The biggest con of linear drains is that they are more prone to clogging than traditional shower drains. Hair and debris can clog any drain, of course, but I've found that most linear drains do indeed clog easier and faster. The longer the drain, the more problematic they can be.
This problem that is arise with linear drains is inadequate slope or pitch. floor is not properly sloped towards the drain, water may not flow efficiently, leading to pooling or drainage issues. It is essential to ensure that the floor is correctly angled to allow proper water drainage into the linear drain.
aside from a real drain clog in the drain pipe, linear drain won't clog in terms of drainage if the hair catcher has hair in it unless it is full of a lot of hair. Surprisingly, it still drains pretty well with quite some hair in it. We generally clean out the hair catcher like every 2 days to every week.
Linear drains are the ideal solution for creating ADA-compliant showers and wet spaces that are universally accessible. With only one slope and no barrier to cross, the floor more easily accommodates a freestanding bench, a wheelchair, or some other mobility aid.
aside from a real drain clog in the drain pipe, linear drain won't clog in terms of drainage if the hair catcher has hair in it unless it is full of a lot of hair. Surprisingly, it still drains pretty well with quite some hair in it. We generally clean out the hair catcher like every 2 days to every week.
A drain cover or hair catcher is one of the most effective ways to prevent clogs caused by stray hairs.
How often should I clean? Keep your linear drain clean by wiping it down with a soft towel 1-2 times per month (depending on the frequency of use).
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.
Point Drain or Linear Drain
Point drains are most common and are what we are used to seeing in showers. They are typically located in the middle of the shower floor, and the floor is sloped from all directions down to the drain.
Answer: Linear shower drains can be more expensive than traditional drains due to their design and materials. However, they carry several benefits, such as improved drainage efficiency, design flexibility, and a luxe style, which can justify the higher cost.
This means the Drain will typically sit 3-5” away from the back wall. It is ideal to take measurements and center the drain on the wall. Adding a layer of tar paper over the wood substrate will help make sure the wood does not absorb any moisture from the Floor Mix while it cures.
Open-concept, or curbless showers are a concept that's growing in popularity – and for good reason. They offer accessibility – and lots of flexibility in design. And when we remove the barriers for our shower, we can also create a seamless look in the bathroom, making it look and feel bigger.
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.
Sometimes, chemical solutions are necessary to dissolve stubborn blockages. You can use commercial drain cleaners (follow instructions carefully), a mixture of baking soda and vinegar (1/2 cup each, followed by hot water after 15 minutes), or biological enzyme cleaners (eco-friendly and effective for organic matter).
For a curbless shower with a linear drain, the shower floor needs to be sloped from one side towards the drain, allowing water to flow off efficiently. The standard slope for a shower floor is 1/4 inch per foot, meaning for every foot from the drain, the floor should drop 1/4 inch.
Linear Drain Disadvantages
Longer drains mean that the rate of water draining out will be slower. You'll likely need to be on the lookout for hair, dirt or any other material or products which could run into the drain. This could regularly slow the drain more or create a clog.
Before you go the chemical route to clear a slow drain, try baking soda and vinegar! Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the drain, followed by 2 tablespoons of baking soda. You will immediately begin to see and hear a chemical reaction. Pour an additional cup of white vinegar into the drain to intensify the reaction.
Ceramic tiles (7-18 mm) are most common in bathroom flooring and are a perfect fit with almost any Easy Drain.
Do you need a flange for a linear shower drain? To meet most waterproofing standards, a linear shower drain requires a flange, but there are some waterproofing techniques that don't require one.
The weep holes in linear drains work similarly to those in point drains, collecting subsurface water and channeling it into the drainpipe. However, the design and placement of weep holes can vary widely depending on the manufacturer and specific product design.
One way to ensure proper drainage is to install the linear drain from wall-to-wall.
There are some licenses you can earn based on the position you are interested in, such as the Unrestricted Drain Cleaners License; however, most states do not require a plumbing license to clean drains.