- Installation. Linear drains work by allowing the water to flow through the drain and into a trough, or channel, beneath the shower floor, where it enters the regular drainage system.
- Placement. ...
- Design. ...
- Linear vs. ...
- Cleaning and maintenance. ...
What is a linear drain in a bathroom?
Locating Linear Drains. A linear drain allows for the use of larger format floor tile and the ability to pitch the floor in one direction. This offers an advantage from the traditional center drain installation, where the floor must slope in four directions in order to properly drain the water.
Why are linear shower drains so popular?
If all of the aforementioned reasons were not enough to convince you of how good linear shower drains are, there is more. For one, they appeal to a huge range of people because designers can use the same tile from the floor of the shower in the rest of the bathroom.
Can I install a linear shower drain on a concrete floor?
If it’s a concrete floor, or if you can’t recess the shower footprint into the floor joists, we recommend installing the linear drain at the shower’s entry, flush on the subfloor with proper blocking below. That way, you can slope the concrete or pan system from back to front without affecting the elevation of the bathroom floor.
Can you move the location of a linear drain?
Choosing the location of the linear drain may depend on the existing waste line. More often than not, it’s extremely costly to move the drain location; however, a linear drain with a side-waste outlet can connect to the drain line without moving the plumbing.
What is the advantage of a linear drain?
A wall-to-wall linear drain not only maximizes drainage but also offers a clean look that enhances the homeowner's shower experience. A linear drain with a single-direction slope has less chance of water pooling or running out of the shower. Shower floors without enough pitch usually puddle and hold water.
Is a linear drain more expensive?
In general, a linear shower drain unit will cost significantly more than a traditional circular or square shower drain. You should also budget a little more for labor and installation. Installing a linear shower drain will require more coordination between your plumber, contractor, and tile person.
Do linear drains clog more?
Linear Drain Disadvantages You'll likely need to be on the lookout for hair, dirt or any other material or products which could run into the drain. This could regularly slow the drain more or create a clog. As the drain itself with a linear drain is very long, it could well take more time and frequency to clean.
Are linear drains harder to clean?
Maintenance – Linear drains are easy to clean depending on the material they are manufactured in. Water and soap are the recommended method of cleaning. A good linear drain will have a removable debris basket. This can prevent clogging your pipes, one of the most frequent and expressive problems in any home.
How do you keep a linear drain clean?
Clean the linear drain with a scrub brush and soapy water. If you have a lot of soap scum or chemical buildup you can use a mixture of 10:1 water and baking soda or a simple premixed cleaner designed for removing soap scum and bath products. Avoid using products that are harsh and will scratch or damage the metal.
Do linear drains catch hair?
Cleaning and maintenance Many linear drains feature a removable basket to catch hair and other debris from traveling down the pipes and causing clogs; empty your drain's basket on a regular basis for optimal performance.
How do you keep your hair from clogging in a linear drain?
Below are a few simple steps you can take before getting in the shower, so you can keep your hair from clogging the drain:Brush your hair before you shower. ... Install a hair catcher. ... Clear the drain with boiling water once a month. ... Respond to any problems immediately.
Where should a linear drain be placed?
Linear Drain Location A linear shower drain, or strip drain, can be best placed at the shower door wall or at the wall opposite. Linear drains should not be placed perpendicular to the shower door wall as it creates an uneven and unsafe surface. Placement is dependent on the slope requirements.
How far should a linear drain be from the wall?
It is important to remember that these drains are designed for 3pcs clamping ring drains which means the PVC collar has to be 2-3” from the wall. This means the Drain will typically sit 3-5” away from the back wall. It is ideal to take measurements and center the drain on the wall.
How do you waterproof a linear shower drain?
0:253:01Double Waterproofing - Linear Drain Installation with FCB Channel OptionYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCreate a pre sloped layer for the shower pan install drain body into the floor and attach to theMoreCreate a pre sloped layer for the shower pan install drain body into the floor and attach to the existing waste line spread a primary mortar bed across the shower area slope.
Can you put linear drain in center of shower?
Linear drains can be placed in the center of the shower, as seen in the bathroom below by Tego Bathroom Solutions, as long as they are parallel to the opening of the shower.
Do you need a linear drain for a curbless shower?
First, curbless showers require either a linear drain or a lowered floor which both add cost over a traditional curbed shower.
How much does a linear drain cost?
Most linear shower drains cost $200 or more, though you can find some for as low as $100. Because linear shower drains require more coordination between the tile contractor and plumber, you may also need to pay a few hundred dollars more for labor, especially if working with someone who charges hourly.
How much does it cost to install a linear drain?
Drainage System Cost by TypeTypeCost*French$1,000 – $10,000 per 100 linear feetTrench / Channel$3,000 – $9,000 per 100 linear feetUnderground Downspouts$200 – $2,000 per downspoutConcrete Catch Basin/Storm$2,000 – $5,000 per basin1 more row
How far should a linear drain be from the wall?
