Your shower drain has to put up with a lot. From hair to grit, we wash it all off in the shower. That is why, when you are planning your next shower project, you need to make sure to pick the best shower drain. But how do you select the best shower drain?
We have gathered some of the best factors to consider when picking out the perfect drain because no one drain is right for every application. So keep reading to get the information you need.
Pick The Type Of Drain
There are many specialized types of drains out there. When it comes down to making the choice, there are two main categories you need to decide between. A point drain or a linear drain.
A point drain is a traditional drain that you will see in many showers. The shower slopes toward the drain, guiding the water into the drain. Most commonly point drains are in the center of the shower and tile needs to be cut to go around them.
On the other hand, a linear drain is a long and narrow drain that can take on a number of appearances. The shower floor only slopes gradually to these drains. Another benefit of a linear drain is the fact that they can fit in with almost all tiles.
Flow Rate
The rate of flow of the shower head is an important factor to consider. Showerheads come in all levels of flow rate. Your shower drain needs to match or exceed the flow rate of your showerhead to prevent your shower from flooding. Flow rate and functionality are two of the most important factors when it comes to picking a drain. Consider these before appearance of the drain.
Size Of The Tiles
Most point drains only allow you to have smaller tiles. Smaller tiles allow you to fit the point drain without having to do much, if any, tile cutting. Linear drains, on the other hand, can work with larger tile. Somelinear drains also have a tile-in ability, which means that you can have tiles on top of the drain to minimize the visibility of the drain.
Décor Of The Drain
We mentioned above the tile-in ability of linear drains. That is one décor feature to consider. However, you can also get designer drain grades. These designer grates have cutouts in various shapes and designs. Think circles, X’s, waves, and more. These can add a bit of flair to your drain.
In addition to the design, you can also pick the finish of the drain. Stainless steel is the most common, but you can get a number of other finishes.
Shower Drain Cost
Shower drains can run you anywhere from $30 on up. The cheapest shower drains are simple, circle point drains. The more designer the drain and the bigger the drain, the more they will cost. Your choice of brand will also affect the cost.
Installation
For most people, they are paying a professional to install their shower drain. But if you are installing your shower drain, you should look at the type of drain that you are picking. A basic point drain is the easiest to install while a linear drain might take a little more work. You also have to assess your skill level when deciding on this factor.
Shower drains are an important part of the shower, and whole bathroom, that we tend to forget until it comes time for a remodel. Take these tips to mind and use them to help you find the best shower drain for your new shower project. No one drain is right for every project or for every person, keep that in mind.
