How To Install Linear Drain In Shower
The best place for a linear shower drain to be placed is at the shower door wall. The shower door wall should not be placed parallel to the linear drain as it creates an unsafe surface. If you have a large shower, you may want to consider placing a linear drain in front of it.
This will allow the water to flow through the drain and out the other side. If you dont have enough space to do this, then you can place a shower curtain or curtain rod on top of a drain to provide additional drainage.
When To Call A Professional
Installing a linear drain isn’t a job that is limited to just installing the drain. You may also need to be able to lay mortar on a specific angle, run and connect drain lines, cut and install tile, and seal the entire shower to prevent water damage, rot, and mold growth. While a skilled, experienced DIYer can handle this job, it may be outside of your skill set or you may just not have the time. Consider hiring a professional to ensure that this job gets done right the first time so that there aren’t any problems in the future and you are happy with the end result.
Installing A Linear Shower Drain
Now that you have the theoretical knowledge, lets move on to how to install a linear drain. To begin with, you will need to determine what type of flooring you have in your bathroom, in order to choose the right method of assembly. If on the ground floor, you should first install the sewer connection and then pour the concrete, followed by the installation of a siphon. The last step will be laying the screed.
In the case of a beam and block floor, the sewage connection is installed in the ceiling during construction. This creates a gutter to which the connection elements will be fitted. The depth of the gutter should perfectly align the upper edge of the ceiling with the upper edge of the siphon. The hollow brick channels, located between the beams and blocks, will be perfect for laying out the piping.
In the case of a reinforced concrete floor, where the ceiling is not thick enough to fit the entire system including the siphons and pipes you can fit the sewage connection under the ceiling and cover it with tiles.
The next step is assembling the elements of the linear drain. Remember that the drain must be above the connection to the sewage pipes, and that the grate should be approximately 1 to 2 mm below the level of the tiles. The drain itself can be installed on the floor or on the wall, but regardless of the variant you choose it is best to locate it as close to the shower panel as possible.
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Using A Clamping Floor Drain/tile Floor Drain:
PVC Membrane/Vinyl Liner
A plastic sheet available at most plumbing suppliers and sold in rolls of 4, 5 and 6. The membrane is layered between mortar beds and the corners are folded to create the shower pan liner. If the shower pan area is larger than the roll dimension, it must be seamed or joined together.
Lead Pan/Copper Pan
A metal sheet that is formed to create the shower pan area. The membrane is layered between mortar beds and the corners are folded to create the shower pan liner. If the shower pan area is larger than the sheet dimension, the lead material must be welded together. This install is more common in metropolitan areas where code may require a metal pan.
CPE Membrane
A rubber sheet available at most plumbing suppliers and sold in rolls 4, 5 and 6. The membrane is layered between mortar beds and corners are folded to create the shower pan liner. If the shower pan area is larger than the roll dimension, it must be seamed or joined together. CPE Membrane is also branded as Chloraloy® by Noble.
Hot Mop
Heated liquid tar is applied or mopped on the shower area to create the shower pan and is similar to waterproofing a roof with tar. This installation is most common in Southern California. Similar to fiberglass waterproofing.
What Is A Linear Drain
While a center drain has a small square or circular drain opening, a linear drain consists of a long drain trough that typically runs along the back wall of the shower, parallel to the opening of the shower. The trough empties into an unseen central drain connected to the drainpipe for the shower. Linear drains can have metal covers, like traditional center drains, but they may also have covers that match the color and appearance of the surrounding tile so that the drain can blend into the aesthetic instead of sticking out.
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Measure And Mark The Drain Location
The first step in the process is to use a tape measure to measure the location for the drain and mark where you want it to be installed. Typically, linear shower drains are installed in four different ways, including one-sided wall-mounted, three-sided wall-mounted, free floor-mounted, and shower entrance floor-mounted.
Depending on your selected style, you may need to relocate the current drain lines. Keep in mind that floor-mounted drains do not have as much support as wall-mounted drains.
