What Is A Linear Shower Drain
There are a variety of terms used for this long drain. Included are the following:
This drain shape is excellent because it conforms to the size of your shower or wet room. It also only requires one gradient to guide water out. They expertly handle the increased water flow of multiple showerheads.
Linear drains can also reduce service depth when it comes to installing drainage which can be a great opportunity for developers when building apartment blocks as the ability to add extra units without gaining height can come into play.
What is a Floor Waste Gully, and Do I Need One?
Linear drains are also handy as an additional drain outside of the shower or bath in case of overflow. A floor drain can run the length of the shower, bath or even the room. In Australia, they are often called a floor waste gully, and they link into the other drainage points, like the sink drain, so your floor drain can run the length of the bath or even the room.
NOTE: Touching on regulations, it is worth noting in some states like QLD Floor wastes are only required in Class 2 or 3 buildings or Class 4 parts, where the floor of a bathroom or laundry is located at any level above another sole-occupancy unit or public space .
More information about the typical construction and history can be found here on the trench drain Wikipedia page.
Here are examples of a linear drainage system we have included both a grate and tile insert so you can see the difference:
Where To Find The Drainage Capacity
You can find the drainage capacity on our product pages under Technical information and in the datasheet on the tab Downloads . We also list the drainage capacity in our catalogue. If you have any questions about this, please let us know.
Note: To achieve the best possible result, please carefully read the installation guide because the exact instructions depend on the type of shower drain. We recommend that the shower drain installation should only be done by trained professionals in compliance with local building regulations.
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How To Install Tiled Drains
01. Install the bottom flange
Properly clean the periphery of the shower drain, and then install the bottom flange into the drainpipe with solvent glue. It is recommended to install a waterproof membrane liner on the lower of the bottom flange before proceeding to the next step.
02. Install the middle flange
Fix the middle flange on the bottom flange with bolts, and then use water to check the liner for leaks.
03. Place the strainer assembly
Connect the strainer to the drainpipe and match it to the middle flange to reach a certain height to fit the surrounding tiles.
FAQ:
1. What is the American standard shower drain size?
A standard shower drain size is 2 inches in diameter, but a standard modern bathtub drain is 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and 3-inch drains are also relatively frequent.The Huckle floor drain is 2 inches.
2. Is the hair catcher essential for a shower drain?
The hair catcher, a.k.a strainer, is useful to prevent hair and soap stains from clogging the plumbing system.
3. Are the covers of all linear shower drains the same length?
No, cover length can be selected according to different displacement requirements. It is crucial to make sure specifications and get what size you want.
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Average Shower Curtain Size
There are three standard shower curtain sizes that are sized to fit the average 60 inches bathtub:
- 70 inches x 70 inches
- 70 inches x 72 inches
- 70 inches x 84 inches
- 72 inches x 72 inches
- 72 inches x 96 inches Floor to ceiling shower curtain
- 84 inches x 74 inches Alternate bathtub shower curtain
A shower curtain which has proper full coverage should be twelve inches wider than the total bathtub length.
Extra-long shower curtains can also come in these sizes: 72 inches x 84 inches and 78 inches x 78 inches. For shower stalls, a narrower curtain comes in the range of 36 inches x 54 inches to 54 x 78.
In order to determine the right length of your shower curtains, measure the length from the curtain rod to the floor and subtract 2 inches from the total length.
What Size Drain Pipe For Shower

Updating the shower in your bathroom is an exciting project with many options for a visually appealing and luxurious place to wash away the stress of the day.
However, the unseen parts, in particular the drain and plumbing, are very important to install correctly to avoid complications such as flooding.
The minimum pipe size for a shower drain is 2 inches , to allow water to drain quickly and properly. Shower and tub combinations can have a 1 ½-inch drain connection. However, it is recommended to attach a 2-inch drain pipe to these as well, if possible.
This article will tell you about the factors for the installation of drain pipes, drain assemblies, and FAQs related to shower drains. Read on.
Main Topics
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Standard Tub Shower Size
In general, the standard wall to wall bathtub will have a dimension of 60 inches long and 30 to 32 inches wide.
Free Standing Tub Shower Sizes
- 60 inches long x 30 inches wide
- 55 inches long x 27 inches wide
- 72 inches long x 32 inches wide
- Height: 24 inches
Free standing bathtubs as tubs which are not attached or connected to any walls or surfaces of the bathroom. This type of bathtub require a large bathroom area in order to accommodate the size and weight of the tub.
Alcove Tub Shower Sizes
- 60 inches long x 30 inches wide
- 45 inches long x 30 inches wide
- 72 inches long x 42 inches wide
- Height: 15 inches
Alcove bathtubs is usually installed within a three wall enclosure, usually making them ideal for a shower combination design concept.
