Different Types of Shower Drains for a Beautiful Bathroom

When it comes to creating the perfect bathroom, there are lots of elements to achieving the perfect aesthetic - some of them more obvious than others. For examplem while bathroom-ware like baths, showers and vanity units are more noticeable in making your bathroom look great, there are various other more discreet items which also help to bring the whole design together.

In this blog we'll therefore be looking at one of these - the humble shower drain. if you're installing a wet room or shower area, then you'll also need a drain for it. With that in mid, read to the end of the blog to find out all the different options for your shower.

You can choose the shower drain which best suits your shower layout and aesthetics.

What do shower drains consist of?

Most shower drains are made up of the following parts, although these may vary slightly, depending on what you purchase:

• Drain cover/grate: This is the visisble part of the drain that sits on the surface of the shower floor. It typically has holes or slots to allow water to flow through while preventing larger debris from entering the drain.
• Drain Body: This is located underneath the shower floor and connects to the plumbing pipes.
• Strainer: Some drains include a strainer or small basket inside the drain body to catch hair and other debris, so it doesn't clog the pipes.
• Drainpipe: This carries water from the drain body to the plumbing system.
• Trap: This is a curved/U-shaped section of pipe located beneath the drain body which holds water and forms a seal to prevent sewer gases from coming up through the drain into the bathroom.
• Drain Tailpiece: A vertical section of pipe which connects the drain body to the trap which is often adjustable.
• Drain Flange: Part of the drain body which sits flush with the shower floor, providing a surface for the drain cover to sit on and helping to seal the drain to the shower pan or tile.

Shower drains prevent water from pooling on your shower floor.

How do shower drains work?

The key purpose of a shower drain is to ensure that water drains away from your shower effectively, so that it doesn’t build up. It basically diverts the water and prevents moisture from seeping under the base of your shower and damaging the floor via gravity drainage, where the water on the shower tray is pulled downwards into the drain. The drain opening can be either a minimalist slimline one which looks like a thin straight line (a linear/line/strip/trench drain), or something more noticeable like a square or round metal grid drain located in the centre of the shower floor. It will have a covering to prevent larger debris from falling through the drain, while still allowing waterflow.

Underneath the drain opening is the trap – a U-shaped section of pipe which prevents sewer gases from coming up through the drain and into your bathroom. This continues on into the main drainpipe, which carries the water through the plumbing system.

Benefits of shower drains

Shower drains are essential components of any shower and have a host of benefits. These include:

• Water removal: The primary function of a shower drain is to remove water efficiently from the shower area, preventing it from pooling on the floor. This enhances safety as well as ensuring that the water doesn’t damage the enclosure.
• Prevention of mould and mildew: Proper drainage helps to keep your shower area dry, reducing the likelihood of mould and mildew, which thrive in damp environments. The result is a more hygienic environment and a more welcoming shower.
• Improved hygiene: Shower drains with strainers or traps help to capture hair, soap scum and other debris, preventing them from clogging up your pipes and causing blockages, odours and bacterial growth.
• Odour prevention: The trap in a shower drain forms a water seal which prevents unpleasant sewer gases from coming back up through the drain.
• Versatile designs: Shower drains are available in a variety of designs and finishes, so you can choose something to suit your individual taste and bathroom décor.
• Accessibilty: Some shower drains are designed with features like low-profile designs which are easier to step over and are therefore ideal for people with mobility issues.
• Easy maintenance: Most shower drains are designed for easy cleaning and maintenance, with removable strainers and traps.

The Volente Space-saver Offset Quadrant Shower Tray and Waste has a minimal aesthetic.

A close up of the Volente Space-saver drainage area.

Types of shower drains

There are several types of shower drains available, so it really comes down to personal choice when you’re deciding which one to go for – and what will work best with your shower in terms of aesthetics and layout.

Some different types of shower drains include:

Point drains

Also known as a centre or linear drain, point drains are positioned at the center or along one edge of the shower floor and usually have a square or circular grate which covers a small opening in the floor. They have a sleek, modern aesthetic and offer efficient water drainage.

NB Square drains are similar to point drains and are often used in showers with square or rectangular tiles. They have a larger square-shaped grate covering the drain opening. Round drains, meanwhile, have a circular design and are often used to complement this style of tiles.

Linear/channel drains

Linear drains are long, narrow drains which are installed along one edge of the shower floor, integrating with it to provide a seamless look. They have a rectangular or elongated grate which covers the entire length of the drain channel and a contemporary design which works well with large-format tiles.

Tile insert drains

Tile insert drains feature a grate which is designed to be tiled over, allowing the drain to blend seamlessly with the surrounding floor tiles. Tile insert drains offer a discreet and minimalist appearance, with only a subtle line indicating the location of the drain.

Shop shower drains at Bathshack

If you need shower drains for your home, then we have a range of these at Bathshack and are happy to advise you on the different styles, as well as answering any queries you might have.

For example, the the Macdee Wirquin Venisio Expert Wet Room Linear Drain in Chrome is ideal if you want a seamless look in your shower or wet room area.

The Macdee Wirquin Venisio Expert Wet Room Linear Drain in Chrome has a sleek, seamless aesthetic

With the option of installing the drain with either tiling or a high-quality stainless steel plate, the Macdee Wirquin Venisio Expert Wet Room Linear Drain can also be adjusted after fitting to ensure a seamless look. It further comes supplied with a waterproof sheet to ensure a watertight seal, along with a self-contained trough with integrated trap.

Another option is the Zwart Premium Line Channel Drain, whoch has a modern black powder-coated stainless steel finish and has a Removable Smell Adaptor (RSA) - a self sealing membrane located in the waste pipe which opens when water flows in and then closes when it stops. This also means there are no unpleasnat odours if the shower isn't used for a long period of time.

The Zwart Premium Line Channel Drain.

With these and other drains available, you'll always find something to suit your shower and at Bathshack, we're only too happy to help you complete your bathroom look.

To browse our shower products, visit bathshack.com. Alternatively, if you have any bathroom-related questions, just email our team at info@bathshack.com or you can call us on (028) 9077 0188 or use our online chat.