How to make a floor drain for a shower under a tile
Tired of tripping over a shower tray? Discard this bulky design in favor of a comfortable, stylish and ergonomic area with a shower drain in the floor under the tile. Water flows into the sewers through a grate mounted directly on the floor, and glass cabins of various configurations are used to protect the bathroom from splashes. You can choose a fully enclosed version with a door or restrict yourself to a long protective screen by installing it parallel to the wall.
This version of the shower area is gaining more and more popularity. It can be located anywhere in the bathroom - built into a corner or separate the end part of a narrow room. The design has undeniable advantages over traditional devices, because it:
does not clutter up the bathroom, in which there is already little space - glass canvases perfectly transmit light, look easy, airy and do not eat the space visually;
supports the concept of a "barrier-free environment", convenient for use by older people, people with disabilities - the absence of a side panel removes the problem of getting into the shower;
It looks stylish and modern;
has a tile floor, which is much easier to wash and disinfect;
does not allow cluttering up the space under the pallet, due to the lack thereof;
provides unlimited options for choosing the design, location, dimensions and configuration of the shower area;
allows you to refuse to purchase an expensive device;
easily dismantled if necessary.
Installation of such a cabin will require specific preparatory work at the stage of floor arrangement. The main issue that needs to be addressed is the effective disposal of waste water. This requires a sewage slope of 0.03%. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a 3 cm rise per meter of pipe. If you want to completely abandon pallets, you will either have to raise the level of the entire floor, or equip the drainage system with a drainage pump.
Varieties of gangways - their device, advantages and disadvantages
Primitive ladders appeared along with the first souls. Since then, the line of these devices has replenished with a variety of options. Products differ in appearance, design features and purpose.
According to the type of construction, three large groups of ladders can be distinguished - point, linear and wall.
Spot
This is a traditional square-shaped gangway. It is distinguished by its small size and the presence of holes deposited around the entire perimeter of the decorative panel. This is a compact device that can be placed anywhere in the cab floor. Such ladders are most often installed in the center, providing a good flow of water. To do this, the tiles around it are laid at an angle. Such elements can be useful not only in the shower. They are often installed in the center of the room as additional protection. In the event of an accident, they will help save neighbors from flooding, and you from the need to compensate for their losses.
Linear
The product is made in the form of a rectangular-shaped tray with a variety of slots and holes. In another way, this type is called a shower tray or gutter. On the decorative plate, there may be perforation or a slit passing near the edge around the entire perimeter of the product. The installation process of the slotted version is simplified in comparison with a conventional device with holes. Since the ladder is installed on the side, near the wall or at the exit, the slope of the floor is formed so that the water flows in only one direction - towards the drain. Linear ladders have good culvert capacity, therefore they can be installed in rooms with a "tropical" shower.
Wall
An invisible angular structure is placed along the wall and masks the joint between the floor and the wall. To mount this model, it is necessary to build a false wall, since the main part of the structure must be hidden. The drain system is closed by a laconic and elegant rectangular panel with slots.
What to look for when choosing a ladder
Manufacturers offer a variety of types of drain devices. They vary in design, shape, material of manufacture. In order not to get confused in the wide assortment of gangways and choose a product with optimal characteristics, pay attention to the following points:
material - the device should have strength, resistance to wear and provide a snug fit to the floor.
the method of connecting the pipe - access to the sewer can have a vertical or horizontal direction. The first option is optimal for installation in private homes. The second is universal. It is great for sewers of apartment buildings, as it is mounted sideways to the drain;
coupling diameter - must match the size of the inlet sewer. Most often, the inlet diameter is 50 mm;
product integrity - it should not be damaged - chips or scratches;
type of construction - prefabricated version is more convenient for maintenance and cleaning. To gain access to the pipeline, it is enough to dismantle the upper parts;
type of shutter - when installing in an unheated room where the shower will be used irregularly - for example, in the bathroom of a country house, you should choose devices with a mechanical or dry shutter;
product height - it depends on how much you have to raise the floor level. The higher the structure, the better its throughput. A good solution is a ladder with adjustable height;
appearance of the drain grate. The panel must ensure the passage of a sufficient amount of water, correspond to the style of the interior, harmonize with the finish and fit in size to the elements of the flooring.
