We can all agree that linear shower drains have become increasingly popular in modern bathrooms because of their sleek and contemporary look. Aside from improved functionality, these drains are easier to install than their counterparts.
However, just like any other thing in your house that you need to maintain, cleaning a linear shower drain can be challenging, especially if you are not familiar with their structure. Not doing so can cause problems like bad odors, water damage, and mold growth. To let you in for a treat, this blog will cover everything you need to know including step-by-step instructions on how to clean a linear shower drain.
1.Linear Vs. Center Shower Drain
Showering is a daily ritual that we all partake in, but have you ever stopped to think about the drainage system? It may not be the most glamorous topic, but it plays a crucial role in keeping our showers clean and enjoyable. So in this part of the article, we will take a look at the difference of a linear and center shower drain.
Drain Placement: A linear drain is positioned along one wall of the shower, typically parallel to the shower entrance. On the other hand, a center drain is located in the middle of the shower floor.
Water Flow: Linear drains are designed to accommodate a larger volume of water compared to center drains. With a linear drain, the water is efficiently channeled along the length of the drain, allowing for a more effective and faster drainage system. While center drains may have a limited capacity to handle water flow, especially during heavy water usage.
Design and Aesthetics: A linear drain offers a sleek and modern look, often blending seamlessly with contemporary bathroom designs. Whereas, center drains are more traditional and can provide a classic look to your shower.
Maintenance and Cleaning: When it comes to maintenance, linear drains can be easier to clean compared to center drains. The long, narrow shape of a linear drain makes it simpler to remove debris, hair, and soap scum. Center drains, due to their round shape, may require more effort to clean effectively. So, if you hate cleaning thoroughly, we suggest that you go with linear shower drains – in which we’ll talk about on how to clean them later on!
2.Linear Shower Drain Pros and Cons
There is no smooth sailing when it comes to buying a linear shower drain. You have to weigh its pros and cons or otherwise, you are looking on costly maintenance and time-consuming repairs. To help you avoid that, here are the pros and cons of buying a linear shower drain:
PROS:
- Increased drainage efficiency
- Accessibility and safety
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Enhanced design options
CONS:
- Higher installation costs
- Limited placement options
- Potential for water leakage
So, why settle for a traditional drain when you can upgrade to the sleek and practical world of the linear shower drain? Get ready to shower like a rockstar!
3.Importance of Linear Shower Drain Cleaning
Everyone hates it when instead of a relaxing experience, you find yourself ankle-deep in water, with the drain struggling to keep up with the flow. Not exactly the spa-like experience you were hoping for, right? That’s where the importance of regular linear shower drain cleaning comes into play.
For starters, a clean drain keeps the water moving effortlessly, preventing clogs, backups, and potential water damage. By regularly cleaning your linear shower drain, you can ensure the smooth journey of water, allowing it to whisk away all those pesky debris and keep your bathroom dry and delightful.
4.How to Clean a Linear Shower Drain?
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the different methods you can use to clean a liner shower drain. From buying a linear drain kit to troubleshooting issues, keep on reading!
The regular cleaning route for a linear shower drain
A regular cleaning route is where you gently lift the linear tile in the shower drain to access the drain channel beneath. Here’s the step-by-step process to guide you:
- Start by lifting off the linear tile in shower drain by unscrewing it or gently lifting the tile off.
- Using gloves, carefully remove any visible debris or hair that may have accumulated in the drain channel.
Important tip: Use household cleaning gloves made of rubber. You may also opt for latex-free gloves that have cotton lining, are waterproof, and are non-slip. You don’t want to touch those germs and sticky hair after all.
- Prepare a mixture of warm water and mild soap. A drain cleaning solution from your local hardware store works better. Dip a cleaning brush or toothbrush into the solution and scrub the drain channel thoroughly.
- You have to pay close attention to the corners and crevices of the linear shower drain where dirt and grim always accumulate.
- Rinse the drain channel with warm water to flush away any remaining cleaning solution or dirt.
- Close the linear tile in shower drain and wipe it down with a damp cloth or sponge to remove soap scum.
Do linear drains catch hair?
You might be wondering if those sleek and modern linear drains in your bathroom can catch hair. Well, the answer is yes, they can. So, say goodbye to hair clogs by incorporating a linear shower drain in your bathroom.
More so, we recommend that you put a strainer basket. Otherwise, the hair may still get caught in the linear drain, but it can be a bit trickier to get it out.
