The drain is a convenient drainage system for showers without sides. Children, the elderly, and people with limited mobility can use this drain without any problems. In this article we will tell you how to install it correctly.
Types of shower drains – their features
Shower drains differ in design, shape of the drain grate, material, type of installation, connection, height, size.
The most common are rectangular and square gratings. Round and oval options are not very common – they are inconvenient to install with tiles.
The materials chosen for production are:
- Stainless steel – stainless steel looks aesthetically pleasing and is trouble-free to use.
- Plumbing cast iron has increased wear resistance and greater weight.
- Plastic is inferior in appearance, lasts less, and costs less.
For apartments and houses, experts recommend stainless steel products. Cast iron ones are too heavy, plastic ones will have to be replaced faster than metal ones. Metal is less susceptible to deformation from high temperatures. Waterproofing sticks to it better.
Depending on where it is installed in the cabin, the system is:
- Linear – installed at a distance of 10-30 centimeters from the wall.
- Point – mounted in the center of the cabin.
- Wall-mounted – looks like a slotted hole (for wall mounting).
The tray is considered separately. Mounted in the center of the shower room, it consists of four linear drains at the same time.
Depending on the type of sewer insulation, the products are:
With a water seal. Recommended if the shower is used at least 2 times a week. The sewer smell is blocked by a water plug.
With a dry shutter. Suitable for rarely used showers (wet seal dries out). The smell is cut off by a special valve.
With a combined shutter. Combine water plug, dry valve.
The design of the device also affects the type of connection. For example, most linear models are equipped with a siphon at a right angle. To prevent the water from swirling during drainage, a 45 degree elbow is installed. This moves the drain away from the wall an additional couple of tens of centimeters.
If the design has a horizontal flange, the product can be placed at the exit from the shower. If the flange is vertical, installation in the center of the shower is convenient. The price of a product with a flange is higher.
Installing a shower drain – step-by-step instructions
The drain is flush with the subfloor. Therefore, all communications are located below, under the screed. To allow water to drain, the cabin floor will have a slight slope. Wet floors can be slippery. It is recommended to install anti-slip material.
It is recommended to lay the sewerage system with a slope:
- 3 cm by 1 m for pipes with a diameter of 50 mm;
- 2 cm by 1 m for a diameter of 100 mm.
If you make a slight slope, the water will remain at the bottom of the pipe. If you make a large slope, the water will quickly run off. Grease will remain on the surface of the drain.
Marking and preparation for installation work
The ladder is installed on the prepared surface. It is waterproofed, creating an additional safety layer against leaks. In this case, waterproofing made of fabric or membrane must be installed with an overlap.
The outlet of the drain pipe is determined taking into account the design of the siphon. If the siphon is rotary, the drain may be 10 centimeters from the wall. If the siphon is not rotating, count on 30 centimeters.
Installation of the drain system
A laser is used to correctly align the ladder body. The beam is installed parallel to the far wall. The device must be centered on:
- level;
- turn;
- center of the cabin.
First you need to determine in which direction the surface is covered. In the surface where the highest level is, the leg (foot) twists completely. Where the slope is maximum, the foot is twisted to align it horizontally. Usually, using a foot, you can compensate for differences of up to 2-3 centimeters.
Next, holes in the legs are marked on the floor. They are drilled into the floor. After this, the horizon of the ladder is set in perpendicular and longitudinal projection.
Moisture can pass through the holes. Therefore, wooden choppers coated with silicone are placed in the holes. You can also coat the holes with waterproofing.
Connecting the drain to the sewer
The pipes are laid from below. They are connected at an angle of 45 degrees so that the water quickly leaves the sewer without turbulence. This prevents silting of the sewer.
Floor screed device
The metal of the ladder is covered with stickers, which are removed after pouring the screed. In their place, waterproofing tapes are rolled out. Half of the tape goes onto the screed pad, half onto the screed.
The screed is poured flush, from the part of the ladder farthest from the wall. It is recommended to maintain a slope of 2 centimeters per 1 meter in the opposite direction.
Laying floor tiles
Ceramic tiles, pebbles, and other bathroom finishing options are laid at the last stage of work. It is recommended to lay the tiles without glue, cover them with masking tape, and draw lines for cutting. They run from the edges of the shower to the edges of the drain holes. The cut elements are placed on glue.
To install the ladder with your own hands, carefully read the instructions. We recommend watching training videos to avoid installation errors and prepare the necessary tools and building materials in advance.