Why Choose A Linear Drain
Also called a trough or trench drain, a linear drain is a rectangular-shaped drain that 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 drain the water properly.
Benefits of a linear drain installation include:
- No limitation on tile size or slab material
- Can be placed as a threshold or curb
- Meets ADA requirements for handicap shower entry
- No boundaries on design because of the drain location
- Drains water more efficiently
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What Is 2mm Wedge Wire
Infinity Drain Wedge Wire blends contemporary styling with durability. Made of 316L marine grade stainless steel, the signature Infinity look is created by V-shaped wires that run parallel to each other and are welded together with a spacing of 2mm. Grate openings widen inwardly to serve as a primary strainer for debris while allowing water to flow freely.
Infinity Drain 2mm Wedge Wire is available in 1, 1-1/2, 2-1/2, 3-7/8, and 5 widths.
Place Your Bathroom Tiles
When tiling, make sure you create a slope with a minimal gradient of 2% towards the shower drains. It is important to ensure that the tiles are not placed directly at the shower drain, about 5 mm needs to remain free in order to apply the elastic sealant.
Tip: use our tile guide to make sure that theres enough space between the tiles and drain
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Connect To Drainage Pipe
We recommend replacing drainage pipes with diameter less than 50 mm. This may be the case in renovation projects, where there a shower tray has been installed. First connect the shower drain to the drainage pipe and make sure that the drain pipe has sufficient slope. Slide the drain in the connector, it is not necessary to glue this, as the connector provides sufficient sealing. Check the water tightness of the shower drain and connection to the sewer to eliminate leaks.
Tip: Mount the earthing on the anchoring clip and provide adequate ventilation for the drainage pipes.
How Much Does It Cost To Install A Linear Shower Drain
The drain costs between $50 and $70, but you may need to spend another $30 to $40 on additional supplies. If you pay a professional to do the installation for you, they will charge you between $200 and $300 for labor. If you dont have the money to pay for the job yourself, you can always hire a plumber or electrician to help you out.
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Guide To Installing Shower Drain Diy Help
Installing a shower drain is an important task. You can either do it yourself or can check with the professionals to get a perfect linear drain shower pan on a concrete floor. A shower drain is an outlet that keeps the floor of your shower dry by collecting and directing the water from the area to the drain. You have a wide range of pipes and sealant options to choose from. However, the main query is how to install a linear shower drain in concrete?
The main advantage of installing the drain in concrete is to keep the mold and mildew away. The shower area is always wet and the dampness increases the possibility of mold formation which is very unhealthy and unsanitary. The properly sealed shower drain ensures an aesthetically appealing wet area that is safe and healthy. How to Tile Around a Square Shower Drain?
Shower Grate Installation Step By Step
Every bathroom and shower setup is unique. Fortunately, installing a shower grate is similar for concrete slabs, timber structural floors and fibre cement floors. So with that in mind, keep note of your own requirements as you follow our step by step guide on installing a shower grate drain.
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Determine The Drain Location
Choosing the location of the linear drain may depend on the existing waste line. More often than not, its 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. The versatility of the linear drain system allows for both vertical and side waste outlet configuration options. It will accommodate an outlet that is not perfectly centered by using trough extensions.
Aesthetically, an off-center outlet will not be an issue once the one-piece cover spans the entire width of the shower concealing the fact the outlet was not perfectly centered.
Another aspect determining the linear drains location is whether the shower will be curbed or curbless. If its a curbed shower, the linear drain can be placed anywhere inside the curb.
QuickDrains ShowerLine system provides an internal sloped trough. Multiple drains can be paired together to accommodate larger showers. Photo: courtesy QuickDrain USA
The Grates & Drains Configurator
Bathrooms have changed a lot over the years. With shower drains and grates no longer stuck positioned in the middle of the shower, the classic shower grate and drain has shifted from traditional positions and fixtures towards something far more appealing. Thats why weve created the Grates and Drains Configurator. If you want to know how to change your shower drain, we can help you find a suitable grate and drain from our range that best suits your requirements with just a few short questions.