Material
The main materials for the manufacture of the ladder include:
plastic - devices are affordable, lightweight, easy to care for. The material is resistant to aggressive cleaning agents, durable. A plastic ladder can be equipped with a grill of the same material or of a more attractive and stylish one - metal, glass. The legs can be adjustable - screw or made of steel tape with perforation. The latter allow you to adjust the height of the product by bending the metal.
stainless steel - designs entirely consist of steel, have increased strength and durability. Such ladders are recommended for children's organizations, health centers, public pools. Usually they are used in institutions with increased requirements for compliance with hygiene standards. Metal grills can be in the form of a square, strip. Stylish solution - slotted tray. Inside, it is filled with tiles or mosaics, which was used to finish the floor. Only subtle, neat slots remain in sight.
cast iron - optimal for harsh operating conditions, as it has high resistance to corrosion. The service life of such structures can reach up to 50 years. They have high water throughput and are ideal for installation in pools, laundries, special laboratories. For sewage disposal - rain or household, it is allowed to use only vertical ladders from Du 100 cast iron.
Size and shape
Products are presented in the form of various geometric shapes.
Small point ladders can have a round, square and even triangular shape. Oval products also have a place to be, however, they are not so popular and quite rare. Wall and linear models are presented in the form of strips in the entire length of the cab wall.
The simple shapes of square and rectangular patterns provide them with great demand, as they are easier to combine with standard-sized tiles. Elongated grilles fit better with large porcelain or marble panels.
Shutter type
In order to block the way to the room with odors from the sewer, the ladder structures are equipped with special gates. There are various types of device data. Each of them has its own working principle.
Shutter Types:
Hydraulic - odors overlap with the help of residues of flowing water.To prevent its freezing, such gates are not used in unheated rooms - in a summer bath or a summer house. If the shower is idle, the water will evaporate and odors will freely enter the room.
Mechanical is suitable for showers in which there is no heating. It is controlled by a special lever. If the shower is not planned to be used for a long time, the exit can be simply blocked.
Universal - with a check valve that cuts into the drain pipe. Its task is to block the pipe in an emergency and block access to the room to odors and water from the sewer.
Dry - equipped with a special shutter that seals the drain tightly. While taking a shower, the water drains into the drain, presses the shutter and opens the damper.
There are three types of dry shutters:
pendulum - pouring stream presses on the plate. It opens and lets water through. After that, the shutter returns to its previous position and blocks the passage;
float - the cork falls under the influence of water. After the flow of water stops, it rises again and clogs the pipe;
membrane - shrinks when water enters it.
The dry gate drain is an expensive pleasure compared to the hydraulic counterpart. It makes sense to install it in showers that are not used every day - in guest bathrooms or in the country.
Another type of shutter is combined. This option is a combination of a dry seal and a dry seal.
Water throughput
The design of the installed watering can affects the choice of shower drain. When using standard top sprayers, a point design with a flow rate of up to 24 l / min is suitable. Tropical rain watering cans require the installation of linear and wall-mounted gangways capable of diverting more than 50 l / min.
Do not save on the outlet.Otherwise, the water simply will not have time to drain, and while taking a shower, your legs will always be in a soapy liquid, which is not too pleasant. In addition, this increases the likelihood of clogging.
Self Installation Steps
If you do not want to allocate additional funds for the services of a designer and construction team, you can do it yourself. You have to solve a difficult and responsible task, but the result is worth it. If you carefully follow the instructions and follow the order of work, you will get a comfortable system that perfectly performs its functions.
Necessary materials and tools
If the installation of the ladder was planned at the design stage of the repair of the apartment, then it will be easier to make the installation. The screed should provide the ability to install the sewer below the final floor level.
