Your shower drain might seem commonplace, but it doesn’t have to be. Your drain can add to the style of your bathroom instead of taking away from it. These days, there are many options for whatever project you are doing, whether it is a full remodel or just a small bathroom update. With all the options out there, it is important to choose what is right for your project. Whether you put style, function, or price first, there are plenty of choices for you. Below are the three major categories of shower drains and what they have to offer.
Linear Drains
Linear drains are a clean, stylish choice for the shower, and as the name implies, they are shaped like a line. These drains are appropriate for showers with no curb and provide a contemporary and sleek look to your bathroom. One of the primary advantages of a linear drain is that it has a smaller slope than a traditional drain. This means installation does not require carving into your beams or creating a bowl into which the water will flow. Another advantage is that since it is narrow it can easily fit along the edge of your shower without drawing too much attention away from your tiles. Quite a few options are available in style and function. A popular choice is the tile-top linear model, which hides the drain seamlessly below your tiles. Like any other drain, these need to be cleaned regularly to keep water flowing through at the best rate.
Traditional Drain/Point Drain
There are plenty of stylish options available in the more traditional center drains, or point drains. If your bathroom is already set up for one, and you are just doing some cosmetic work, you may want to stick with the tried and true point drain. Some building codes also require a certain size or amount of drains, in which case traditional models can be the way to go. It is better to err on the side of caution and get a bigger drain than a smaller one if you are concerned about the rate of water flow. Some customized and fancy options exist for these drains as well, including an infinity drain that camouflages the drain under tile or a metal plate, much like the linear tile top.
Pre-Fabricated Shower Base
Another option for your project is to choose the type of shower pan that you would like. A premade shower base, which will come ready for installation, has a quicker turn-around for your project. It can be a cheaper option in some cases as well; and if your shower is a fairly standard shape and size, it is an easier choice. However, if you have an oddly shaped bathroom or are looking for the sleekest option out there, this might not be for you.
Shower Pan Liner and Tile
The main beauty of using a shower pan liner instead of a premade shower pan is that you get more choices of size, shape, and style. Do you want to add an extra bench? No problem. Do you want to remove the threshold to allow for wheelchair or walker roll in access? No problem. Do you want to make the walls match the floor so that the tile, stone, or otherwise continues through the entire shower? No problem. With proper installation and maintaining the integrity of the grout and caulking areas, a shower pan liner can last 50 years or more…definitely longer than whatever style you select for the tile will still be in fashion.
If you can imagine it, the shower of your dreams can become a reality. Check out ideas on Houzz or Pinterest for cool shower designs when you update your home. Once you have ideas in place, contact your local CW Service Pros plumber to discuss your pinned ideas and pros and cons of your selections.