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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 increase your budget for labor and installation. Installation of a linear shower drain requires more coordination between your plumbing, electrician, and contractor.
Update Your Bathroom By Installing A Shower With A Sleek Linear Shower Drain
Timothy Dale is a home repair expert and writer with over a decade of hands-on construction and home improvement experience. He is skilled in residential, commercial, industrial and institutional plumbing, electrical, carpentry, installation, renovations, and project management.
Perry Mastrovito / Getty Images
- Working Time: 1 – 3 days
- Total Time: 3 – 5 days
- Yield: One Shower with a Linear Shower Drain
- Skill Level: Advanced
- Estimated Cost: $6,000
Bathtub/shower combos have been a popular option for years, but the aesthetic of a walk-in shower is quickly becoming a more appealing option for many homeowners. Small walk-in shower stalls will typically have a plastic base and glass walls that are pre-fabricated for a quick installation. These products generally come with a square or circular center drain that measures about 3 to 4 inches in size.
Medium to large walk-in showers don’t usually have a pre-fabricated base. Instead, the floor of the shower is made of mortar and tile. While this process takes longer than installing a pre-fabricated floor, it also gives you the freedom to make the shower look the way you want. Replacing the usual center floor drain with a linear shower drain is a great way to increase the appeal of your new shower while simultaneously enhancing the functionality of the design.
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Prepare Your Work Area
Before starting the installation process, please check if the floor and work area are clean. Another important thing is to make sure debris or filth cannot get into the shower drain during assembly. You can protect the drain using the pre-assembled sealing membrane or a cloth. Prior to the assembly, the assembling advice and its special characteristics should be discussed with the tiler. After the assembly, please provide the tiler with the complete assembling advice.
How To Install A Linear Shower Drain
Before getting down to install the linear shower drain, ensure that you measure the length of the shower with the door or the opposite wall. This is to ensure that you put into consideration the volume of water coming from your type of shower and the flow rate. Here is the proper way to install a linear shower drain.
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Place The Grate Cover
After letting the sealing dry the shower drain can be cleaned, afterwards, the height adjustable grate can be placed and adapted to tile thickness.
Tip: Easy Drain TAF-models are fully adjustable at the time of tiling which eliminates guesswork, creates a finished edge, and ensures a perfect fit with any thickness of floor material
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.
A linear drain is a water egress or exit that is an elongated rectilinear form of drain. Basically, it captures the water flow and moves it towards a single exit point. The goal ultimately is to create an efficient delivery method for liquid moving away from your shower basin.
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Tips To Consider When Installing A Linear Shower Drain
Simplified Slope The traditional center drains require that you have the floor of your shower sloping in four directions from the walls to the center. However, for a linear shower drain installation, you will only need a gentle slope towards the wall you will be installing the linear shower drain.
Proper Placement Building codes require that you place the linear shower drain along the shower door wall or the wall opposite the door. Many people and contractors have made the mistake of placing the linear shower drain perpendicular to the wall, and this creates a trip and slip hazard.
Consider the Length When shopping for a linear shower drain, you will find that the manufacturers produce linear shower drains in different lengths and you must consider that in the design process of your shower. According to the experts, if the drain is too narrow or it runs across the width of your doorway, eventually you will find water pooling in corners and beside walls. Consider the length of the wall with the door and take the measurements with you as you shop for the linear drain.
Using A Bonded Flange:
Liquid
Roll or paint-on liquid membrane that can be applied on floors, walls, and ceilings and bonds directly to the drain flange. The total install time is shorter than traditional waterproofing methods and typically saves 2 to 3 days. Tile can bond directly to waterproofing.
Fabric Sheet
Sheet membrane that bonds directly to the drain flange with an adhesive and is sold by most tile suppliers. Corners are available to avoid folding. If the shower pan area is larger than the roll dimensions, it must be seamed or joined together. Tile can bond directly to waterproofing.
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