When doing the work yourself, you can not do without:
roulette and building level;
screwdrivers and a set of keys;
hammer drill or punch;
construction mixer;
beacons for uniform screed installation;
roller with spikes for distribution of the composition;
tile cutter;
trowels for laying tiles;
gun for sealant.
Necessary materials:
plastic or steel gangway;
glass panels;
cement mixture for solution preparation;
tile glue;
grout for joints;
silicone sealant.
Preparatory work
At the preparatory stage, you should decide on the type of system being installed and the method of its placement.
Shower drain can be installed:
in the center of the bathroom. In this case, it is necessary to provide a bias to the drain from all sides. This is the most popular option for placing a ladder, since it allows you to choose devices of any shape - square, rectangular, oval;
along the edge of the floor - you will need to organize an inconspicuous slope over the entire floor area towards the grill.This is an excellent option for installing a rectangular grill or slotted tray, which has high throughput and excellent aesthetic properties;
in the corner - a triangular lattice is optimal for such an arrangement.
Sewer Piping
Work on the wiring and installation of the sewer system is a rather complicated process. Before proceeding with its implementation, it is required to draw up a layout of its elements. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the features of the pipes - diameter, slope, to ensure the absence of sharp turns and strong bends. To place the pipes at the right angle, which will ensure effective drainage of waste fluids, their diameter must be considered. If it is less than 50 mm, the slope level should be 3%, from 50-100 mm 2% will be enough.
For the installation of a sewage system in the bathroom, it is recommended to use the following types of pipes:
polypropylene;
polyethylene;
polyvinyl chloride.
For tight fixation of the joints of the elements, special couplings will be needed. The size of the pipe depends on the proximity of the plumbing fixture to the central riser. The closer they are to each other, the larger the pipe can be used. This rule applies even to small bathrooms. With correctly executed wiring, the sewage system will function effectively for a long time.
Waterproofing
This is one of the most important stages of work. To prevent possible leakage of the floor, it is necessary to provide good waterproofing. It is better that it be layered. As a rule, coating technology is used for these purposes. You can use bitumen mastic, or a special composition for waterproofing pools. We apply it with a brush in several layers not only on the floor, but also on the lower part of the wall - about 30 cm in height. The result is a seamless elastic film that is impervious to water.Such waterproofing has a high degree of protection.
The weakest point is the corners. They are recommended to be further glued with strips of rolled waterproofing after applying the first layer of mastic.
If you want to protect yourself even more thoroughly, you can make a waterproof layer even before arranging the screed. In this case, roll waterproofing is used, which is glued onto a layer of coating material with a 30 cm approach to the wall. Sheets of material are overlapped to a distance of 15 cm. Joints are carefully lubricated with mastic.
Ladder installation
At the next stage, a ladder is installed. It is mounted on a selected location and connected to the entrance to the sewer. During installation, it is necessary to ensure the slope of the pipe for efficient drainage.
The sequence of work. You will need:
remove the decorative panel and the trash can from the siphon from the ladder;
combine the ladder with a siphon observing the correct connection angle;
to paste over with a construction adhesive tape all decorative surfaces;
install the ladder mount;
connect the sewer pipe to the structure, forming a slope towards the riser of at least 3 cm per meter;
install the pipe to the riser;
if necessary, attach an additional pipe, not forgetting the slope;
adjust the position of the ladder with the help of legs or improvised means;
degrease the surface of the ladder;
fix the device with a small amount of diluted mixture and leave it to solidify.
Thermal insulation
At the next stage, a thermal insulation layer is formed. We lay insulation boards on the floor. We cut it in such a way as to overlay the fixed ladder. We lay a damping tape made of polystyrene foam around the entire perimeter of the room. Its function is to prevent heat loss, to prevent it from going into the walls.
We seal the polystyrene joints with tape to prevent concrete from flowing from the screed.We slaughter large slots with pieces of material and only then close with adhesive paper tape. If you want to make the use of the shower even more comfortable, at this stage you can install the "warm floor" system.
