Should I use center or side drain for shower?

Author: Bernardo Towne  |  Last update: Friday, September 5, 2025

If members of your family struggle with mobility, have disability needs, or are even recovering from surgery, a linear drain will positively change their shower experience. But again, if you prefer a more conventional, cost-effective drain solution, a center square drain is your best option.

Should shower drain be in center or side?

In many tile installation forums, you'll be advised to locate the drain in the center because it's simplest to slope a tile shower drain in the middle (if you or your contractor are doing it by hand) to make the pitch consistent.

What is the best location for a shower drain?

The drain in a shower should be placed at the lowest point of the shower floor to ensure proper water drainage.

Is it better to have sink drain in center or side?

It may be simpler to clean the sink if the drain is positioned in the center of the sink because the water will carry away any debris as it flows toward the drain. The drain may be more challenging to clean if it is positioned closer to the edge of the sink because debris may collect there.

What type of drain is best for a shower?

A centre drain is typically the most efficient draining solution, followed by a linear drain. A point drain in a corner is an option, but it's not as common. However, if the shower recess is tiled correctly, all drains would be suitable, and it's more about the style choice you'd like to go with.

Linear Drains for Curbless Showers | Are they a good idea?

What is the difference between a linear shower drain and a center drain?

A linear drain is unique and an especially good choice if you want to make an impression. A center square drain will be your best bet if you're looking for a more traditional look and feel.

What is the standard shower drain?

Basically a standard tub drain is 1.5". The trap and drain needs to be that size or more. A standard shower drain is 2". The trap and drain needs to be that size or more.

What are the disadvantages of an offset drain?

Cons: An offset drain sink often empties a bit more slowly than the standard. The plumbing is harder to reach, complicating installation and repair.

How far from the wall for shower drain?

Rough-In Dimensions for Baths & Showers

Discharge/drain hole from back wall: With the drain on the centerline, the opening for drain access can be 10-14 inches offset from the framing and 6-8 inches wide. Discharge/drain hole from back wall (vertical): Zero distance (drain located at floor height)

Should faucet be directly over drain?

Look for the faucet to reach at least the middle of the bowl, and preferably to be centered over the drain opening for the least amount of splashing and the biggest work area for washing. Height matters most for sinks that are installed under cabinets or other overhanging obstacles.

Where should a linear shower drain be placed?

Installation and Design Flexibility

The linear drain can be positioned in various locations — against a wall, at the entrance of the shower, or anywhere in between — providing you with the flexibility to tailor the shower layout according to your preferences.

What is the best position for shower waste?

The shower waste tray usually be found at the bottom of the slope, so water running towards the drain will be caught easily. Not only will this small detail ensure better efficiency for the shower drain, but also prevents pooling of water so that the shower space remains comfortable and hygienic.

Should shower drain have a trap?

Does a shower drain need a trap? Yes, and it's important for you to also know about the common problems you could experience with it. For example, one of the most common problems with shower traps is odors. If your P-trap is too far from the shower drain, you are likely going to experience all sorts of musty odors.

What is the best position for a shower drain?

We recommend installing your shower drain against the wall (three-sided installation). By doing so, you have a one-sided slope that offers the easiest installation with less tile cutting necessary. Another option is to place the shower drain free-in-the-floor.

Should shower drain be level with tile?

Step 3: All Shower Surfaces Must Slope to the Drain

All these notes and standards clearly show that all surfaces in a shower, be it residential or commercial, must carry the water to the drain and, therefore, must be sloped.

Why is my linear shower drain so slow?

First, pour roughly a cup of baking soda down the drain (no exact measurement needed). After a few minutes, pour an equal amount of vinegar down. Leave the mixture sitting for at least an hour. Follow up with another round of boiling water, and see if the shower is draining faster.

Does a shower drain need to be centered?

Center drains are the more FUNCTIONAL, COST EFFECTIVE option. They're great at what they do, taking the water out of the shower!

Does shower drain location matter?

Drain Location

While linear drains can also be placed in the center of the shower, they are usually placed along one of the shower walls for a more aesthetically pleasing look and only require the floor to be pitched in one direction.

What is the standard size walk-in shower?

The average walk-in shower in the U.S. measures 60" x 30", though size options can vary widely, typically up to 60" x 42" for a rectangular shower and 42" x 42" for a square one. For smaller bathrooms, most experts recommend a shower enclosure no smaller than 36" x 36".

Do offset flange clog?

A: It does not restrict flow or cause more clogging.

Can you have too much slope in drain pipe?

“Over sloped pipes (greater than ½ in. per ft.) are as likely to clog as under sloped ones because the liquids move too fast and leave the solids behind.” Why it's costly: Without the proper slope, drain lines may clog more frequently.

What are the disadvantages of two pipe drainage system?

Two-pipe system (Figure 2)

This system uses one stack for soil fitments and one for waste fitments. As well as using more pipework and therefore taking up more space, this system does not provide the ideal hydraulic flow conditions for soil drainage.

What is shower drain code?

The minimum size drain for a bathtub or tub & shower unit shall be one-and one-half inches. The minimum size drain for a shower with one 2.0 G.P.M shower head operating at one time shall be one-and one-half inches.

Is a 1.5 inch drain ok for a shower?

When it comes to installing drains, size matters. The recommended pipe size for a shower drain is 2 inches, whereas most tubs use 1.5-inch pipes. Why the difference? Shower pans are shallower than tubs, so there's a higher risk for overflow.

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