It’s very normal for bathrooms to have circular or center shower drains. But there is no denying that a linear shower drain is impressive. When choosing a drain for your shower, there are a few important things to keep in mind. These things will help you pick the right drain for your needs. You can improve your wet room with a linear shower drain. Also, if you want to make your shower area more comfortable, our helpful staff is here to help. It’s easy for standard center shower drains to get stuck and dirty. The drain is usually found in the middle of the shower, which is an issue. It’s easy for hair and soap scum to accumulate in this place. This can cause the drain to get clogged. This makes it hard for water to move through. This might cause the water to pool in the shower, which is an inconvenience and a health risk.
It goes without saying that the clog can also make the shower flood, which is even worse. Installing a linear drain is one way to keep these problems from happening. You can find the linear drains along the side of the shower. This helps the water move away from the drain and keeps it from getting clogged. So, linear drains can make any bathroom better in both function and style. Linear shower drains are ideal for new and renovation projects. Linear drains are set against a shower wall, unlike center drains. This style gives you more options for where to put your shower fixtures. Also, it can make the room feel bigger.
The opening of a linear shower drain is usually covered by a grate. Also, sloped surfaces are the most important features of linear drains. This slope makes it possible for water to flow easily and prevents clogs. Because of this, linear shower drains are the best choice for both performance and style. If you want to convert an off-center shower drain into a linear drain. You should read through the steps below to get an idea of what needs to be done. You can hire a plumber to install your drain and tile. You have the option to do it yourself as well. Let’s start!!
Materials and Tools You Will Need to Install a Linear Shower Drain
- Tile sealant
- Chisel
- Hammer
- Gravel
- Sand
- Drainage pipes
- Screws
- Tape measure
- Cement
- Wrench
- Flange
- Cement bond
- Safety glasses
- Assorted screwdrivers
- Silicon Sealant
- Flooring Mortar
How to Convert and Install an Off-Center Shower Drain to a Linear Drain?
Do you know how to convert an off-center shower drain into a linear drain? Are you able to install a new linear shower drain correctly? Homeowners are starting to get interested in linear drains. They are suitable for design freedom and have a low profile. They are great for any remodeling job because of this. This is why you should learn everything you can about how to install linear shower drains. Here are some tips on how to install a linear shower drain in your bathroom:
Step 1 – You need to pick a suitable liner shower drain:
There are several sizes, shapes, and materials available for linear shower drains. You have to consider things like the size of your shower and how fast the water will flow. Also, the style you want when picking out a suitable drain. People like stainless steel linear drains because they last a long time, look good, and don’t rust. After making your choice, make sure the drain comes with everything you need to put it. Its parts include a channel, grate, and sealing membrane, among others.
Step 2 – You must do proper preparation before installation.
The first thing you should do is make sure you know what the local plumbing rules or codes are. Also, you must ensure the product is in good condition before attaching it to your shower wall. You must prepare all accessories and components for installation. If you need a replacement, call the store where you got it. If the product meets your needs, put it back in its original box. You can take it out of its pack when you’re ready to install it. So, you need to give your linear shower drain the care and attention it requires. The only reason for this is to keep it from getting broken and preserve the shine.
Step 3 – Select the look and position of your drain.
When choosing where to put your drain, you have four options. You can put the drain between two walls. You can also place them along only part of each side of a wall or the whole length of a wall. The decision depends on the style you want and how your bathroom is set up. The professional can also help you choose the best spot for your linear shower drain. Also, you have the option of a continuous appearance or a stainless steel wedge wire drain. You can also choose a tile insert drain to hide your drain and make it look like the tile. Also, you will need to measure and mark the spot where the drain lines will go based on your choice. You should also consider that wall-mounted drains provide more support than floor-mount drains.
Step 4 – You also measure drain height and outlet position.
You need to take into account the full depth of the drain floor in your measurements. The thickness of the tile, any sealer, and the leveling layer are all part of it. After that, you figure out how long the strip drain is and where the drain outlet is. The slope of your floor is another thing you should think about. If the slope is between 1% and 2%, water will drain away quickly.
Step 5 – You need to make the hole.
The hole has to be perfectly round before you can fix a linear shower drain. The drain needs to be measured correctly. You can also do this by finding the height of the linear shower drain. The drain’s top is recommended to sit 1/16″ below the tile.
Step 6 – You must prepare the substrate.
The substrate for the shower needs to be completely prepared before you put the drain. You should clean the area well and get rid of any trash or extra water. It is very important that the ground is level and slopes toward the drain. It makes it easy for water to move freely. It provides a watertight installation and offers protection against water damage.
Step 7 – Attach the drain body
The next step in installation is to put the drain body into the ground that has been prepared.
You also put a layer of the right waterproofing glue on the drain flange’s bottom. It makes sure there is a full covering. You should firmly push the drain body into space so that it lines up with where you marked it. You can also use a spirit level to level the drain before letting the glue dry.
