What is the downside of a linear drain?

Author: Marcos Dickens  |  Last update: Saturday, June 28, 2025

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.

What are the problems with linear drains?

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.

Do linear drains get clogged with hair?

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.

Where is the best place to put a linear drain?

Linear Drain Location

A linear shower drain, or strip drain, can be best placed at the shower door wall or at the wall opposite. Linear drains should not be placed perpendicular to the shower door wall as it creates an uneven and unsafe surface. Placement is dependent on the slope requirements.

Do linear drains clog easier?

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 is because the pitch of the gutter is smaller.

HONEST REVIEW of 24" Linear Drain (Pros & Cons): WATCH BEFORE YOU BUY

How often do you need to clean a linear drain?

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).

What is the best floor drain type?

Stainless Steel Floor Drains

It is durable, corrosion-resistant, and easy to clean. Stainless steel floor drains are available in various sizes and shapes to suit different kitchen needs. They are also easy to install and require minimal maintenance.

Should a linear drain go wall to wall?

One way to ensure proper drainage is to install the linear drain from wall-to-wall.

What type of drain is best for a shower?

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.

How do you unclog a linear drain?

How Can You Use a Plunger to Unblock a Linear Shower Drain?
  1. Fill the shower tray with a few inches of water.
  2. Place the plunger over the drain opening, ensuring a good seal.
  3. Plunge vigorously for about 30 seconds.
  4. Remove the plunger and check if the water drains.
  5. Repeat if necessary.

Why are linear drains so expensive?

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.

How to keep hair out of a linear drain?

A drain cover or hair catcher is one of the most effective ways to prevent clogs caused by stray hairs.

How much does it cost to install a linear drain?

If it is a matter of cost, linear drains are more expensive. How much more do they cost? Including materials and installation, a center drain typically costs around $300-$400. A linear drain, however; will cost between $400-$1,000+.

What is the alternative to a linear 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. However, opting for a center square drain does not mean you must sacrifice style.

How much slope do I need for a linear drain?

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.

Are curbless showers a good idea?

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.

What are the disadvantages of linear drains?

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.

Where is the best location for a linear drain in a shower?

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.

What is the best tile for a linear drain?

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?

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.

Are linear drains harder to clean?

Maintenance and Cleaning

Because they're installed flush with the floor or wall, they can be hard to access for cleaning and accumulate more debris than a traditional drain.

Do linear shower drains have weep holes?

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.

What level should shower drain be with floor?

For optimal water drainage, it's advisable to ensure that the shower floor maintains a gentle gradient of approximately 2-4 percent.

What works better than a French drain?

Dry wells are another effective alternative to French drains, particularly for properties with poor drainage. A dry well is essentially an underground chamber that collects and temporarily stores runoff water, allowing it to seep into the surrounding soil gradually.

Does every floor drain need a trap?

All floor drains, including cellar drains, shall be trapped. Floor drain traps shall be located at such depth below the drain inlet as to be readily accessible for cleaning. A cleanout is not required for a floor drain.

Previous article
Why does my gas fire go out after 20 minutes?
Next article
How to calculate the anchor weight?