It is important to remember that these drains are designed for 3pcs clamping ring drains which means the PVC collar has to be 2-3” from the wall. This means the Drain will typically sit 3-5” away from the back wall. It is ideal to take measurements and center the drain on the wall.
How big should a linear drain be?
When the size of the area is standard, which is in most cases, you can use a standard linear drain. They are available in many sizes: 24”, 28”, 32”, 36”, 48”, 58”. Drains don't need to run the full length of the wall, which allows you to use a standard length in most projects.
Will the shower be barrier-free or have a curb?
There may be specific reasons why a client requests a barrier-free shower over one with a curb. One client who may have mobility issues, or is doing an ‘ aging in place’ renovation, needs the freedom and ease to access their shower without any limitations. Or, another client might just want the shower to feel like an extension of the bathroom without any barrier at all.
What is the total flow rate of the fixtures?
For example, a shower may include a rain head, hand-held, and a traditional shower head, each with a flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute. Standard linear drains can handle up to 9 gallons of water per minute and connect to a 2″ waste line. High flow versions that connect to a 3″ waste line will accommodate a flow rate of 21 gallons of water per minute.
How much water does a shower drain handle?
Standard linear drains can handle up to 9 gallons of water per minute and connect to a 2″ waste line.
What is a PVC shower pan?
The PVC shower pan liner or rubber liner is most common, followed by other more regional-specific techniques that include hot mop (which is only used in California), and lead or copper shower pans (which are found in the Northeast).
Can a linear drain be cut to size?
The good news is that no matter what the layout is, Site Sizable® linear drains can be cut-to-size, right on site, allowing for a perfect wall-to-wall installation, and the most efficient evacuation of water (i.e., no ‘pooling’ in the corners of the shower.) As a general rule-of-thumb, linear drains are located at either the back or side wall ...
How many gallons per minute can a shower drain handle?
The average residential shower has a 2” waste line, which can usually handle water pouring into the shower area at a rate of 9 gallons per minute (GPM) without flooding. It’s recommended to plan on placing a 2” drain for every 30” of channel. For larger coverage areas, connecting multiple 2” drains along the channels and directing the channel to a 3” waste line can increase the flow rate to 21 GPM.
What is a threshold drain?
Threshold - Positioning the linear drain at the threshold, or door, helps keep the water inside the shower area. Whether the barrier is a glass door or a raised curb, extending the drain across the entire open area can add an extra level of assurance against overflow. For these arrangements, it’s best to use a wider, grated channel cover so that the channel can catch the necessary amount of water without flooding into the dry area of the room.
Why do you need to hot mop a shower?
Some contractors and plumbers rely on hot mopping to help insulate the shower area. Hot mopping is a process that involves framing the area to be protected and covering it in a seal of hot asphalt and fiberglass, around the drain. The preslope and tile base are then built up to meet the drain channel edge.
What is barrier free tile?
Barrier free - When the floor area is level and flat between the intended shower area and the rest of the bathroom, another option is the barrier free installation. This arrangement allows for a tiled floor that is consistent throughout the entire room, rather than requiring the tiles around the shower area to be adjusted in size or pattern around a curb or wall. While the identical tile pattern can be used between the wet and dry areas, the floor should still be pitched toward the drain in the immediate shower area.
How much slope does a center pitch drain need?
Both center pitch drains and linear drains require a gentle ¼” slope per foot, but the difference is in the effective angle that the slope creates. The floor surrounding a center pitched drain is sloped in four directions, like an inverted triangle, which creates an uneven, almost circular grade across the floor.
Why use a linear drain?
With linear drains, the floor is kept flat and has a less noticeable grade toward the drain. The uni-directional slope required for a linear drain helps with more efficient draining, and keeps things safer because you’re walking on a consistent, level surface. Larger tiles can be used to help maintain an even, flat pitch to the floor. Not only is it safer, larger tile allows for a wider variety of tile design choices, and less time spent on grout maintenance in the long run.
Why do you need to waterproof your house?
The goal of thorough waterproofing techniques is to protect the structure of your home, and your family’s health, by preventing mold or water damage. The best way to ensure a safe tile and drain installation is to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions at the time of initial installation.
What is the advantage of a linear drain?
The main advantage of linear drains over center drains is that the linear drain simplifies the installation of the floor and the drain . A center drain requires the shower floor to be sloped from each of the four ends so that water runs into the drain ; a linear drain requires the floor to slope in only one direction toward the drain.
Where to install linear drain in shower?
The linear drain may be installed practically anywhere in your shower: at the threshold (whether there is a barrier – a door or curb – or not), along the wall, under a shower bench… the possibilities are practically endless.
Do linear drains need cleaning?
A linear drain does not require more complex cleaning or maintenance than traditional drains. Regular cleaning with soap and water or your preferred cleaning solution will keep your drain free of soap scum and dirt; an occasional scrub with a toothbrush will keep the grate clean and allow for unimpeded drainage.
