While conventional center-point shower drains have long been a staple in most bathrooms, linear shower drains have gained popularity over recent years. Linear shower drains are sleek and sophisticated, offering several advantages traditional point drains cannot compete with. But what makes linear shower drains so desirable?
Below, we'll explore why linear shower drains are here to stay, including accessibility, universal design, how they create a spa-like environment, increased flow rate, and easier maintenance. Moreover, we'll cover some of Oatey’s linear drain products — including the Oatey Decorative Linear Drains Vivante/Designline and the QuickDrain ShowerLine —that serve both practical and aesthetic purposes.
Increased Accessibility
One of the key benefits of using a linear shower drain is accessibility. For people with mobility issues or disabilities, the four-directional slope of conventional center-point shower drains can be challenging to navigate.
In contrast, linear drains need only a one-directional slope towards the drain. That makes them the ideal design solution for creating ADA-compliant (Americans with Disabilities Act) showers and universally accessible wet spaces. A single-sloped shower with non-slip surfaces and minimized hazards, such as tall tub skirts or curbs, will increase safety.
Linear shower drains sit flush with the floor, offering hassle-free entrance and exit. This feature also makes linear drains ideal for curbless showers, which are both practical and stylish. With no four-way slope to navigate or front barrier to step over, curbless design more easily accommodates a freestanding bench in the shower, a wheelchair, or other mobility aids.
Linear drains used in curbless showers provide a universal design that fits comfortably into multigenerational or senior living conditions. Homeowners benefit any time safety measures can be taken into consideration within an upgraded bathroom décor.
If members of your family struggle with mobility, have disability needs, or are even recovering from surgery, a linear drain will positively change their showering experience.
Universal Design and Layout Flexibility
A fundamental advantage of linear shower drains in universal design is their flexibility in layout options. Unlike traditional point drains, which are typically centered due to the drain pipe location, linear drains offer the freedom to be installed in various locations within the shower space. Whether you desire a curbless shower or prefer a curb design, you can install a linear drain against one wall, at the shower entrance, or even along the back wall.
This flexibility is particularly advantageous when considering aesthetics and tile use. Linear drains are often chosen for offset drain installations or different angles, not only because they make a visual statement but also because linear drains can be installed wall-to-wall, which hides the fact that a drain outlet is off-center.
In particular, the QuickDrain ShowerLine is a site-sizable linear drain that solves the “off-center drain” challenge. They can be customized to adapt to existing drain locations while covering the fact that the drain is off-center. QuickDrain linear drains have integrated slopes to evacuate water from the drain body efficiently and effectively.
Linear drains offer further design flexibility through their compatibility with larger-format tiles. Cutting larger tiles to fit around a traditional center drain can be challenging. Linear drains simplify this aspect of installation, ensuring a more seamless and attractive final result.
The installation simplicity, combined with aesthetic appeal, makes linear drains a superior choice when considering various design options.
Spa-Like Atmosphere
Hotel bathrooms offer a spa-like environment everyone loves. So, why not bring that same luxury to your own bathroom?
Linear drains are the key to achieving this look. By sitting flush with the floor, they create more space for tilework and give your shower design an elevated appearance. With the rising popularity of wet rooms, where showers and freestanding tubs are in the same area, linear drains are the perfect choice.
These drains enhance the overall aesthetics and add a unique touch that sets them apart from traditional drains. Want to create a more luxurious feel than typical plastic or fiberglass shower bases? Combine a linear drain with a tiled shower to create the same ambiance as a spa or a high-end hotel.
Oatey’s Decorative Linear Shower Drains Designline (available at Home Depot) and Vivante (available at Lowes) offer an easy and affordable way to get that spa-like atmosphere with unique design options.
Opt for a QuickDrain linear drain offering various decorative drain covers and finishes for increased luxury and versatility. Homeowners can choose from a range of styles: modern, farmhouse, traditional, and contemporary. Cover finishes include brushed or polished stainless steel, brushed or polished gold, matte or polished black, oil-rubbed bronze, and polished rose gold.
Multiple Outlets and Higher Flow Rates
Linear shower drains offer significant benefits when dealing with higher-than-average flow rates. Since the drain is wider than a traditional drain, it can accommodate more water and prevent overflow.
In addition, if your design incorporates two shower heads or hand showers that need to drain from separate outlets, a QuickDrain linear drain can be customized to have more than one outlet.
When selecting a linear drain, be sure it can handle the combined flow rate of the various water-delivery components in the shower — showerhead, handheld shower, body sprays, etc.
Drain location will impact flow rate capacity, whether the drain is at the entrance, along the wall, or centered. For example, if you install the linear drain at the entry of a curbless shower, the shower's flow rate capacity will drop to five gallons per minute (GPM).
Today’s standard flow rates are well within this five GPM standard: Most have been reduced to 1.5 GPM. However, ceiling shower heads, body sprays, and hand showers cannot simultaneously activate when your linear drain is located at the shower entrance. Why? — because their combined flow rate will exceed five GPM. A back-wall drain install will handle up to 12 GPM and is, therefore, the best location if multiple shower heads and hand sprays will likely operate at once.
If you plan to install the linear drain against the shower’s back wall, the shower pan will need to be recessed, or the bathroom floor will need to be raised to hide the slope. Although this type of installation will take more time, it is the best possible placement for effective drainage.
Easier Maintenance
Linear drains also offer the convenience of easier maintenance — again, because they can be integrated with larger-format tiles. This reduces the number of grout joints and seams where mold, mildew, and grime can take hold.
Shower floors without enough pitch usually puddle and hold water. Soap scum and water deposits form in these wet areas, making the tile and grout look dirty.
Linear shower drains are a perfect solution for any homeowner, builder, or designer looking for a stylish and convenient bathroom upgrade. With their accessibility, universal design, increased flow rate, easier maintenance, and the ability to create a luxurious spa-like environment, they are a smart choice for any bathroom remodel.
If you're still debating whether or not to install a linear drain, check out our blog Linear vs. center square drains: Five considerations to drive your choice.