Deep cleaning techniques for a heavily clogged linear shower drain
Heavily clogged drains are unavoidable, particularly for households with a large number of people living or for vertical condominiums with little to no access to their linear drainage systems.
Additionally, you have to keep in mind that even with regular maintenance, a linear shower drain can be heavily clogged with dirt or even grease. With that in mind, you have to perform deep cleaning techniques from time to time.
- Drain snake or auger
A drain snake or auger is a tool designed to help you reach deep under the drain channel. You may start by removing the linear drain cover and inserting the snake into its opening. Slowly feed the snake into the drain while turning the handle clockwise.
As it moves further into the drain, you may encounter resistance, which is a sign of a clog. Continue rotating the snake until you feel the resistance lessen, indicating that the clog has been broken apart.
- Baking soda and vinegar mixture
A baking soda and vinegar mixture has been a popular cleaning remedy for many. Aside from being at the opposite ends of the pH scale – making the mixture an effective cleaning solution, vinegar and baking soda are cheap and easy to make.
This deep cleaning technique can be done by pouring a cup of baking soda into the drain opening, followed by a cup of vinegar. The chemical reaction between the two will create a foaming action that helps break down clogs and remove any built-up residue. Allow the mixture to sit in the drain for about 30 minutes, then flush it out with hot water.
Important tip: This technique can be repeated as necessary or until you see that there are no more clogs underneath your linear drain channel.
- Commercial drain cleaner
For stubborn clogs that are resistant to both the first and second techniques we mentioned, a commercial drain cleaner can be used as a last resort. But, this tool requires you to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure a successful cleaning.
Important tip: Use protective gloves and eyewear as protection when using commercial drain cleaner because this product can be harsh and potentially harmful to your health.
5.Why does my linear drain smell?
Over time, as water flows through the drain, it carries along tiny particles of soap scum, hair, and other unmentionables. These things can all create a moist and humid environment of your drain, breaking down organic matter and releasing not-so-pleasant odors.
Regular cleaning and maintenance are your best weapons against the dreaded drain odor. Use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda or a drain cleaner specifically designed for this purpose. Give your drain a good scrubbing, ensuring no unwanted guests remain. Of course, you can always follow the different methods we mentioned on how you can clean a shower drain.
6.Linear Shower Drain Leaking
You can always follow these steps to check any linear shower drain leaking on your bathroom.
(1)Check the installation and ensure that the drain is securely fitted and properly sealed.
(2)Inspect the drain pan for cracks or damage that could be allowing water to escape. If any issues are found, consider replacing it.
(3)Clean the drain by using a drain cleaner or any other cleaning solutions you may have.
(4)Check the waterproofing and look for signs of water damage or mold growth.
(5)Inspect the grout and caulk. If there are any cracks, reapply fresh grout or caulk to seal any openings and prevent further leakage.
(6)Seek professional assistance if needed or if the damage is out of your hands.
7.Troubleshooting common issues on your linear shower drain
One of the most common issues, if your bathroom has an installed linear shower drain, is a foul odor coming from it. This can be solved by cleaning the linear drain cover and trapping it with a mild detergent for at least 30 minutes. If the odor persists, you can try using a combination of baking soda and lemon juice to neutralize the smell.
Another common issue is a loose linear drain cover. You can get to the bottom of this by readjusting or replacing the cover itself. Securely tighten the screws or clips holding the drain but if the cover is already damaged or worn, consider replacing it with a new one.
8.Does a linear drain need fall?
The answer is yes; a linear drain does require a gentle ¼” slope per foot. A linear drain is designed to efficiently drain water from a shower or wet room, and a proper slope is crucial to ensuring effective drainage. Without the necessary slope, water may pool in certain areas, leading to potential issues such as stagnant water, mold growth, or even leaks.
9.When to call for an expert?
Some linear shower drain issues cannot be fixed at home. For instance, if there’s water pooling around the drain instead of properly draining, this could be due to a misaligned or damaged drain pipe. In this case, it is necessary to call a professional plumber to repair or replace the pipe.
More so, allowing experts to regularly inspect your linear shower drain or any other pipes around the house is highly recommended. Doing so not only saves you from costly repairs in the future but also protects your drainage system from leaks and water damage.
10.Final Thoughts
Regular cleaning and maintenance for a linear shower drain offers a plethora of benefits including prevention of clogs, maintained hygiene, and prolonging the overall lifespan of the drain. Of course, you can also enjoy a smoothly functioning and clean bathroom – thanks to these simple cleaning practices!
More ：
