The shower drain is a medium to connect the floor to the entire system of drainage channels.
While planning a shower project at home, choosing a shower drain may seem like a harmless choice.
Yet, it is essential to choose the right type of shower drains, as the interior air quality is dependent on the functionality and importance of the drainage system.
Also, it is an essential factor in keeping the environment of the bathroom clean, fresh, and odorless.
The shower drains are usually installed in the bathroom, kitchen, and also in the balcony. They do the most important work by draining the sewage water and keeping us away from a lot of trouble.
Ever wonder how messy our houses could get if the drain stops working well and the water keeps clogging up.
Therefore, to save yourself from trouble, it is crucial to make the right choice when buying a shower drain, which leads us to another important question: what should we look out for a while before buying a shower drain?
The Process Of Choosing The Right Shower Drain
While choosing a shower drain, many things should be kept in consideration ranging from the type to the requirement of your bathroom.
Moreover, the installation method also plays a significant role in the fine working of a shower drain.
Types
- Point Drain vs. Linear Drain
The wide range of drains usually falls into two categories: point drain and Linear drain.
Point Drains are the most common drains and are primarily in the bathroom. They are located in the bathroom center, and the floor is slopped from all directions to the drain.
One of the advantages of a pointed drain is that it is square. One does not need to make an extra effort to cut the tiles to adjust these drains, as they already are in the shape of a tile; therefore, they look better.
Due to the funnel needed in a point drain, smaller tiles are supposed to be used in the bathroom. Usually, it is recommended not to use tiles larger than 4X4.
Moreover, one has to make sure that the tiles sit flat on the floor and there shouldn’t be more than one slop.
Since many people prefer using small tiles in the bathroom because of their economic edge, pointed drains appear to be a wise choice.
On the other hand, Linear drains are long and narrow and usually placed in the middle of the floor, but they can be placed along the shower wall.
Because of their placement in the middle, water goes down the drain pretty conveniently. It also does not require any funnel for drainage purposes.
Linear drains are ideal for stylish bathrooms, as they also accentuate the overall look of the washroom.
Moreover, with the linear drains, it is possible to install large tiles in the washroom. Linear drains come in different sizes and heights.
Both types of drains work equally well; however, it also depends on the amount of water on the bathroom floor.
As long as the price range is concerned, a point drain is cheaper than a linear drain.
So, if your concern is the price range, you should go for the point drains, but if you want to make your washroom stylish and want large-sized tiles, then a linear drain would be the ideal choice.
- Décor Drain vs. Invisible Drain
Be it point drain or linear drain, the final decision comes down to choosing the right kind of style and grate finish.
The grate is a visible part of the drain, and therefore, it should be chosen with care and keeping in view the bathroom interior.
It is better to find the one that matches the entire setup of the bathroom. There is another option available for those who want their bathroom grates to almost visible: tillable grates.
The tile is usually placed on top of the grate, and water drains down through the edges.
Which Shower Drain Should Be Bought?
Usually, when it comes to buying a shower drain, five options should be kept in mind:
Deodorization: The shower drains can deodorize. This function mainly relies on sealing, so the customer has a wide variety of sealing systems to choose from according to his/her desire and need.
Water Discharge: Make sure the drain is strong enough to drain water in a larger amount too.
Filtering: The filtering net should be of reasonable size to remove all the dirt and prevent clogging. The ideal length of a filtering net is 5-8mm.
Material: Ensure the material is good enough, as replacing the drain is not an easy task.
The right size: It is better to buy the drain that caters to your need. If your bathroom can do with a small drain, do not opt for a bigger one.
What To Look For While Buying A Shower Drain?
- Shower drains come in materials like brass, stainless steel, zinc, alloy, PVC, etc. Brass, stainless steel, and alloy are all the rage these days. They look pretty, and they work fine.
- While buying a shower drain, check the speed with which it drains away water.
- The deodorization effect is common in almost all shower drains. It is recommended to use the one combined with physical deodorization.
- The drain you intend to buy must have an anti-blocking effect. Most of the time, hair stuck in the grate and causes inconvenience, so it is better to buy such drains capable of blocking all the irrelevant material.
- Surface finishing and appearance should also be kept in mind. The drains also play their part in accentuating the bathroom’s overall look.
Top 8 Shower Drains Reviews
Let’s take a look at the best shower drain reviews that I have compiled for all of you in this ultimate guide.
