If your shower drain is working properly, you should hardly notice it at all as all those hundreds of litres of water seamlessly flow out of sight and out of mind. But in fact, choosing the correct shower drain types for your particular bathroom is critical, as it can transform not just the functionality of the drainage itself but also the entire bathroom’s aesthetics.
Got your bathroom drainage sorted?
While you may have recognised the difference between one type of shower drain from the next, the ideal drainage for shower solutions Brisbane-wide are not widely known. So we think there are at least 5 shower drain types you should know about before building or renovating your relaxing, functional and aesthetically appealing bathroom:
1. Linear
We’re starting with linear shower drains, because it’s a huge design trend of 2023 so far – and that is unlikely to change any time soon. Why are they so popular? The linear shower drain types are modern-looking, sleek and luxurious – and almost no other types of shower drains can compete in terms of how well they manage the drainage task. Normally installed perfectly flush with the floor, the long, narrow channels can either run across a wall or even the entire shower floor.
- Easy to clean
- Increased accessibility
- Cool, minimalistic aesthetic
- Can handle high volumes of water.
TIP: They look absolutely brilliant in stainless steel.
2. Round
Let’s be honest: round shower drain types are the classic ones you’re probably most familiar with – because they’re very effective for easy bathroom drainage. They’re easy to install, the list of styles and materials on the market grows by the week, and you’re hardly going to make a terrible design choice for your particular shower decor with such an inconspicuous shower drain – right?
- Can be made of brass, chrome, plastic – just about anything
- Endless size & style choices
- Can be more difficult to clean than linear shower drainage
- Limited water drainage capacity compared to linear
TIP: If not installed correctly, a round shower drain can quickly become a tripping or foot injury hazard.
3. Tile insert
Actually, it’s a linear shower drain type – just even more modern and seamless looking! In fact, it’s the type of shower drain that looks the least like a shower drain, because of the way it beautifully blends into the shower floor itself by being covered by the exact same tiling.
- Easy to clean and maintain
- No visible grates or covers
- Difficult to install as they require precise tile cutting/fitting
- Small drain openings are prone to clogging.
TIP: It’s one of the most expensive shower drain types – but the finished product can be worth every cent.
4. Centre
Centre drains are basically as the name implies – dead centre in that shower. The precise size, shape, material and style, however, is really up to you – because the real beauty of the shower drain is the way the floor seamlessly drains towards the centre. They’re also very easy to install if small tiles are selected – although tilers are accustomed to cutting bigger ones for you. It’s also the ideal choice for smaller bathrooms.
TIP: If the drainage gradient isn’t quite right, centre drains can be subject to water pooling.
5. Square
Yes, they’re square – as opposed to round or linear. But it’s still a highly popular choice these days, especially for bathroom renovators seeking a truly contemporary look. Better still, they’re easy to install, very affordable – but drainage is not necessarily as good as some other shower drain types.
TIP: Consider square shower drains as a direct and ultra-modern alternative to the classic round ones – but recognise that dirt and debris can more easily accumulate in the 90-degree corners which may result in shower drain blockage.
What shower drain types do you fancy?
But wait, there’s more! How much do you know about trench or channel shower drains? Or concealed point drains? Wall-mounted? Gravity drains? There’s a lot to know about all those different shower drain types, but the brilliant news is that such an abundance of choices couldn’t be better for your next round of bathroom renovations. And here at Drain Masters Plumbing, we can not only help you with your choice but get your ideal shower drain type fully supplied and installed asap!
Need to know more about all those different types of shower drains – or are you ready to book in? Get in touch with Brisbane’s shower drain masters right here at Drain Masters Plumbing – and we’ll be in touch!