Step 8 – Attach the Linear Drain Outlet:
You attach the drain outlet to the sewer line once the drain body is properly in position. You need to use thread seal tape or sealants where needed to make sure that all of the links are watertight. It is very important to follow the plumbing rules and codes in your area during this step. It helps make sure that everything works right and follows the rules.
Step 9 – You should maintain a linear drain body and flange.
It is necessary to apply masking tape and painter’s tape to the flanges and linear shower drain body. Why do you need to do this? Our research shows that this keeps the inside of the drain strong. Also, the edges are kept free of dirt and mortar.
Step 10 – Level the Linear Shower Drain.
You need to take one more important step before we move on to the next steps of fitting a linear drain. We just need to level the linear shower drain. Also, you need to pack the mortar down under the last pipe flange.
Step 11 – Install wire lath with tar paper.
The tar paper can be cut with a pocket knife to cover the floor. You need to make sure you cover the shower walls’ sides and bottom. It keeps any water from the mortar mixture from getting to the floor. If you want your pan mortar mix to be highly durable, use a wire lath sheet.
Step 12 – Set up the grate.
You can install the grate or cover of your choice after you have fixed the drain body and outlet. The grating should match your bathroom and allow enough water flow. It’s important to ensure the grate is level and fits the rest of the tile design. Also, you should follow the manufacturer’s advice on how to secure the grate on the spot. It makes sure that it fits correctly.
FAQs
1. What kind of linear shower drains are available?
Linear drain showers come in a number of different styles. Tile-in drains are one of the more common choices. These look like they belong on the floor. A detachable grating is a feature of point-drain systems. This makes it easy to clean. Channel drains are perfect for modern baths because they are slim.
2. Are linear shower drains worth the investment?
There are many benefits to linear drain showers, such as better flow and a more modern look. Your shower style and budget will determine if they are worth the money. If you can afford it, a linear drain shower could be a great way to make your shower better. If you are looking for a less expensive option, a center shower drain is still a great option.
3. Where is the ideal place to install a linear drain in your shower?
The shower’s end, next to the wall, is the ideal location for a linear drain installation. This makes maximum drainage possible. It also keeps water from collecting in the center of the shower. You can also pair it with a curbless shower design to make it look even more sophisticated.
4. How do I choose the best linear drain for my shower?
This question doesn’t have a clear answer because it depends on a lot of things. You should think about your budget, the size and style of your shower, and how much water it uses. However, linear shower drains work well for many showers. Why? Because they seem more modern and drain water more efficiently.
5. Do you require a linear drain for your curbless shower?
A curbless shower doesn’t require a linear drain, but it definitely isn’t a bad idea. Linear drains are better at getting rid of water. This reduces the possibility of water pools and puddles forming. Plus, the linear shower drains look more trendy.
6. Does a linear drain have to go from wall to wall?
It’s not necessary for a linear shower drain to go from wall to wall. When picking a linear drain, you should think about how big your shower is and how much water it uses. Whichever drain you select should be able to handle the amount of water your shower makes.
7. Do I need a flange for your linear shower drain?
A linear shower drain needs a flange to comply with most sealing standards. On the other hand, you can waterproof a surface without using it. When you are not sure what to do, you should always check the manufacturer’s guide for your drain.
8. How do you keep your hair from blocking the linear drain?
There are several ways to keep hair from getting stuck in a linear shower drain. If you want to prevent hair from going down the drain, you can use a cover for the drain. A hair catcher is another thing you can use. This covers the drain and captures any hair that may fall into it.
9. What is the best method for cleaning a linear drain?
If you want to clean your shower drain, linear drains are better than others. It’s easy to keep your shower clean since there are no holes that hair or other things can get stuck in. You might use a small brush or vacuum tool to clean a linear drain. It gets rid of any gunk that has built up in the drain.
10. Do linear shower drains require extra maintenance?
Linear drains don’t need extra maintenance than regular center drains. Still, they need to be cleaned as needed to keep dirt and other things from building up. When picking a linear drain, consider your shower’s size and water output. You should choose a shower drain that can handle its water volume. This linear shower drain is easier to clean than the more common center drain.
Conclusion
Linear drains are a stylish and effective way to keep water out of your bathroom. It also makes the room look more stylish and classy. If your center drains keep getting clogged, it might be time to convert to a linear drain. Surface slope is a feature of linear drain design. This keeps the water moving easily and stops clogs from happening. If you take care of them, they should last for many years without any problems. You can get the right linear shower drain for your needs and enjoy a lifetime of performance. A linear shower drain is wonderful if you want to improve your bathroom.
The linear shower drain works well and consistently. This stylish choice will last a lifetime if you take care of and clean it regularly. You must consider your shower’s size, water output, and style when picking a linear drain. If you want to improve the look of your bathroom, you might want to choose a linear shower drain. It is both efficient and stylish. This article explains how to convert an off-center shower drain to a linear drain. You should also check that you have all the tools before starting this do-it-yourself job. We hope you find this article informative and helpful.