1. KOHLER K-9132- CP Shower Drain
Made and originated in the USA, Kohler can be installed on any shower receptor. The product an outstanding quality and is quite sturdy as well.
Moreover, it is easy to install, as all it takes is soapy water to assist the 2-inch-long drain pipe in gliding in the rubber bushing.
To ensure a safe installation, it is better to install a shower drain with a rubber gasket underneath the shower base and then add a cardboard washer.
Finally, add the brass ring to tighten and make it solid and firm. It is recommended to measure the PVC pipes several times before installing the shower drain so you can get the process right in a single go without having to face any inconvenience over and over again.
Because of its well-constructed structure, high-end quality, no-leakage reports, the Kohler shower drain is considered the Cadillac of the shower drains.
With such amazing qualities, it is hard to find any such shower drain at this price.
More pictures & price on amazon.com
Features
- It is riddled and round strainer shower drain
- It includes a 2-in plastic pipe gasket
Pros
- Durable
- Anti-clogging
- Easy installation
Cons
- Flawed Design
2. LUXE Stainless Steel Square Tile Drain
Having earned cUPC certification from the IAPMO, Luxe Stainless Steel Square Tile Drain is an ideal pick for all showers.
It has been introduced as an adorned alternative to the outdated and basic round-centered drain. With the new drain, it is as if the water almost vanishes underfoot.
The new Luxe drain also provides the liberty to place the drain anywhere one desires, allowing remodeling and upgrading the bathroom into impediment-free, easy to reach wheel-in-entry showers for elderly household members.
The new shower drains do not bound the users to use particular material or methods for installation and allow one to use whatever products one feels like using, making the installation process easy and less time-consuming.
Additionally, the Luxe Stainless-Steel Drains have also replaced all existing flange and strainers.
More pictures & price on amazon.com
Features
- It installs like a tile bed
- It is compatible with all standard floor drains
- It feels as if water vanishes on the floor
- It works well with all kinds of tiles, stones, and other flooring material
Pros
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Solid
- Durable
Cons
- It doesn’t absorb water well
3. ZOIC Linear Stealth Shower Drain
ZOIC Linear Stealth Shower Drain is made of well-designed, high-end stainless steel, near to perfection. The cherry on top: the shower drain is not much expensive.
These waste drains are ideal for showers, baths, or even basins to help drain excess water and prevent blockage.
In the case of point drains, the slop should be directed towards it only; however, in the ZOIC linear stealth Shower Drain, shower bases can conveniently be sloped on a single plan to install more extensive, attractive tiles possible.
These shower drains can be installed along the shower walls or at any reasonable point. The drain itself is quite thick and solid, but it has disks made of plastic, adjusted to an appropriate height.
Although the drain is not perforated and the design is very simple, the water drains off pretty well.
One of the best things about this drain is that it is not located in the center, so installing it at the desirable place is not a problem.
More pictures & price on amazon.com
Features
- It replaces the basic filters of conventional flanged floor drains
- It conveniently adjusts tile, stone, or any flooring material having ¾ thickness
- It seems as if water vanishes on the floor
- It can be installed regardless of what material one is using
Pros
- Durable
- Study
- Non-corrosive
Cons
- It is too small to drain
4. Tub Drain Hair Catcher Shower Drain
This shower drain, as its name suggests, does its function very well. It grabs all hair types, ranging from short and curly to long and straight hair, which gets washed away every other day and creates problems.
What makes it more attractive is that it comes with an extra rubber, in case the older one gets worn out.
It separates water from hair by holding back the hair on a sealing ring, leaving the surface immaculate for uninterrupted water flow.
The material used is incredibly sturdy, and the composite material prevents rust and mold, making it an ideal tub décor.
The hair catcher conveniently fits a 1.46-to-1.79-bathroom tub drain and easily washes all types of hair.
Moreover, the shower drain does not require any chemicals for cleaning purposes and does the job itself instantly.
More pictures & price on amazon.com
Features
- It requires cleaning after 5 to 7 days to encourage the uninterrupted flow
- The company offers friendly and accessible support
- These shower drains are rust-free and prevent mold.
Pros
- Environment friendly
- Durable
- Less time-consuming
Cons
- The hair clogs
5. ACO 37241 Quartz Plus 3- Feet
ACO Shower Drain offers a customizable design for homes, spas, hotels, hospitals, and care facilities for the elderly and anywhere where cleanliness and corrosion resistance are major issues.
Quartz Plus 3 promises to bring better, durable, and unique designs to a wider range of audiences and that, too, an economical price.