What is a Linear Shower Drain?
To the uninitiated, it may seem as though all shower drains are the same. After all, how complicated can something that takes water away from your home be, right? Well, there are several different types of drains that are suitable based on your home and the terrain on which it is constructed.
Why do people use linear shower drains?
Another major reason that people opt for a linear shower drain is its safety. That is because this type of shower drain is compliant with the American Disability Act. So, it is safe to reason that if these drains are safe for those with disabilities, they are safe for just about anyone else.
Why do shower drains have linear lines?
Linear shower drains make it easier to get in and out of the shower. They can make the quality of life that much better for those dealing with disabilities or mobility issues. There should be no fear of injury or falling when getting in and out of the shower.
Why is my shower drain so slow?
When you have a shower drain that is longer in nature, the velocity of the water that drains out is much slower. When the velocity of the water is much slower, it has a more difficult time carrying out things like dirt, grime, and hair. So, be prepared to clean that sort of stuff out of your drain on a regular basis going forward.
Why are linear showers more open?
If you live in a home with a sort of open-door policy, then you run the risk of having far less privacy during shower time. It is not a major concern but it can lead to a lot of uncomfortable moments that could have been otherwise avoided.
Do linear shower drains need curbs?
Linear shower drains require no curbs. While it might not seem like that big of a deal, it can be. For those who struggle with mobility – older people or those coming off surgery, for instance – it can make a huge deal.
Can you lay shower drain lines?
Even for experienced DIYers, you might not think about how your shower drain lines can be placed. One of the selling points for linear shower drains is that they can be laid in nearly countless different ways, making them one of the most versatile drain types out there.
1. Site and Material Quality
First and foremost, when constructing a shower, whether you’re using a preformed pan or a mortar bed, be sure that your subfloor is level, clean, and structurally sound. When installing tile showers, ensure that the subfloor is free of defects and meets all TCNA (Tile Council of North America) standards.
2. Determine the Drain Location
Choosing the location of the linear drain may depend on the existing waste line. More often than not, it’s extremely costly to move the drain location; however, a linear drain with a side-waste outlet can connect to the drain line without moving the plumbing.
3. Check the Floor System
However, when installing a barrier-free shower, the linear drain’s location will depend on the floor system. If it’s a concrete floor, or if you can’t recess the shower footprint into the floor joists, we recommend installing the linear drain at the shower’s entry, flush on the subfloor with proper blocking below.
4. Choosing a Linear Drain
The linear drain should extend wall-to-wall for a curbless shower to ensure the most efficient and effective drainage. Opt for a linear drain that can be customized to provide wall-to-wall coverage and check that the linear drain has integrated slopes to evacuate water from the drain body while being self-cleaning.
5. Consider Design Versatility
If you’re looking for something different, consider a linear drain where the water exits via the downward slope of the shower pan into a drain channel concealed at the base of the wall.
6. Consider the Flow Rate
In a curbed shower, any linear drain should provide efficient drainage if the shower floor is sloped properly and the drain accommodates the flow rate of the shower fixtures. This is true whether the drain is located in the center, along the back wall, or at the shower entrance.
7. Waterproofing
Many installers make the mistake of not pre-sloping before installing the waterproofing layer or liner. Just as with a traditional shower pan liner installation, it’s important to pre-slope the floor before you install the liner, which will allow for the capture of weep water to the drain via the drains integrated weep holes.
How Well Do Linear Shower Drains Work?
Technically, with exact installation and the proper grating and trough installed, with just the correct angle for the slope , a linear shower drain should work just fine.
Why is my shower drain slow?
Cleaning and maintenance can be a drag. Longer drains mean that the velocity of water for draining out will also turn out to be slow. You need to be regularly on the lookout for grime or hair or dirt or just about any other particle that could slow down your shower drain. It’s not exactly something a lot of people look forward to doing.
What is a linear shower drain?
A linear shower drain is basically an enhanced method for drainage that offers a seamless and minimalist look to your shower, or to any shower, for that matter. It is somewhat put up under the category of luxury plumbing because a lot of hotels have made the switch to linear shower drains.
How much does a linear drain cost?
This is still pretty affordable compared to the linear drain which starts off at $100 per inlet yard in the minimum but could stretch out to outrageous rates of tens of thousands of dollars.
Do linear shower drains need to be cleaned?
Linear shower drains need to have water travel through a trough which gunks up over time and is quite difficult to get into to clean regularly.
Can a linear shower drain be sloped?
Water containment is an issue. Unlike regular showers where there’s a curb to keep the water in, this isn ’t the case with a linear shower drain as it’s just open but sloped. If the drain isn’t installed properly, you might end up having water all over and that’s not a good experience.
Can a shower drain be placed anywhere?
They are versatile. Because linear shower drains have long lines, they are so versatile that they can be placed almost anywhere. You don’t have the same kind of freedom with center drains since as the name suggests, they always need to be placed at the center.