help prevent slipping.
- Check the floor construction: with a bottom outlet or limited installation depth, pay extra attention to the minimum installation depth of the model you choose.
- Keep maintenance accessible: a water trap and hair filter should be easy to remove and cleaned regularly to help prevent odors and blockages.
- Choose professional installation if needed: especially when cutting channels, rerouting the drain or connecting the waterproofing, professional installation is often advisable.
Frequently asked questions about shower drains
After choosing the size and design, questions often remain about costs, comparisons with shower trays and differences between brands or product lines. These are the key points to consider for a quick, suitable choice.
How much does it cost to have a shower drain installed?
The total price usually includes the shower drain itself, floor work, modifying the drain, waterproofing and then tiling or finishing the floor. In a renovation, installation is often more labor-intensive than in new construction, as existing pipes, installation depth and access to the floor may require extra work. So the drain you choose accounts for only part of the total cost.
How do you compare different shower drain brands?
First compare brands and product lines by installation depth, length, flange, drain position and ease of maintenance. Then consider the finish, such as a visible grate or tile insert. The model name matters less than whether the shower drain suits your floor construction, shower size and preferred look. A more well-known or expensive system is not automatically the best choice.
Find the shower drain that suits your bathroom
Use the filters in the range to select by size, grate or tile insert, and connection. Compare the models that suit your shower or walk-in shower and choose the design that fits your bathroom. To complete your shower, also take a look at matching shower products, such as shower screens and practical recessed niches, and order everything easily in one place.
