How to Easily Prepare a Walk in Shower Drain

If you ask an expert, many ways exist to prepare the shower floor before installing the walk in shower drain. In this blog post, we have tried to simplify the process. So, read on for the simplest preparation of the floor and other concerns around the topic.

Linear shower drain in the Walk-in showers

Yzdrain understands the consumer’s concerns and is a well-known brand for delivering quality linear drains. By combining different materials and techniques, we produce premium products.

Among 2024’s bathroom designs, walk-in, barrier-free, and step-in showers are becoming more common. These popular shower floors usually have a linear shower drain for easy cleaning. Experts recommend this combo because of better drainage and easy maintenance.

Additionally, a walk-in shower with a linear shower drain has many benefits. Ultimately, this benefits everyone, especially those with mobility challenges.

Preparing the floor for installation- the Easiest Method

Different plumbing experts recommend different methods, and all of them work fine. However, not all of them are easy.

Likewise, the method we choose and recommend is after much research and expert recommendations. Let’s see the primary steps:

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials

• Marker and measuring tape.
• Walk in shower drain Kit.
• Waterproofing membrane.
• Level.
• Thin-set mortar.
• Buckets for mixing and cleaning.
• Margin trowel.
• Grout float.
• Sponge.
• Microfiber towels.

Step 2: Plan the Layout

The first step of any project, small or big, is always planning. The planning phase lets you simplify the process and make it smooth.

Along with making your work easier, in this step, you can prepare a mental image of how each step will go. Also, you can ensure the availability of all the tools and materials.

Furthermore, in this step, you must ensure the proper water drainage by ensuring that the slope is towards the linear drain.

Lastly, use the marker and measuring tape to mark where you will be installing the drain.

Step 3: Prepare the Subfloor

Firstly, you don’t want any debris on the floor. Take good precautions that the floor is clean. Secondly, use the level to pinpoint any uneven areas and make the necessary arrangements.

Thirdly, if you plan on using a mud bed, now is the time to mix the sand mix and build a pre-sloped mortar bed.

Finally, spread it evenly over the subfloor, following the marked slope towards the drain.

Step 4: Apply Waterproofing Membrane

Cover the shower floor and mud bed with a waterproofing membrane to avoid leaks. Follow manufacturer guidelines for proper use. This step is essential for shower floor longevity.

Step 5: Install the walk in shower drain

Install the linear drain per the manufacturer’s instructions. Put thin-set mortar on the mud substrate and gently place the drain. Level and secure the drain to the flooring and mud bed.

Step 6: Tile placement

Before laying tiles, apply the surface with a vapor barrier and a cement board barrier. Also, you need to paint it with a water-resistant primer. If you do this, your subfloor will be safe from water damage.

Now that you have installed the linear drain, do the following:

• Apply tiles with thin-set mortar. Work from the center outward, cutting tiles to fit the edge spaces.
• For proper water drainage, watch the drain slope.

Step 7: Grout and Finish

Grouting is our last and final step. It happens so often that people tend to become careless after reaching this step. However, it is one of the most crucial steps. Here is how you grout and finish:

• Choose the grout carefully – larger tile joints require sanded grout. Similarly, joints that are an eighth of an inch or smaller use non-sanded grout.
• Use two buckets, one for mixing and one for cleaning. Use a Margin trowel, ground float, Sponge, and Microfiber towel for mixing, spreading, and cleaning.

Some expert tips for perfect grouting are:

• Mix it as per the instructions on the bag – allow for the slake time. At this point, it must be easy to spread but not too thin or runny.
• Your goal is to fill the joints, so work diagonally in both directions as you start spreading it on the floor.
• After you have finished a section, do a final pass over the join to even it out using small pressure.
• When 30 minutes have passed, check the grout by pressing the figure gently on the joints. If it does not come off, you can start the cleanup.
• Use a damp sponge gently on the floor to loosen the grout haze. Fill the voids or blanks using more grout.
• Next, let it sit, and do another cleanup using a sponge and water.
• Finally, repeat the same process using a damp microfiber towel followed by a dry one.

Step 8: Final Check

In the end, it is now time for a final check. So, finish by checking the linear drain, tiles, and mud bed slope. Pour water on the shower floor and watch it drain. (do it after 24 to 48 hours, or ask your plumber)

Lastly, please remember that adding a mud bed improves your walk-in shower’s slope and water drainage.

Conclusion

Did you understand the process? We tried making it as easy as possible. Still, if you think certain areas need more explanation, please tell us. You can easily comment below, and we will replay as soon as possible. Thanks for the Read!

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