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If you are remodeling your bathroom to include a standalone shower, consider the type of drain that you want to use before you start construction. Choosing the right drain type can make drain cleaning easier and prevent hair and soap clogs from ruining your day.
Something as simple as selecting a shower drain seems like an inconsequential decision, but it’s not. The following tips can help you understand the difference between the various types of shower drains, and how shower drains differ from bathtub drains.
If you aren’t sure what type of drain would work best for your shower, contact bluefrog Plumbing + Drain today. We install drains and fixtures and provide excellent drain cleaning services.
Difference Between a Tub and Shower Drain
When it comes to choosing a tub or shower drain, think about how the type of drain will stand up to regular drain cleaning. A shower has a floor drain that removes wastewater as you clean yourself. With a tub drain, you have to open and close the drain to keep water in or let it run out. This requires a lift-and-turn mechanism.
When you push it down and turn clockwise, it closes the drain. To open the drain, you lift up, turning the mechanism counterclockwise. Sometimes, tubs have levers that open and close the drain. Shower drains are often simpler, depending on your personal preferences.
Pipe Connection Size
Standalone shower and bathtubs also have different size connections. A combination shower and tub drain typically uses a 2-inch connection to the pipes that remove the used water. Conversely, tub drains use a 1 ½-inch connection. The impact of size on drain cleaning depends on the type of mechanism you use to prevent clogs. Since shower drains are floor drains, you can choose one that will trap hair and other debris before it goes into your pipes.
Connections
Shower drains definitely include perks when it comes to preventing expensive drain cleaning and unclogging services. They don’t require a pipe from the shower to the drain system in your home as bathtubs do.
Build Your Shower to Code
bluefrog Plumbing + Drain hires technicians familiar with local plumbing codes. If you plan to convert a tub into a standalone shower stall or vice versa, hire the local experts.
Without the correct drain types and connections, wastewater can accumulate under the shower, causing health hazards and foul odors. Sitting wastewater can also lead to clogs that require drain cleaning services.
Main Categories of Shower Drains
There are a massive number of shower drain types. However, they mainly fall in two categories, linear or point drains. Point drains account for the majority of shower drains. Located in the middle of the floor, they collect water off a floor that slopes toward the drain.
If you use square tiles, look for a square point drain to match for aesthetic purposes. This also makes it easy to get a snug fit between the tiles and the drain. With a square drain, you may get a better fit the makes drain cleaning easier.
Linear drains are long and narrow. If you want to add drama to your shower, choose a linear drain. This type has gained in popularity in recent years but still stands out. Although you can install them in the middle of the floor, they usually go along one wall. The floor will slope evenly toward the linear drain. Some are 72″ long in fancier showers.
Both types drain the water away efficiently, but point drains tend to be cheaper to install.
Large Tiles or Small Tiles
Linear drains give you more freedom with tile size. That’s because the floor slopes evenly, leaving you free to choose the tile size and style that appeals to you. Many homeowners prefer large tile sizes so that the shower matches the rest of the bathroom. Larger tiles also make spaces feel larger.
With a point drain, you need smaller tiles to create a funnel for proper drainage and to prevent clogs. If you’re happy with 4″ x 4″ tiles, a point drain might suit your needs. Keep in mind that tiles must lie flat and a sloped floor has more than one slope. If you want to use smaller tiles to create a fanciful pattern, point drains make an ideal choice for your bathroom.
bluefrog Plumbing + Drain technicians can install the drain for your shower no matter which drain you choose. We can also help you determine whether the shower tiles slope sufficiently for the point or linear drain that you select.
If you do require service for drain cleaning or clogs, we are just a phone call away!
What Style of Grate Do You Want?
After you land on a point or linear drain choice, you still have to choose the grate style. Homeowners typically choose a style that matches the finish of other bathroom fixtures. If your taps are chrome, then choose a drain grate to match.
A tile-able grate lets you top the drain with the same tile you used for the shower. The water drains around the edges and you get a seamless look for the shower floor.
From a maintenance perspective, it’s a good idea to choose a grate that stays in place but that your plumber can remove easily for drain cleaning services.
Drain Cleaning Services from bluefrog Plumbing + Drain
bluefrog Plumbing + Drain is a full-service plumbing company. Whether you require drain cleaning or installation or other plumbing services, we are here for you. Call us when you need to install a water heater, have a leak in your sewer or water line and for emergency plumbing any time of the day or night.
