The drainage area plays an important role in modern and elegant plumbing design. It can be useful and easy to use if you choose the right linear drain. It improves the general look of your space. The stylish and sleek look of linear shower drains has made them more popular over the past few years. These drains are also good for keeping the space clean and dry. However, it is important to select a linear drain with the right width for your area. There are many types and sizes available for linear shower drains. When picking a linear drain, you should think about how big your area is and how fast the water flows.
We are often asked, “How wide should a linear drain be?”. It is up to you what width of linear drain you want. There are multiple design frames with different widths for linear drains. Also, there are many tile-able grates to pick from if you want to hide your linear drain. Also, you must select a linear drain, which length suits the size of your area. The difference between a floor linear drain and the area enclosure width should be 20 to 40 cm. You should also leave 10 to 20 cm of space on all sides. For example, if your area is 1 m wide, pick a drain that is 60 to 80 cm wide.
Linear drains are also very popular in today’s homes. It can be helpful in many ways, but it’s important to install it correctly. You need to choose the drain’s size as one of its most basic features before you buy it. This will make a big difference in how the whole space looks. It also helps with the linear drain installation process. The topic, “How wide should a linear drain be?” is addressed in this article. We also talked about the important factors for an effective linear drain installation. Let’s start!!!
What Is a Linear Drain?
Linear drains are commonly seen in public and private bathrooms, as well as locker rooms. It’s also known as a trench drain or a channel drain. You can customize them to fit your spaces, and they are beautiful. These drains absorb more water than standard drains. The inclined line then sends the water to the hidden opening and down the drain. This drain’s design makes only the grate visible after this linear drain placement. The effect is modest and stylish whether you choose solid, tile-in, or thin designs. Linear drains and concealed shower systems are common in small showers. This greatly improves showering comfort and frees up space for mobility.
The ease of cleaning is another major benefit of linear drains. These drains are also suitable for older people or people who have trouble moving around. Linear drain is a popular shower area option due to its interior design flexibility. It also allows for the placement of a shower enclosure anywhere in the bathroom. The drain is also ideal for installation in the center of a space without walls. The drain is also compatible with most shower doors because it has a simple design.
When it comes to improving the decor of the space, linear drains are also great choices. The small version is perfect for a loft. The inox finish will look great with the basic style. When the decor is simple, black grates look great. The trendy rose gold can highlight the bathroom’s modern feel. If you want to look glamorous, yellow gold will look great. We also guarantee that the tile-in version will suit any style.
How to Install a Linear Drain?
The water draining from your space must have an effective drain link. If not, you carry the risk of flooding your property. You can install a linear drain in a number of different places. Long shower drain installation offers alternatives for placement, size, and kind of installation. This is not true for other sorts of drains. The linear drain placement will require a few days. Because it takes time for the mortar to dry fully. You can’t use the space at this time. This drain needs the floor to slope toward it, just like any other drain. It helps ensure the water flows out of the area quickly and freely. Here are a few steps for linear drain installation:
You must mark and measure the location of the drain
You need to find the drain and mark the spot that you like. There are four methods to set up a linear drain. You can install it on a one-sided wall or a floor-mounted shower entrance. You can also install it on an open floor or a three-sided wall. You might have to move the drain lines if you want a specific design.
You also calculate drain height and cut a hole
You have to figure out and measure the height of the drain. The drain top will be 1/16-inch below the grout before the grate cover. This should be exactly level with the tiles around it. You can clean it with a drill, and a hole saw blade. It provides accurate circular cuts through plywood to move the drain line. Also, you should make a three and a half inches’ hole, and place the drain in the middle of it. The hole should be two and a half inches from the wall base plate.
You put wire lath and tar paper in place
It is necessary for you to use tar paper to cover the plywood subfloor. Don’t forget the sides and the bottom of the walls. This layer of tar paper will keep the wooden floor from getting wet from the mortar mix for the shower pan. You can also use the sheet of wire lath on top of the tar paper. It keeps the mortar mixture for the shower pan stable.
Insert and attach the base drain
You need to cut a hole in the base drain and attach it to the drain line before you add the pan mortar mix. You also add water to make sure there are no leaks. You shouldn’t require drain glue if the fit is tight enough. But you may use some to attach the different parts.
