collaborative post | Linear shower drain: what is it all about?
You have probably heard that term a lot. A linear shower drain is a very popular wet room drainage system, after all. In this article, we will explain its practical value. We will also say a few words about the installation process.
Why are linear shower drains so popular?
The popularity of low drains has 4 main reasons. The minimalist trend in bathroom design is the first. This also explains the popularity of open walk-in showers. They fit perfectly into the simple, modern style. Just like wetroom linear drains do. Both solutions combine functionality with seamless aesthetics.
The second reason is safety. Because linear wet room drains allow homeowners to have walk-in showers, there is a lesser risk of an unpleasant accident. This is especially important if there are handicap people present. They can use shower with less effort and avoid risky situations at the same time. Linear or point drains are therefore recommended everywhere wet room safety is a top priority.
The third reason results from the thickness of the floors. Very often, the space available for installing a drain is quite small. If that’s the case, only low drains fit well enough without serious construction work. And that means savings on both time and money. Usually, wet room renovations are quite expensive, but thanks to linear shower drains, costs can be cut without compromises.
And what about cleaning? That’s the fourth reason why people install linear drains in their wet rooms. They are relatively long. They are also perfectly aligned with the floor tiles. That creates the famous seamless effect, which improves cleaning. Water simply flows better, taking all the dirt with it.
Different types of linear drains
As you can see, having a seamless shower drain in the house makes a lot of sense. Such products can be divided into 2 main types: classic linear drains, and wall drains. A wall drain, as the name suggests, is installed in the shower wall, not in its floor. Classic drains must be installed next to the shower wall or a few centimeters from it. That depends on a particular model characteristic.
Both types of products are used in different layouts of the shower cabins. Linear or point drains can also be divided according to the types of grate covers. They can have decorative patterns. From standard to something a bit futuristic. That means a necessary drainage contraption can become a wet room shower decoration, matching its surroundings like never before.
Are slim drains worth it?
Most often, the word “slim” will refer to the height of the siphon. It is therefore a thinner version of a classic shower drain. Such devices are recommended for very low floors where there’s not enough space for other products. Less than 70 mm is usually the case.
It is also worth remembering that the channel collecting water in a slim linear drain can be much narrower than in standard models. Furthermore, thickness of the steel matters too. The cheapest drains are often made of steel whose actual thickness doesn’t even exceed a millimeter. This causes deformations, dimensional inconsistency and worse performance in general.
That means slim models are a good idea in specific conditions only. They must come from reliable manufacturers as well because they can ensure the quality necessary for a lasting satisfaction. So, if you can install a standard linear shower drain, such choice might be a better option.
How to install a linear shower drain?
The whole process is not very demanding. In comparison to other solutions, at least. Every qualified specialist with some experience in modern shower floor drains will install the system in a day. Can you do it yourself?
We don’t recommend it. Although linear shower drains aren’t that complicated, they require some work nonetheless. Precision is a must too. Unqualified hands might ruin the benefits of a seamless shower drain system. In such cases, the flow rate isn’t as good as people have hoped. Tiles aren’t aligned so well either. That results in discomfort and bad aesthetics.
Another factor to think about is the waterproofing around the drain. The water must flow only through the grate. If the installation goes badly, liquid might get under the floor and stay there. That usually ends with a lot of mold developing in the wet room. After the work, it is therefore mandatory to perform a test of the system. A specialist will recognize signs of eventual problems and make necessary corrections. An amateur can ignore them altogether.
Final Words
The practical value of a linear shower drain is quite high, don’t you agree? That’s why such systems are so popular nowadays. But this type of drainage can only be beneficial when it fits the bathroom perfectly. Faulty installations result in the opposite. Choosing the right model is also important. That’s why you must always consult a purchase. Make sure to pick a good manufacturer as well. This is the only way to buy a satisfactory product that will do its job for years to come.
