Floor Drain vs. Shower Channel: A Comparison

Floor Drain

A bathroom floor drain is an important component to effectively drain water and prevent mold and other moisture problems. The floor drain is usually installed in the shower or bath area to drain the water.

There are different types of floor drains that vary in design, size, and performance. Some drains are shallow and inconspicuous, while others have multiple drain holes and a larger drain volume. An important aspect of installing a bathroom floor drain is the correct placement to ensure effective water drainage. A drain that is too low or too high can hinder water drainage or even cause problems.

To ensure that the floor drain works properly and stays clean, it is important to clean it regularly. Dust and hair can collect in the drain opening and block the water flow. Regular cleaning can prevent this problem.

All in all, the bathroom floor drain is an important component in preventing moisture problems and keeping the bathroom dry and clean. It is advisable to consult a professional to find the right type and placement of the floor drain.

The complete floor drain system consists of 3 different modules, which differ as follows:

Module 1 Grate + thread adapter

Our selection of grate and thread adapter forms the first module of our floor drain system. Each variant is available in the dimensions 10 x 10 cm and alternatively always as a 15 x 15 cm version. All grates are made of solid stainless steel. The grates are available in the three variants “linear”, “square” & “sun”.

Module 2 Sealing flange

This is the second module of our floor drain system. You can choose between the variant with foil seal (the same material as our sealing mats) and the variant whose seal is based on a mesh (glass fiber fabric). The variant with the foil seal can be used in combination with a sealing tape or a brush seal. The variant with mesh can only be used in combination with a brush seal. Both variants are inseparably connected to the PP flange ring by bonding and are waterproof.

Module 3 drain with siphon

The third and final module of our floor drain system is about the drain. Here we present our drain with siphon and construction protection cover. One has an installation height of only 63 mm and a horizontal drain with a threshold water height of 3 cm. The larger version has an installation height of 93 mm and a shut-off water height of 5 cm. All including odor trap system and red construction protection covers. We point out that these drains are not compatible with our linear drain systems.

Certainly, here’s the English translation of the provided 19 items related to the installation process:

Processing

1. For installation, the floor drain from module 3 must first be connected to the sealing variant from module 2.
2. The floor drain and the seal are firmly connected when the seal can no longer be tightened.
3. To facilitate the installation in the course of further installation, the protruding sealing foil or fiberglass fabric should be folded up and placed on top.
4. In accordance with the drain point specified by the customer, the drain system is aligned at the correct height, taking into account a necessary slope of approx. 1-2%, and fixed to the substrate with cement or screed mortar.
5. Care must be taken to ensure that the drain housing is aligned horizontally.
6. If quick-setting mortar is used, the drain pipe of the drain pan can be connected to the house drain pipe after a short curing time by means of a push-fit socket.
7. The drainage slope between the drain and the house drain pipe must be at least 0.5%.
8. After completion of the installation work, a leak test with water must be carried out to check the tightness of the connections and the correct drainage behavior.
9. To prevent clogging of the drainage system by dirt and mortar, the smaller of the two red construction protection caps must then be fitted. If necessary, suitable soundproofing measures must be taken in the area of the floor drain/drain pipe to prevent disturbing sound bridges.
10. After completion of the installation work, a watertight connection to module 2 must be made as part of the composite seal to be carried out.
11. When using the foil variant, the yellow sealing foil is glued over the entire surface and free of air bubbles to the screed using flexible mortar with a 4 mm notched trowel.
12. The subsequent bonded waterproofing, for example with waterproofing sheets, is carried out in a width of approx. 8-10 cm overlapping and waterproof with sealing tape.
13. If a brushable bonded waterproofing is used, the mesh is evenly embedded between the first and second waterproof layer. The same procedure can also be carried out alternatively with the foil variant.
14. For the subsequent tiling, the construction protection cap is first removed again and then module 1 is screwed onto module 2.
15. To do this, the threaded adapter of module 1 is screwed into the flange ring of module 2. Then the plastic frame is screwed onto the threaded adapter (both module 1) and aligned to the height of the top edge of the tile covering.

Shower Channels

Shower Channels are a modern and popular type of drain in bathrooms and showers. Unlike the traditional floor drain, the floor sink is a narrow, elongated drain that is installed along the wall or in the middle of the shower.

Shower Channels have many advantages over traditional floor drains. They are visually more appealing and can enhance the design and aesthetics of the shower. Because they are elongated and flat, they blend seamlessly into the floor and can provide threshold-free access to the shower. Another advantage of Shower Channels is their greater drainage capacity. They can drain larger amounts of water in a shorter time than conventional floor drains. This can reduce the risk of water damage and mold. When installing Shower Channels, proper planning and placement is important to ensure optimal drainage. It is advisable to consult a professional to find the right type and size of floor sink and the correct placement.

In summary, Shower Channels offer a modern and elegant drainage solution for showers and bathrooms. They offer better drainage performance, are visually more appealing, and can facilitate access to the shower.

Processing

1. First check whether the contents of the box are complete.
2. Cut out the screed in the area of the shower.
3. Position the channel and set it to the desired height with tile adhesive. Make sure that the channel body is level both horizontally and vertically.
4. Connect the drain to the drain and check the system for leaks.
5. Then shift the drain and finish the screed with a slope of 2% towards the channel.
6. The channel is pre-assembled for an installation height of 11 mm, suitable for tile thicknesses of 8 – 10.5 mm. If a different height is required, for example when laying mosaic or natural stone, the height can be adjusted from 6 to 21 mm. To do this, remove the grate and unscrew the channel gutter using the installation aid. To reduce the installation height, use the four 9 mm spacers (included) that are factory fitted in the required number. The different structure of the top and bottom of the spacers ensures a tight fit. The distance between the spacers must be at least 5 cm to the left and right of the drain opening.
7. After sufficient drying time of the screed, professionally incorporate the sealing collar connected to the shower channel into the waterproofing system and apply the tiling. Adjust the height beforehand if necessary.
8. Then reattach the channel body and the grate.