Moreover, besides supporting the unique design, this shower drain is also compatible with conventional hub shower designs.
They also ensure eliminating any physical barrier to comply with the contemporary and universal designs. Additionally, the Q plus products include body, grate, flange, and other accessories.
Their grates meet all requirements proposed by The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as they all claim to have around 8mm long slots and are heel resistant.
More pictures & price on amazon.com
Features
- Q-Plus linear is available in three lengths: 27, 36, 48
- The grate design options are available in three different lengths
- The shower body channels body in a V shape to ensure better flow of water
Pros
- Nice-looking
- Economic
- Functional
Cons
- It may exude some harmful material
6. OXO Good Grip Shower Drain
OXO Good Grip is yet another perfect solution to the fallen hair. It sits smooth and flat on the floor and does not cause any impediment.
The holes effectively catch hair and do not block water flow at all. Moreover, the drain remains to fix at one spot and does not move here and there.
The filter is smooth, and there is no danger of scratching your foot or your pet’s paws with it. It has got a silicone ring to ensure a tight grip.
The ring is so clear in the color that it is hard even to spot it. Additionally, this filter is right beside the bathtub’s built-in strainer, saving one from extra efforts to clean it.
More pictures & price on amazon.com
Features
- Catches hair without causing clogging
- A soft silicone rim keeps the drain in one position
- The length, as well as width, is 4.75
- It is made of rust-proof stainless steel
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Smooth to touch
- Non-rusty
Cons
- Not ideal for a square plate
7. LEKEYE Shower Drain
The LEKEYE shower drain is made out of stainless steel, so rusting and fading are not an issue at all. Hence, the strain will keep shining even after ages.
It has small circular holes, which makes draining water or shampoo pretty seamless and prevents bigger objects from going down the drain. It consists of two parts and can easily be taken out by hand and cleaned within no time.
The material used is solid enough and ensures the drain’s longevity. The LEYKEY Shower Drain can prove to be the best alternative for any shower drain you are currently using, as it is easy to install, easy to clean, and easy to remove.
Additionally, the shower drain is not much expensive. Yet, it saves one from spending bucks on plumber bills for maintenance.
More pictures & price on amazon.com
Features
- It is made of stainless steel.
- The holes effectively catch hair
- Silicon edge prevents foreign bodies from falling into the drain
Pros
- Easy to install
- Durable
- Rust-free
Cons
- It doesn’t catch hair effectively
8. Oatey Bathroom Strains
Oatey Strainers are yet another addition to the list of best shower drains that ensure perfection in their job; draining down water and catching hair and unwanted material from going down the drain and clogging the strains.
One good thing about the Oatey filters is that it comes in square shape and not rounded, saving one from the hassle of cutting tiles round to adjust the drain in the floor.
Because of its shape, people can use large tiles in the bathroom. It looks nice, it works nice, and it is not much expensive as well.
Hence, all these qualities make it a perfect pick for the bathroom.
More pictures & price on amazon.com
Features
- It is to be placed on a built-up shower basis
- It is low profile for congested places
- The clamping ring screw bolts prevent bigger objects from falling into the drain
Pros
- Easy to install
- Easy to use
- Looks decent
Cons
- With the highest positive ratings, the product does not seem to have any cons
Frequently Asked Questions
What specialties of drains should be kept in mind while buying one?
While buying one, make sure the one you are buying allows fast drainage, offers deodorization, gets easily cleaned, and prevents clogging.
What is one quality we should be looking for in a shower drain?
As the water going down the drain is pretty filthy, there is a high chance of the drain suffering enough.
Hence, it is better to buy one having high quality and which does not support corrosion.
How frequently should the drain be cleaned?
For the best performance, make sure that the drain is cleared after every shower.
A thorough cleaning is a must every week. The drains can turn out to be a disaster if they are clogged.
What can be used to clean the drains?
If the drain has clogged due to soap or hair, the water will stop passing. This can make the bathroom a messy space.
Drain opening is not a tough task. There are several cleaners available in the market that can help you clear the drain.
Conclusion
Now you know how big a difference even a small decision can make? Hence, it is important to select the shower drain very carefully.
It is better to select the best option before starting the construction process. Once the construction is done, changing the drainage system wouldn’t be an easy task.
Shower drains are small in size, but they can make a big difference. At the same time, it is important to remember that merely buying the best would not help.
The cleaning and maintenance add more years to it.
Happy living!!!
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