Choice of shower drain

The range of available shower drains, or traps, and their price range is so wide that it is difficult not to get confused. This guide will explain the differences and allow you to evaluate for yourself which shower drain is most suitable for your bathroom or shower room. What should you pay attention to so that the shower trap or shower drain is functional, easy to use and long-lasting? When installing the stairs of a different solution, the requirements for creating the slopes of the shower base will differ. Longevity will be affected by the material of the shower trap or shower drain. It is important to make sure that the design of the shower trap and the installation solution will ensure full waterproofing. The service life of the shower trap will also be affected by the frequency of its cleaning, therefore it is important that the cleaning of the trap itself or the chute, as well as the siphon, is as convenient and quick as possible. About each of these points in a little more detail in this article.

Dotted ladder or linear trough?

Advantages of a trap or drain depending on the placement:

- (left) the trap is located in the center - a more complex construction; cut more tiles and create a slope in four directions

- (right) gutter on the side - simpler construction, minimal additional cutting work; if the chute is built against the wall, the slope should be made in one direction only

Plastic or stainless steel?

Plastic traps usually cost less because their manufacturing process is simpler and the raw materials are cheaper. Stainless steel is more resistant to possible loads during transportation and assembly, as well as to aggressive chemicals that are commonly used to clean shower drains. However, this does not make metal traps more expensive. There are several good reasons for using stainless steel in sanitary ware. Thanks to its smooth, hard surface, it does not require any protective layers made of organic or inorganic materials. The material does not become statically charged, which prevents it from attracting dust particles and, as a result, bacteria. After contact with hot water, its surface dries faster than other materials. ACO offers a variety of stainless steel sanitary drainage systems.

Waterproofing and its attachment

Any wet room should have waterproofing elements on both the floor and the walls. 
Quality traps have secure joints to protect against possible water leaks. The waterproofing flange of a secure ladder shall be at least 30 mm high.

Swivel or fixed siphon?

Special attention must be paid to the parts to be fitted, as the potential repair costs almost always exceed the initial savings. Trap siphons tend to be swivel and fixed - as part of the trap.

 

- (left) stationary siphon; there are no additional connection points that can be poorly connected, thus eliminating leakage risks

- (right) rotating siphon; more convenient connection to the sewer pipe, but the additional connection point creates a greater risk of leakage. The installer of the trap is responsible for the installation of the revolving siphon and its safety.

ACO linear solution. Functionality and design

Black Showerdrain C

With the current popularity of black accents in bathroom interiors, ACO offers ShowerDrain C black shower channels. They are made of stainless steel 1.4301 (AISI 304) and coated with black paint (9004 RAL). Due to their low height, the drains are suitable for both new constructions and renovations. They are chosen by a wide range of customers, both private and public buildings. 

       

The almost invisible Showerdrain S+

The special design of Showerdrain S+ reduces the visibility of the drain. The narrow trap grid can be perfectly integrated in the middle of the bathroom or along the wall. Two types of decorative lining are available - Stripe and Plate. This shower tray will not only complement the design of your shower room, but will also drain the water perfectly. The flow rate is 0.8 l/s, according to EN 1253. ShowerDrain S+ is also a low-trap and is suitable for both new and renovated buildings. Its final height is determined by the siphons selected. The low trap reaches from 70 to 160 mm, the high trap from 90 to 180 mm. Easy to apply tile height membrane.

Shower area profile - ACO ShowerStep

ACO ShowerStep profiles are designed for installation between the shower area, where the water is collected in the shower channel, and the rest of the bathroom. The bathroom floor is tiled without a slope and the shower area has a slope of 1.5-2% towards the shower drain. The slope creates a height difference between the two areas, which increases as the trap is approached.

ACO shower drains and traps can be found here.  Read more about ACO shower drain products here.