We’re choosing a linear drain. What should you look out for before buying?

Simple, minimalist solutions are growing in popularity year after year. That’s no doubt because such conveniences deliver both comfort and aesthetics – especially in the case of a linear drain. This plumbing fitting is appearing ever more often in our bathrooms. Modern shower channel drains are discreet and barely noticeable, yet they do an excellent job of carrying water away. What’s behind the appeal of the linear drain? What should you look out for when buying and installing one?

Trayless showers – an interiors hit

A few years ago, trayless showers didn’t have many fans. These days, they’re an innovative yet convenient solution that’s turning up in more and more Polish bathrooms. A major advantage of walk-in showers is their minimalist look, as well as how easy they are to step in and out of. The latter matters hugely when the shower will be used by children or older people with mobility issues. Another plus is how easy they are to keep clean. Anyone who has ever done a deep clean of a bathroom knows that tiles are far easier to clean than a shower tray.

A trayless shower is an ideal solution for a small bathroom. However, if you opt for this route, you need to allow for it at the design stage so the appropriate fall can be prepared to channel water into the drainage system. To achieve that, it’s worth ensuring the bathroom plumbing is built accordingly and choosing a high-quality linear drain.

Why is it worth investing in a linear drain?

A shower channel is a piece of plumbing that’s installed flush with the floor. The main job of the drain is to carry water into the drainage system. If you choose this solution, you don’t need to install a shower tray in your bathroom. As a result, the bathroom takes on a modern character. Linear drains are especially well suited to small spaces, because they don’t take up much room. It’s also worth adding that they’re easy to keep clean.

Linear drain. Which one to choose?

Retailers of bathroom and plumbing fittings offer many solutions. The variety of products on the market means you can choose from different grate types, channel lengths and installation methods. On the shelves you’ll find, among others, straight and corner channels, as well as models with perforations along the long edge. However, choosing a specific model isn’t quite so simple. Why? Because before buying, you need to pay attention to the type of floor finish. Only then will the tiles, channel and grate create a flush, uniform surface.

Aesthetics aren’t the only aspect worth your time, though. With bathroom fittings, ease of cleaning is important too. For that reason, the best options are stainless steel bodies and models designed to guarantee easy cleaning for everyone at home.

Sealing components in linear drains

With bathroom fittings, watertight construction is crucial. Every linear drain is in constant contact with water and moisture, so it’s not worth investing in materials of dubious quality. Before buying, take a close look at each component and how they’re joined. When choosing a set, it’s advisable to check that it’s complete. Pay particular attention to the trap, which is responsible for draining water and preventing unpleasant odours. Only high-quality products guarantee safety in use.

Proper flow rate – what does that mean?

When investing in a linear drain, remember that efficient water removal is extremely important. If you want to enjoy a comfortable shower, choose a drain that can handle at least 30 litres of water per minute.

When should you opt for a wall-mounted linear drain?

When it comes to linear drains, the wall-mounted model seems the most attractive option. Using this plumbing fitting allows you to achieve a level floor surface, which isn’t possible with a standard linear drain fitted in the floor tiles. Wall-mounted linear drain works best in small bathrooms and in situations where you’ve invested in underfloor heating.

Today’s bathrooms are minimalist spaces in which all the necessary elements are stylishly concealed. Both concealed mixer taps and built-in washing machine enclosures are among the few details we opt for during a full renovation or when fitting out a bathroom.