Drop in Bath Tub Sizes
- 60 inches long x 30 inches wide
- 45 inches long x 30 inches wide
- 72 inches long x 32 inches wide
- Height: 14 to 20 inches
Drop in tubs are very similar to the standard bathtubs and are usually installed connected to a wall in your bathroom, just like the alcove type bathtub or can be installed in an open area incorporating it to a peninsula in the middle of the bathroom.
Under Mount Bathtub Sizes
- 60 inches long x 30 inches wide
- 45 inches long x 30 inches wide
- 72 inches long x 32 inches wide
- Height: 14 to 20 inches
Corner Bathtub Sizes
- 60 inches x 60 inches
- 48 inches x 48 inches
- 72 inches by 72 inches
- Height: 22 inches
Walk-in Bathtub Sizes
Shower Drain Pipe Vs Bathtub Drain Pipe
The bathtub drain pipe has the same function as the shower drain pipe, which are intermediaries for draining wastewater in the plumbing system. The shower drain is usually independent, yet the bathtub is not. If you plan to install a bathtub in the bathroom, it is best to contact a professional plumber for measurement, installation, and testing.
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Hiding In Plain Sight
For truly luxurious bathrooms, designers prefer to showcase certain finishes while subtly hiding others. The majority of designers choose tile as their primary material for upgraded shower floors and walls, which is why Infinity Drains tile-in linear and center drains are the most popular look specified since they visually disappear, providing a sleek and minimalist visual field. Infinity Drain offers various sizes and styles of tile-in drains to work well with both large format and small format tiles so designers are not limited.
Infinity Drain tile-in drains work with small and large format tile hiding in plain sight.
How To Install A Compression
Compression-type shower drains attach to the home drain pipes with compression washers and nuts. This style is generally easier to install than solvent-glued drains, especially if you don’t have basement or crawlspace access to the area below the shower base. Compression-style drain assemblies are available in ABS, PVC, or brass, though PVC is gradually becoming the most popular. Any of these material types can be used with steel, fiberglass, or acrylic shower bases.
When installing a compression shower drain, the drain fitting is normally installed into the shower base before the base is laid into position.
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Types Of Shower Drains Based On Shower Floor
Before you choose a shower drain, its crucial that you consider the type of shower that youre going to be installing. The drain that you select must be determined based on both the type of shower and the construction of the bathroom floor. Below weve outlined the three main types of shower point drains for specific circumstances: one-piece shower drains, three-piece shower drains, and multipiece shower drains.
Expert Tip To Install 1 Inch Pipe For Shower Drain:
To install a 1 ½ inch pipe, you need to place it correctly. You have to place it exactly at the center of the flooring. Then the pipe should go around inch down from the floor.
Make the measurements correct. If necessary, mark the pipe so that you can insert the right portion of the pipe into the drain. If necessary, cut the pipe short.
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What Are Shower Grate Drains
Are just that grates! We only deal in stainless steel for its enduring looks and low maintenance. These come in a range of styles, some of which can be seen here:
Linear shower grates can also be customised in some particular ways, such as with multi-coloured LED strip lights . This option can be a particularly useful option for grates lining driveways and other outdoor spaces.
For more on this check out our grate lights page for linear shower grate lights here.
How To Choose The Best Drain For Your Shower

Your shower drain has to put up with a lot. From hair to grit, we wash it all off in the shower. That is why, when you are planning your next shower project, you need to make sure to pick the best shower drain. But how do you select the best shower drain?We have gathered some of the best factors to consider when picking out the perfect drain because no one drain is right for every application. So keep reading to get the information you need.
Pick The Type Of Drain
There are many specialized types of drains out there. When it comes down to making the choice, there are two main categories you need to decide between. A point drain or a linear drain.
A point drain is a traditional drain that you will see in many showers. The shower slopes toward the drain, guiding the water into the drain. Most commonly point drains are in the center of the shower and tile needs to be cut to go around them.
On the other hand, a linear drain is a long and narrow drain that can take on a number of appearances. The shower floor only slopes gradually to these drains. Another benefit of a linear drain is the fact that they can fit in with almost all tiles.
Flow Rate
Size Of The Tiles
Décor Of The Drain
We mentioned above the tile-in ability of linear drains. That is one décor feature to consider. However, you can also get designer drain grades. These designer grates have cutouts in various shapes and designs. Think circles, Xs, waves, and more. These can add a bit of flair to your drain.
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You May Need To Replace The Entire Trap
Some shower drains have excessively welded joints, making rapid repairs difficult.
