DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

Shower Drains – What Are the Options?

The topic of accessibility in bathrooms and showers is ever-present – level-access showers remain trendy. Many homeowners desire spacious bathrooms with floor-level, threshold-free showers to accommodate multi-generational use. When renovating a bathroom, most people want a solution that lasts for at least the next 10 years. The shower drain plays a particularly important role in this – ensuring water flows away reliably and serving as the foundation for the shower area’s design. We present various types of shower drains, from point drains to linear drainage, and share what you need to consider when choosing the right one to enjoy it for years to come.

Before selecting a suitable shower drain, consider the following points:
Drain line

• Height of construction
• Gradient
• Location of drainage and flow direction
• Connection options to waterproofing
• Type of siphon or additional features like hair strainers

Drainage Capacity

Height of Construction

The height of construction is particularly important for shower channels and bathroom drains, especially in renovation projects. Our range includes ultra-flat shower channels with a height of just 54 mm for renovation needs. For new constructions, shower channels with total heights between 75 mm and 134 mm have proven effective.

Gradient

The shower area must always have a gradient. This should be planned during the design phase of the shower area to ensure water flows reliably toward the drain. Typically, the tiler creates the gradient during tile installation. A gradient of 2 percent is recommended, meaning the height difference for a one-meter-wide shower surface should be two centimeters.

Point or Linear Drainage?

A professional tradesperson refers to a shower channel as linear drainage or a drainage line. A single floor drain is called point drainage. The decision of which drain to install in your shower is partly a visual choice but also involves functional considerations. For example, shower channels are better suited for large-format tiles and are ideal for walk-in showers, while point drains work better with smaller tiles and are typically placed in the center of the shower area.

Advantages of a Shower Channel

A shower channel is typically installed at the edge of the shower area, either directly at the shower entry or, in most cases, along the wall. This simplifies cleaning the shower area after use, as water can be easily directed toward the drain using a squeegee.

With a drainage channel, you have the greatest design flexibility. Should the shower channel fit precisely into the shower niche? Should it be centrally positioned or asymmetrically arranged? What color and shape should the grate cover have? The selection of covers is virtually limitless. A channel also stands out due to its flat drain and high drainage capacity. If you have a large shower, multiple channels can be installed side by side, depending on the model.

Shower channels are not limited to use in showers. For example, you can also build a washbasin with a channel, enabling customized bathroom design to meet individual preferences.

Advantages of Point Drainage

The point drain is positioned either centrally in the middle of the shower area or in a corner. When centrally positioned, the drain grate becomes part of the bathroom design and visually stands out. A single point drain is less suitable for combination with large-format tiles compared to a channel. On the other hand, point drains are more compact and take up less space in the bathroom than a drainage channel. When installing such a drain, it’s important to note that four sloped surfaces need to be created. Point drains are excellent for public areas, such as restroom facilities, and are also ideal for shower areas with specific care requirements. For example, point drains are often found in hospitals or care homes.