Choosing the right shower drain for a bathroom can significantly impact its functionality and aesthetics. However, navigating the diverse range of available shower drains can be overwhelming for some homeowners.
Oatey offers a comprehensive range of drain offerings that cater to different plumbing needs. This guide provides a comprehensive understanding of shower drain types, installation, maintenance, and more.
Whether you're a professional plumber, an interior designer, or a homeowner, this guide will help you make informed decisions for your next project.
Key Factors for Choosing the Right Drain
- Drain Capacity: Match the drain capacity with the shower’s water flow rate to prevent overflow, water pooling or other drainage issues. High-flow showerheads need larger drains to handle the increased water volume. Check the drain’s flow rate specifications to ensure they align with your shower's output.
- Material and Durability: Shower drains are made of various materials, each with unique durability and maintenance requirements. The right material for a shower drain depends on the specific environment and usage demands.
- Design: When designing for a shower drain, choose a style that complements the bathroom’s overall look and fits the tile and layout. Options include modern linear drains, discreet tile-in drains, and classic round or square drains. Select the design that best aligns with your décor and installation needs.
- Installation: Ease of installation impacts project timeline and cost. Key considerations include preformed drains for simpler installation, compatibility with the shower base and plumbing, and proper waterproofing to avoid leaks and damage.
Types of Oatey Shower Drains
Preformed Base Drains
Preformed base drains streamline the installation process and provide a reliable solution for various shower setups. These drains come pre-assembled, reducing the need for on-site customization and ensuring a secure fit. Oatey’s preformed base drains are available in multiple materials and designs, allowing professionals to choose an option that best suits their project’s requirements.
Our 103 Series Offset Drain provides an offset solution when dealing with an obstruction, such as an imperfect slab penetration, and the joists cannot be moved. The drain body provides a 1-½-inch offset to work around, and it includes a universal 4-¼-inch-round, snap-tite stainless steel strainer.
These drains can be installed with Oatey PVC or ABS solvent cement and Oatey Primer. The final solvent-cement selection will depend on the material of your drain assembly and pipe.
For no-caulk shower drains, refer to Oatey’s detailed step-by-step guide for installation instructions.
To install, you will need the following:
- Oatey’s Silicone Plumber’s Putty
- Snap-in Drain Cover
- Pre-formed No-Caulk Shower Drain After Base
- Adjustable Pliers
- Screwdriver
Tile-In Shower Drains
Tile-in shower drains provide a seamless and contemporary look that blends beautifully with tiled shower floors. These drains are designed to be installed within the tiled area, allowing the tiles to be inserted into the drain cover, creating a virtually invisible drainage solution.
To install, you will need the following:
- Oatey Shower Pan Liner Kit or pan liner and corner dams
- Oatey 130 Series Tile Shower Drain
- Wrench
- Mortar
- Oatey Perfect Slope (optional)
- Silicone caulk
- Marker
- Measuring tape
- Utility knife
- Staple gun or hammer and nails
- Oatey has approved the three following Liquid Nails adhesives for use with CPE liners: LN - 609 / Panel & Foam Adhesive LN - 715 / Tub Surround & Shower Adhesive LN – 915 / Tub Surround & Shower Wall Adhesive.
- Oatey X-15 LO-VOC Bonding Adhesive (only for use with PVC liners)
Classic Round or Square Drains
Classic round or square shower drains are timeless options that seamlessly blend into various bathroom styles. Known for their straightforward design and functionality, these drains are available in various materials, such as stainless steel, brass, and plastic.
Oatey’s QuickDrain SquareDrains are designed to seamlessly blend modern aesthetics and advanced functionality, making them ideal for contemporary showers. Constructed from high-quality stainless steel, these drains are engineered to deliver long-lasting performance and reliability. The square profile offers a sleek, minimalist look that integrates effortlessly with various tile patterns and bathroom décors, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the space.
Linear Shower Drains
Linear shower drains offer a contemporary look and greater installation flexibility in their placement within the shower. They allow for larger tiles to create a seamless, modern bathroom design, enhancing the aesthetic of any residential or commercial bathroom.
QuickDrain Linear Drains can be installed at the entrance to a shower, along the wall, or in the center of the floor. Water flows via a single slope towards and then through the drain into a trough or channel beneath the floor. This system also has stackable spacers to adjust the height of the drain cover during installation to ensure it is flush with the shower floor. Follow these steps to ensure a proper installation.
Which Shower Drain Material Is Best for Your Project?
Oatey’s shower drains are engineered to optimize functionality, flow, and aesthetics. The line includes PVC, ABS, cast iron, brass, stainless steel, and linear shower drains, each with unique features and benefits tailored to specific applications.
PVC Shower Drains
PVC shower drains are popular due to their affordability and ease of installation. They resist corrosion and chemicals, making them suitable for various applications. Cost-effective, lightweight, and highly resistant to corrosion, they are commonly used in residential bathrooms.
ABS Shower Drains
ABS shower drains are known for their durability and impact resistance, making these robust drains ideal for commercial settings involving heavy use. Their significant benefits include strength, longevity, and resistance to temperature fluctuations.
Cast Iron Shower Drains
Cast iron shower drains offer exceptional durability and are ideal for heavy-duty applications. They are often used in settings where longevity and strength are paramount. Extremely robust and long-lasting, these drains are commonly utilized in industrial settings and historic renovations.
Brass and Stainless Steel Shower Drains
Brass and stainless steel drains combine aesthetic appeal with corrosion resistance, making them perfect for high-end residential or commercial bathrooms where design and functionality are equally important. These materials are durable for designer projects and easy to clean and maintain, ensuring long-lasting shine and performance.
Understanding the various types of shower drains and their applications can significantly enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your projects. Assess your project's specific needs and choose the most suitable drain based on material, design, capacity, and installation requirements.