The reduced drainpipe that is left after removing the previous drain is not long enough to work correctly.
You may address this issue by extending the drain where itâs needed, but this is a physically demanding and annoying task because it requires working overhead in a confined location.
It is significantly easier to remove the entire drain trap and replace it with a new one.
Dimensions Of A Shower Bench
Many showers feature benches, which come in various styles, shapes, and sizes. If you decide to install a seat in your shower, keep in mind a few basics. The seat of the bench should be about 17 to 19 inches from the floor.
The standard depth is about 15 inches but can be slightly more or less than this based on your preferences. You can install a bench on the wall and fold it up when not in use. This lets you still maximize your floor space. Check out these teak shower bench ideas.
But, if you opt to install a built-in seat, ensure it doesnt take away from your showers necessary floor space. A corner bench is an excellent option for having a seat without sacrificing a lot of room in your shower.
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Decorative Types Of Shower Drains
Decorative shower drains exist purely for aesthetic purposes. They are generally no different than standard 1-3 piece shower drains, but they feature a . Homeowners spend an average of $60 on decorative shower drain covers if there is already a drain in place.
Engraved decorative shower drains can cost over $100, and you can customize them to suit your bathroom. You generally dont lose any function with a decorative shower drain, and their unique appearance simply adds a unique flair.
Hidden Types Of Shower Drains
Hidden shower drains are a type of linear drain that blends in with the floor. You generally need to pick a hidden shower drain during construction or before you update your bathroom. Hidden shower drains are diverse and work well with both small and large tiles.
You can often find hidden shower drains in curbless showers, but they arent limited to them. There are point-drain style hidden shower drains that you can match to your tile.
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Types Of Shower Drains
When it comes to designing or renovating a bathroom shower, most homeowners place a strong emphasis on appearance rather than function. However, because you likely dont want to shower while standing in dirty water, the drain is one of the most important components of your shower. There are many different types of shower drains, some of which are the only application for specific situations.
The two main types of shower drains are linear and point drains. One-piece, multipiece, and three-piece shower drains are all point drains that go in the center of a shower. Hidden and decorative shower drains are linear drains that go up against the shower wall. Point drains are the most common and inexpensive, but linear drains work best for curbless showers.
Ultimately, the type of shower drain you choose will depend on the slope of your bathroom floor, the type of shower, the flooring, and the style youre going for. It is crucial that you choose your shower drain wisely. Otherwise, you risk a number of unnecessary consequences, including leaks that can result in mold in mildew forming underneath the floor of your shower.
Point Drain Or Linear Drain
There are more shower drains available than you can count, but they all really fall into two types point drains and linear drains. Point drains are most common and are what we are used to seeing in showers. They are typically located in the middle of the shower floor, and the floor is sloped from all directions down to the drain. The shower floor is really a gently sloped funnel that directs all of the water into this drain. One tip is to look for a square drain grate, as opposed to a round one. Tiles are square, so your shower floor will look better with a square drain, and the installer wont have to try to make round cuts on square tile.
A linear drain, as the name suggests, is long and narrow. These drains add an element of style to the shower and have become much more popular in the past few years. They may be located in the middle of the floor but are most commonly placed along one wall of the shower. The design and placement of these drains means the entire shower floor slopes gently and evenly toward the drain. No more funnel. Linear drains come in many different lengths, up to as long as 72.
Its important to know that both types of drains take the water away with equal efficiency. Unless you have an unusually large amount of water in your shower, either type will work. In most cases a point drain will cost less than a linear drain.
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What Pipe Size Is Good For Bathtub Shower Drain
Bathtubs can reserve the water for some time. Not only that. Most buildings allow bathtub shower drains to have a 1 ½ inch shower drain pipe. As there is no harm in letting the water drain out slowly, it is enough to have a 1 ½ inch shower drain pipe for bathtubs. So 1.5 inches of pipe for the bathtub drain would suffice.
How Far Can Shower Drain Be From Vent Stack

The maximum developed length of a drainage stack is the vertical distance from the centerline of the stack at the elevation of the building drain inlet plus the vertical height of the stack above the building drain inlet.
The developed length of a drainage stack is the length of the stack measured along the centerline of the stack from the building drain inlet to the point of discharge.
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What Is The Minimum Size Pipe For A Shower Drain
The minimum size for a shower drain is 1.5 inches. And you can use this size if it is the only one available for your shower, but the most standard one is two inches. Besides, a shower needs a proper drain so it wont fully get covered by the water and end up overflowing.
This implies it will exceed the required limit. However, a drain always needs the help of air behind it during draining. For this reason, you need to think about a pop-up drain for your sink.
If it can not raise a sufficient amount, the sink may start filling up with water.