Customers dreaming of modern bathrooms are increasingly opting out of the traditional shower tray. Instead, the shower cabin is placed directly on the bathroom floor. However, for this solution to make sense, it is essential to install a functional drain in the bathroom. Linear drains are increasingly being used, allowing for quick removal of water from the shower area, which are functional and... very aesthetic!
What exactly is a linear drain?
A traditionally mounted shower cabin is placed on a tray equipped with a drain hole. But what about when you want a shower without a tray? No one wants to finish every shower with the need to wipe the entire bathroom floor, especially if you have underfloor heating, right? In this case, a linear drain is an excellent solution, which will successfully remove water and ensure the safety of the rest of the bathroom.
Linear drains should be considered already at the design stage of the bathroom, as proper profiling of the floor is required. There is no classic floor grate here, but a long narrow stainless steel strip placed in the floor or wall and connected to the sewer connection. When deciding to install a linear drain in the floor, we must take into account the thickness of the ceiling; if you choose a wall linear drain, this is less significant.
Installation of a linear drain
Installing a linear drain is best planned during the house design stage; otherwise, a general renovation of the bathroom may be necessary. Really general. The undeniable advantage of this solution is the possibility of placing the shower cabin virtually anywhere in the bathroom. Of course, installation at a greater distance from the water and sewer risers will be a more expensive solution, but with the appropriate connection elements, it is possible. However, for the entire operation to be successful, it is worth finding a good professional. Why? Well, installing a linear drain is a job for professionals; you probably won't manage it yourself after hours.
The first stage of installing a linear drain will be assembling the sewer connection. Next, on the concreted floor, a siphon is installed, and the top layer is laid. The next stage is connecting the individual drainage elements, including the floor grate, which should be below the tile level. After the top layer dries, waterproof insulation and the siphon outlet must be made. After these activities, you can finally lay the tiles, which will be the last stage of installing the linear drain.
Is it worth choosing a linear drain in the bathroom?
A wall or floor linear drain will allow you to equip your bathroom with a recently popular shower without a tray. This is an ideal solution if there are elderly people with reduced physical mobility in the house, as it allows for comfortable use of the shower even by family members using a wheelchair. The absence of a tray is a huge advantage, allowing for independence during bathing.
Installing a linear drain in your bathroom gives you the opportunity to arrange a modern shower space. A linear drain allows for rapid water removal, and the floor under the shower is significantly easier to clean than in the case of a classic cabin with a tray. A walk-in cabin is an elegant and fashionable solution that also works great in sports facilities used by many people every day.
Advantages and disadvantages of linear drains – a brief summary
The use of a linear drain in the bathroom has its pros and cons. Firstly, this type of solution is not suitable for every building. Secondly, it is good to decide on them at the construction stage; otherwise, you risk a general renovation, which involves tile removal and, thus, considerable costs. However, we believe that linear drains have more advantages than disadvantages, and it is a solution worth considering.
If you like this type of drainage but don't want to give up the tray entirely, you can opt for a wall drain, which can be combined with a very low slim-type tray. This is an intermediate solution, practically as aesthetic as a floor linear drain, but somewhat less problematic and easier to execute in any bathroom. Of course, renovation is also necessary in this case, but its scale will be smaller, easier to accept.