In this article, we'll show you how to avoid common problems associated with bathtub drains and how to choose the perfect solution for your bathroom. Choosing the right bathtub drain is a decision that may seem like a minor detail, but it has a huge impact on the comfort and functionality of your daily bath. It's not just a matter of aesthetics, but above all, practicality and installation reliability. Before you decide on a specific model, it's worth considering a few important aspects that will ensure the selected drain perfectly complements your bathtub's design and meets your functional expectations. The variety of bathtub drains available on the market can be overwhelming, so it's crucial to understand the functions of each type and their advantages in the context of the bathtub's material and the need for an overflow. Moreover, correct installation is just as important as the choice of the trap – longevity and trouble-free use depend on it.
Washbasin trap
When designing a bathroom, we usually focus on what's visible, often forgetting the important role a washbasin trap plays in the bathroom. Washbasin trap performs several important functions:
- prevents unpleasant odors from entering the bathroom,
- stops food debris, hair, and other contaminants,
- prevents clogging of sewage pipes.
To choose the right washbasin trap, it's worth paying attention to a few things. issues:
- Dimensions - the trap must match the size of the sink, so measure the drain opening before purchasing.
- Type - There are various types of traps available on the market, including classic, automatic, and valve-based. Before purchasing, it's worth comparing the features and functionality of individual models.
- Material - traps are most often made of plastic or metal. Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages, but metal traps are usually more durable and resistant to mechanical damage.
Types of Washbasin Traps
There are two main types of washbasin traps available on the market – bottle washbasin traps and tube washbasin traps, as well as their variations, i.e., non-standard and specialized traps. What are the characteristics of each model?
Bottle Sink Siphon
This is the most popular sink siphon model. It owes its name to its unique shape – a water reservoir resembling a bottle is located at its bottom. This type of siphon is vertical and doesn't take up much space, making it suitable even for small bathrooms. However, due to its compact design, it requires frequent cleaning (impurities and sediment can accumulate in the reservoir). The lower part of the bottle siphon is easy to unscrew to remove debris and catch items that accidentally fall into the drain, such as jewelry or hair accessories.
Tube Sink Siphon
This is a modern, U-shaped siphon. It has a larger flow capacity, so it drains water very efficiently. Thanks to its simple design, it rarely clogs (potentially collecting areas have been eliminated). Therefore, it doesn't require as frequent maintenance as its predecessor. Due to its horizontal orientation, it is especially recommended for larger bathrooms and built-in sinks, where there is more free space.
Custom and Special Purpose Siphons
When the situation requires a different siphon, for example, when it must remain visible and therefore be more elegant or designer, custom washbasin siphons (also known as decorative siphons) are used. They allow you to match the design of plumbing elements to the bathroom's style.
Sink siphons differ not only in their design, but also in the type of material from which they are made. PVC or brass siphons are most common.
- A PVC trap is inexpensive and lightweight. It works well in bathrooms and is a long-lasting solution – provided it comes from a reputable manufacturer. Cheaper alternatives are usually of lower quality and may break down more often. The disadvantage of a plastic trap is its limited flexibility and unattractive appearance. However, if the trap is intended to be hidden in a bathroom cabinet, this is not a significant issue.
- A brass trap – it is definitely nicer than its predecessor, but also more expensive. It is worth choosing if the trap will remain visible. The elegant, chrome-plated surface will emphasize the character of the bathroom and will not disrupt the established design.
Bathtub Trap
Choosing the right bathtub trap is a decision that may seem like a minor detail, but it has a huge impact on the comfort and functionality of your daily bath. It's not just a matter of aesthetics, but above all, practicality and installation reliability. Before you decide on a specific model, it's worth considering a few important aspects that will ensure the chosen drain perfectly complements your bathtub type and meets your functional expectations. The variety of bathtub drains available on the market can be overwhelming, so it's crucial to understand the functions of each type and their advantages in terms of the bathtub material and the need for an overflow. Furthermore, proper installation is just as important as the drain selection – long-term and trouble-free use depend on it.
Criteria for selecting a bathtub drain – what to pay attention to?
When choosing a bathtub drain, it's crucial to match it to the specific installation and the dimensions of the bathtub itself. The technical parameters of the siphon, such as the outlet diameter and height, should be compatible with the sewage system and the space under the bathtub. It's also important to consider ease of cleaning – models with the Quick Clean function ensure comfort and a longer lifespan.
Various types of siphons are available on the market, including automatic, semi-automatic, and manual. The choice depends on individual preferences and budget. Here are a few points to consider:
- Operation type – do we prefer a solution with an automatic or manual waste?