Make the floor slope
It is necessary to mix a thinner-set mortar with a wetter mortar bed mix in order to place tiles. You need to make a slope of 1% to 2% toward the drain. Just wait for the pre-pan mortar to set after it’s leveled and set properly. You should also build a solid support under the linear drain trench. The drain should have flanges on both ends, and the one nearest to the wall should have one.
You must install the clamping ring and the waterproof liner
You need to cut a waterproof cover and put it on top of the pre-pan mortar. It needs to be six inches long to fit tightly against the shower wall. You must also attach the liner’s ends to the walls so it doesn’t slide down and out of place. The liner is held in place by cutting a small slot over the base drain bolts and pushing it over. The liner must have a hole the same size as the floor drain. Then, you need to attach the clamping ring to the floor drain. So the liner stays in place, and there is no leakage.
Place the tiles and top-pan mortar in place
You need to draw lines for the slope and pack down the mortar until it reaches those lines. Next, make sure the drain is level and set the height of the slope. After that, you must ensure the drain channel is level and finish putting in the shower tiles. Also, it needs to be 1/16th of an inch below the tiles on the floor.
Install the grate cover and close the drain
Lastly, you need to use silicone caulk to seal the gap where the tiled floor meets the drain. Next, put the cover over the linear drain floor grate. If you do it right, the 1/16-inch difference in height should be fixed when you put on the grate cover. It gives you a completely level surface.
Linear Drain Installation Options
When picking a linear drain, it’s important to know what it needs to do. There are linear drain placement options based on location. Here are a few linear drain installation options.
Wall-to-Wall
The pipeline in a wall-to-wall linear drain goes all the way across the space. There is some variation in the length of the space compared to a standard-cut channel. This takes place by connecting several pieces together.
Against the wall
When installing linear drains, many people choose to have them level against the wall. This gets rid of the need to tile behind the drain and sends splashes from the wall to the channel.
Entrance or door
You have the option to place the linear drain at the door or entrance as well. You can use it to hold water in the shower. The channel can hold the right level of water so it doesn’t flood into the room’s dry space.
Free of barriers
If the space between the shower area and the remaining bathroom is level. Barrier-free linear drain installation is another choice. This layout eliminates the need to modify the size or pattern of the tiles surrounding the area.
Center pitch
You can also choose the center pitch linear drain placement. The center of the shower is the ideal position for these long shower drain installation. It needs all four sides of the floor to slope toward it.
Conclusion
If you want to make your area feel luxurious and up-to-date. It is recommended that you install a linear drain in your shower. You may improve your shower’s comfort and safety by installing a linear drain. These things raise the bathing experience to a higher level. When you put a linear drain in your shower, you need to measure it to make sure it fits well and looks good. If you want to feel luxurious and open, a bigger shower is better. If you want to save room, a smaller shower is better. You need to ensure that the length and width are the right sizes so water can drain properly.
You have to plan and take your time. You should make a shower area that meets your needs and shows off your style. You have several options for drain and linear drain installation. This provides a lot of flexibility. It is important to keep in mind that you really shouldn’t go with small drains when planning a big shower. Also, you can make the choice based on your style needs. You should also speak with a professional for linear drain installation. If you have any questions or doubts, we hope this article answers them.
FAQs
How long should a linear drain be?
There are a number of standard sizes for linear shower drains, ranging from 27.55 inches to 55.12 inches. It is best to measure your area first. You need to pick the size that works best for your area and shower. If you decide to put the drain at the door, it should go all the way across the opening. This will ensure that water cannot bypass the drain. Yzdrain can also make unique linear drain sizes if you ask.
What is the cost of a linear drain?
The price of a linear drain is depending on the selected brand and model. The linear drain can cost anywhere from $100 to $300. Also, long shower drain installation costs more than normal center drains. So you should set aside more money for the plumber and tile worker.
How far should a linear drain be placed from the wall?
It is best to leave about 15 cm of room between the back wall and the drain. You will have enough space to install a tile between the wall and the drain after doing this. It will also seem better in this arrangement.
What is the slope for a linear drain?
If you want water to flow efficiently into the drain, the slope of your floor is important. It also helps keep water from collecting or spilling on the floor. A curbless shower with a linear drain needs to have a sloped floor. This must go from one side to the drain. This makes it easy for water to drain away. The usual shower floor slope is 1/4 inch per foot from the linear drain. This slope lets water run away properly. So, it provides you with a safe and comfortable place to stand.
