Choosing the right shower drain for your bathroom is an important decision that requires some careful consideration. The drain you select needs to effectively remove water, match your shower style, and stand the test of time. This guide will walk you through the key factors to weigh when picking the best drain for your shower.

Assess Your Current Drain Situation

Before rushing out to buy a new shower drain, take some time to assess your current setup. This will help you determine if a replacement is truly needed or if a repair or deep clean may suffice.

Consider the following:

• Age of existing drain: Older drains are more prone to clogging and deterioration. If your drain is 10+ years old, an upgrade may be beneficial.
• Drain functionality: Check if your current drain adequately removes water. Place a stopped drain for a few minutes with the shower running. If water starts pooling, the drain may be clogged or damaged.
• Visible corrosion: Inspect for rust and mineral buildup around the drain. This can indicate wear and signal it’s time for a new drain.
• Odor from drain: A musty or sewage-like smell may mean there is built-up grime or even mold in the drain system. Replacement may be the best option.

If your examination reveals significant issues, then moving forward with a new shower drain would be wise.

Choose a Drain Style

There are several types of shower drains to consider:

Linear Drains

• Long, narrow drain that spans a larger surface area.
• Removes water quickly and efficiently.
• Sleek, modern aesthetic.
• More expensive than traditional point drains.
• Requires careful installation and floor sloping.

Point Drains

• Circular drain with a centered grate.
• Simple, classic design.
• Budget-friendly option.
• Prone to clogging with hair/debris.
• Can limit shower layout options.

Trench Drains

• Long drain built into a trench in the floor.
• Unobtrusive linear design.
• Can handle very high water volumes.
• High cost of installation.
• Works best for large, open showers.

Specialty Drains

• Unique shapes, patterns, and accents.
• Can complement a custom shower design.
• Provide flair but function the same.
• More expensive than standard drains.

Consider your shower layout, style, and budget to help determine which drain type will work best. Measure available space and visualize flow to make an informed choice.

Select Durable Construction Materials

The drain’s physical construction greatly impacts its longevity and performance. Be sure to inspect the quality of key components:

Grate Material

• Stainless steel: Most popular option; sleek appearance, rust-resistant, sturdy.
• Brass: Also corrosion-resistant but higher cost than steel.
• Plastic: Cheap but prone to breaking and less durable over time.

Drain Body Material

• Stainless steel: Holds up well to water exposure; moderately priced.
• Cast iron: Very durable but heavier to install; can oxidize over time.
• Plastic: Lightweight and inexpensive but lower quality than metal.

Flange & Fastener Material

• Stainless steel: Best option for preventing rust and failure.
• Metal alloys: Affordable but less water-resistant; higher potential to degrade.

Opt for high-grade stainless steel components when possible for the greatest durability and longevity.

Match Your Shower Base Material

Select a drain flange style that properly suits your shower floor:

• Tile showers: Use drains with tile-in flanges to embed directly into the tile flooring.
• Fiberglass/acrylic showers: Pick a drain with a wide lip flange to sit flush atop these surfaces.
• Stone showers: Choose a drain with an extra-wide flange to evenly distribute weight.
• Vinyl showers: Drains with glue-down flanges adhere securely to vinyl surfaces.

Mismatched flanges that don’t properly seat atop the shower base can lead to leaks and water damage down the line.

Consider Drain Capacity

Calculate your necessary drain capacity based on shower size and features:

• For a standard shower stall, look for a drainage rate of at least 20 gallons per minute (GPM).
• For larger showers or those with multiple heads, scale up to at least 40-50 GPM capacity.
• Some high-flow drains boast 70+ GPM ratings for heavy drainage needs.

Exceeding drain capacity leads to standing water and potential overflow. Factor in all water sources to determine ideal minimum GPM.

Choose Hair Catcher Features

Drains with built-in hair catchers help trap debris and prevent clogs:

• Removable basket: Can empty caught hair after each use. Easy cleaning.
• Brush finish: Tiny bristles catch smaller particles. Avoid extensive hair buildup.
• Silicone gasket: Creates a seal to keep hair from bypassing basket. Pops out for cleaning.
• No hair catcher: Requires meticulous drain cleaning to avoid clogs.

Look for hair-catching mechanisms that are easy to access and maintain if you want the most clog protection.

Check Building Codes

Most areas regulate certain aspects of shower drains:

• Drain positioning: Local codes dictate if drain must be centered, adjacent to walls, etc.
• Waterproofing: Many codes now require full waterproof membranes under tile showers.
• Drain sizing: Some jurisdictions limit drain outlet size, generally 1.5-3 inches.

Take time to research all relevant building codes for your area before ordering a drain. This ensures your new drain is compliant and permitted for installation.

call a Professional for Installation

While a skilled DIYer can replace many fixtures, shower drains often benefit from a professional installation:

• Proper slope, support, and sealing are crucial to prevent leaks.
• Meeting code requirements for shower pan membranes is complex.
• Aesthetic finish of tile showers depends on precise placement and tile cutting.
• Retrofitting an existing drain outlet pipe can get tricky.

Hiring a qualified plumber provides peace of mind your new drain is setup correctly to operate optimally and safely contain water.

FAQs about Shower Drains

Still have some questions about finding and installing the ideal shower drain? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

What are shower drains made of?

Shower drains consist of a metal or plastic body, grate/strainer, and flange. Quality drains feature stainless steel or die cast construction. Cheaper units may use plastic.

Do I need a special drain for a tile shower?

Yes, you need a tile-in drain with a flange that mounts flush with the tile floor. This provides a waterproof seal and allows the drain to be embedded in the tile.

What size drain pipe do most showers use?

Most standard shower drains require a 1.5 or 2 inch outlet drain pipe. Larger custom showers may use 3-4 inch drains and pipes. Measure your existing setup.

How do I clean a shower drain?

Use a zip-it tool to remove hair. Pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain, let sit 30 minutes, then rinse with boiling water. Avoid harsh chemicals.

Can I convert my tub to a shower?

Yes, many bathtubs can be converted. You’ll need to install a new shower pan and drain specifically designed for showers. Consult a plumber.

How much does a new shower drain cost?

Expect to pay $50-250 for the drain itself, plus $200-500+ for professional installation if not doing it yourself. Higher-end drains cost more.

Do I need a permit to replace a shower drain?

In most cases, yes. Building codes generally require permits when altering plumbing and drainage. Replacing a drain qualifies. Check your local requirements.

Conclusion

Replacing an old or dysfunctional shower drain is a project with many facets to consider, from drain style to grate material to installation factors. Hopefully this guide has provided you with a solid foundation to select the ideal new drain for your bathroom setup. Pay attention to build quality, hair catching features, size, and matching your shower base material. And don’t forget a key step: bringing in a professional installer to do the job right. With the right drain choice and proper installation, you’ll enjoy reliable water drainage and an invigorated shower for years to come.