- Design – should the waste trap be visible and decorative, or is it better to conceal it?
- Material durability – waste traps made of brass or stainless steel are usually more resistant to corrosion.
Different types of bathtub waste traps – which one fits your bathtub?
When choosing a bathtub waste trap, we must first consider the installation depth available under the bathtub. Furthermore, it is important that the waste trap matches the diameter of the bathtub drain. Various types of bathtub waste traps are available on the market, such as automatic, semi-automatic, and manual. Automatic waste traps are convenient to use because they do not require manual drainage – simply press a button or use a lever. Semi-automatic drains, on the other hand, allow you to control the water flow using a knob located on the bathtub rim. Manual drains, on the other hand, are simpler and less expensive. Ease of cleaning and maintenance are also important criteria when selecting a drain.
Sink Plugs
To choose the right sink plug, first check whether the sink has an overflow, and then select the appropriate type and size. The standard drain diameter is 40 mm.
1. Check if the sink has an overflow:
- If the sink has an overflow hole, you'll need a stopper with an overflow to drain excess water.
- If the sink doesn't have an overflow, choose a stopper without an overflow.
2. Choose the right stopper type. There are three types: with an overflow, without an overflow, and universal. 3. Currently, the most popular stopper is the click-clack stopper: Pressing the stopper with your finger activates the mechanism and closes the drain. Pressing it again opens it! It's important to choose a click-clack stopper with an overflow for a sink with an overflow, and a click-clack stopper without an overflow for a sink without an overflow. 4. Choose the material and color. Stoppers are available in a variety of materials and colors, so it's worth choosing one that complements the style of your bathroom and other fixtures. Washbasin drains are usually made of brass in the following colors: black, graphite, antique brass, chrome, white, and gold.
Shower Drains
Planning to install a shower in your bathroom? When planning this project, you should consider the drainage of water from the shower. There are various types of shower drains on the market. Depending on the space and style of your bathroom, you can choose a linear, point, or slotted drain. Each has its own advantages, which you can learn more about in our article.
Uses of Shower Drains
Choosing the right drain can significantly simplify daily shower use, as well as impact the durability, hygiene, and aesthetics of the room. But which type is right for your bathroom?
Shower drains are divided into linear and point drains. Linear drains are placed in the floor, creating a long, narrow opening through which water flows. Point drains are placed in the center of the shower, usually at the bottom of the cabin.
Structure of linear drains
A linear drain consists of three main parts: a stainless steel channel with a siphon and a cover that covers the drain hole and usually also serves a decorative purpose. The basic function of a linear drain is to collect water by gravity and discharge it through a siphon into the sewer system. However, it's important to remember that the subfloor must be properly level. The optimal slope should be 2-2.5%. It's best to decide on installing a shower enclosure with a linear drain at the bathroom design stage. This will help avoid potential problems with subfloor preparation and system installation. It's best to entrust the drain installation to an experienced professional. This will ensure that all components have been installed correctly, the necessary waterproofing has been carried out according to the instructions, and the drain will function perfectly.
The design of a linear drain, regardless of its shape (straight, corner, or curved), is regulated by relevant European standards. The variety of shapes allows for a perfect fit for virtually any type of shower enclosure, making it a universal solution. However, if for some reason (e.g., the floor is too thin) you can't install a linear drain in the floor, it's worth choosing a wall drain. All the installation components are then hidden within the wall, and the only visible part is the decorative cover. The floor remains intact and perfectly even.
Applications of linear drains
- Radier-free showers: linear drains are an ideal solution for shower cabins without a tray, the so-called Walk-in drains, allowing for an elegant and aesthetically pleasing bathroom appearance.
- Small bathrooms: linear drains are a good choice in small bathrooms where limited space requires space optimization.
- Barrier-free bathrooms: linear drains allow for a bathroom without thresholds and barriers, which is especially important for the elderly, children, or people with disabilities.
- Aesthetics and functionality: linear drains in modern bathrooms are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, adding charm and elegance.
Point drains - construction
- Body: a component embedded in the floor, containing a siphon closure and a sediment trap.
- Siphon closure: prevents unpleasant odors from the sewage system.
- Strain trap: a filter that traps contaminants so they do not enter the sewage system.
- Grid: The upper, visible part of the drain is available in various shapes, designs, and materials.
- Sealing collar: for sealing the drain to the floor.
- Adjustable feet: for easy installation at the correct height.
Use of point drains
- Traditional showers: point drains are often used in traditional shower enclosures with a shower tray.
- Utility rooms: point drains can be used in utility rooms where water drainage is important.