Curbless showers with linear wall drains combine beauty and utility. This modern design improves safety, accessibility, and water drainage while improving aesthetics. The construction of a curbless shower and linear drain is tedious, but the result—beautiful and functional —is worth it.
Linear Drains
A linear shower drain, alternatively known as a linear drain or trench drain, is characterized by its elongated, narrow shape. It’s typically installed along the length or width of the shower, offering a distinct advantage over traditional round or square custom drains. While conventional drains demand a multi-directional slope in the shower floor, a linear drain simplifies this with a need for just a singular slope direction.
Advantages of a Curbless Shower with a Linear Drain
Aesthetic Appeal
A linear shower base boasts a modern, minimalistic charm. The lack of a raised threshold imparts an open, spacious feel to the bathroom. The linear drain complements this by blending seamlessly with the clean lines of the curbless shower, reinforcing the minimalist vibe.
Enhanced Safety
By eliminating the raised edge commonly seen in traditional showers, the curbless design is a boon for safety. Easy, step-free access reduces trips and falls for those with mobility issues.
Ease of Access
Curbless long shower drain make it easy to transfer from the shower to the restroom, improving accessibility.
Design Versatility
The linear drain offers remarkable flexibility in shower design. You can place it against a wall, near the entrance, or in other strategic locations, allowing for personalized shower configurations. Additionally, the single-slope requirement of the linear drain makes it possible to use larger tile formats, further opening up design options and enhancing the sleek, uninterrupted look.
Installing a Linear Drain Shower
Planning is crucial whether installing a linear wall drain, bespoke drains, or a linear drain shower in your bathroom. Complex processes and patience are needed for setting and drying periods to get a faultless finish. This step-by-step tutorial will help your project succeed.
Getting Ready
Before starting, remember that installation takes time. The floor, linear drain system, and tiles take several days to install owing to mortar drying time. Expect your restroom to be out of function during this time. If this is your sole bathroom with linear sink,, consider staying with friends or family for showers.
Start by cleaning the work area thoroughly. This step is crucial to prevent any dust or debris from compromising the mortar, grout, and silicone adhesion. Additionally, check with your local building codes regarding permits, especially if you plan to modify existing drain lines.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Step 1: Marking the Drain Location
Begin by determining where your linear shower tray drain will be placed. There are four common installation styles:
- One-sided wall-mounted drains run along one side of the back wall but do not touch the side walls.
- Three-sided wall-mounted drains are similar but extend to touch the side walls.
- Free floor-mounted drains are located in the center of the shower, away from the walls.
- Shower entrance floor-mounted custom drains stretch across the shower entrance.
Choose a style and measure and mark the place. Remember that floor-mounted drains may need drain line relocation and provide less support than wall-mounted ones.
Step 2: Setting the Drain Height and Cutting the Hole
The aim is to align the top of the drain grate with the surrounding tile. Measure linear drain assembly height, both with and without the grate cover. This helps ensure the drain sits 1/16-inch below the tile level before adding the grate cover, creating a flush and seamless finish.
If relocating the drain line, drill plywood with a hole saw bit for a crisp, circular cut. A 3 1/2-inch hole is suggested, two and a half – three inches from the back wall. To get an exact height measurement, put the linear drain in its permanent location and insert the base drain into the drain line. Remove the drains from the long shower drain and make a mark at the height you want the wall to be.
Step 3: Laying Tar Paper and Wire Lath:
Start by cutting tar paper with a utility knife, ensuring it covers the entire plywood subfloor, including corners and the base of the shower walls. This layer is vital as it prevents the plywood from absorbing moisture from the shower pan mortar. Next, cut a sheet of wire lath using wire cutters. Place it over the tar paper to provide stability for the shower pan mortar.
Step 4: Connecting the Base Drain
Before proceeding with the shower pan mortar mix, tailor the wire lath and tar paper to accommodate the base drain insertion into the drilled hole, reconnecting it to the drain line. Ensure the drain is aligned and level. Test for leaks by pouring water into the base drain. If necessary, use drain glue for a more secure connection.
Step 5: Creating a Sloping Floor
Mix the pre-pan mortar using a bucket and shovel or a mixing paddle for ease. Apply the mortar over the tar paper and wire lath, careful to leave the base drain uncovered. The key here is to create a floor with a gentle slope towards the drain—about 1 to 2 degrees or approximately ¼-inch per foot. Use a bubble level for accuracy. Allow the pre-pan mortar to set for about 24 hours.
Step 6: Installing Waterproof Liner and Clamping Ring
The next step involves cutting and placing a waterproof liner over the pre-pan mortar. This liner is essential for preventing water damage, rot, and mold growth. Extend the liner at least 6 inches up the shower walls for effective protection. Secure the liner’s edges with nails or screws. Cut a slit in the liner for the base drain bolts, fit it over them, and cut a hole matching the base drain opening. Finally, attach the clamping ring to the base drain, ensuring a watertight seal.
Step 7: Adding Top-Pan Mortar and Tiles
Re-measure and mark the previously set height for the linear drain if it’s been covered. Mix your top-pan mortar and connect the linear drain to the drain base, ensuring it’s level. Many linear custom drains come with adjustable feet for easy leveling.
Pour the top-pan mortar over the waterproof liner, evenly distributing it while maintaining the 1 to 2-degree slope towards the drain. Remember to leave enough space for the final layer of thinset and tiles. As you lay the shower tiles, ensure the top of the linear drain is precisely 1/16-inch below the tiles’ surface for a seamless finish.
Step 8: Sealing the Drain and Installing the Grate Cover
Once the tiling is complete, seal the junction between the tiled floor and the drain using silicone caulk. After this, place the linear drain grate cover. The 1/16-inch height difference you maintained earlier should now be perfectly compensated by the grate cover, resulting in a flawlessly level shower floor.
Need Professional Help?
Installing a linear drain shower needs mortar laying, drain line connection, tile cutting, and waterproof sealing, which may be intimidating for DIYers. If you’re unsure or short on time, hire an expert. Specialists can assure proper installation, avoiding future complications and ensuring customer happiness.