Pouring screed
A metal reinforcing mesh with a mesh size of 10 square meters is laid on top of the insulation layer. cm and a wire diameter of 3 mm. It is cut exactly to the size of the floor.
The next step is the installation of beacons. The floor in the shower area should have a slope towards the drain. To properly fill the screed, special beacons must be set up. For this purpose, you can purchase special designs or use ordinary wooden planks. Lighthouses are set in such a way as to set the surface the desired level of slope. The next task is to orient the bowl of the ladder relative to the walls. In this matter, a construction square will help.
After this, we proceed to the formation of the screed. We fill the floor together with the installed drain and gangway with a cement-sand composition. To make the mixture, you need to mix 1 part of cement with 3-4 parts of sand. The cement grade should not be lower than M400, and the sand should have a coarse-grained structure. To give water-repellent qualities, the composition should be supplemented with the necessary additives.
It usually takes 28 days to mature the solution. Concrete screed requires care. In the room it is necessary to ensure a stable level of humidity, to prevent a decrease in temperature at + 20 ° C and exposure to directed sunlight. It is recommended to cover the surface of the screed with a film and moisten it with water for the first few days.
It is necessary to accurately calculate the thickness of the screed. In this case, the thickness of the tile and tile glue must be taken into account. If, due to the design features of the ladder, it is necessary to install a flange, the concrete mixture should be laid flush with it.
Finish finish
For flooring in a bathroom with a shower cabin without a pallet, you should choose a tile with increased resistance to moisture.They begin laying from the drain and continue to the walls. This technique will help to beautifully arrange the place around the grill, reduce the likelihood of errors and make it possible to use tiles of any size. Cropped parts are not so noticeable near the walls than in the center of the composition. For such projects, a mosaic is ideal. With its help, it is much easier to produce cladding and create a local slope. Places of cutting mosaics are completely invisible. The tile is laid on the glue, if necessary, crosses are installed to align the seams. After this, the gaps are erased using a fugue. The trowel can be selected in the color of the tile or its pattern.
If porcelain stoneware is used for facing, such a procedure is not needed. This material joins seamlessly and forms a flat and smooth surface.
In order to prevent leakage of water to the screed in the area of the ladder, the gap between the device body and the tiled coating is sealed with silicone.
It remains to collect the siphon and install a decorative grid. Your stylish shower room is ready.
Conclusion
If you are tired of an uncomfortable “trough” in the bathroom, discard it. Install a shower cabin with a ladder and get a comfortable, spacious and modern space.
Tired of tripping over a shower tray? Discard this bulky design in favor of a comfortable, stylish and ergonomic area with a shower drain in the floor under the tile. Water flows into the sewers through a grate mounted directly on the floor, and glass cabins of various configurations are used to protect the bathroom from splashes. You can choose a fully enclosed version with a door or restrict yourself to a long protective screen by installing it parallel to the wall.
Content
Features of a shower cabin with a ladder
This version of the shower area is gaining more and more popularity. It can be located anywhere in the bathroom - built into a corner or separate the end part of a narrow room. The design has undeniable advantages over traditional devices, because it:
Installation of such a cabin will require specific preparatory work at the stage of floor arrangement. The main issue that needs to be addressed is the effective disposal of waste water. This requires a sewage slope of 0.03%. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a 3 cm rise per meter of pipe. If you want to completely abandon pallets, you will either have to raise the level of the entire floor, or equip the drainage system with a drainage pump.
Varieties of gangways - their device, advantages and disadvantages
Primitive ladders appeared along with the first souls. Since then, the line of these devices has replenished with a variety of options. Products differ in appearance, design features and purpose.
According to the type of construction, three large groups of ladders can be distinguished - point, linear and wall.
Spot
This is a traditional square-shaped gangway. It is distinguished by its small size and the presence of holes deposited around the entire perimeter of the decorative panel. This is a compact device that can be placed anywhere in the cab floor. Such ladders are most often installed in the center, providing a good flow of water. To do this, the tiles around it are laid at an angle. Such elements can be useful not only in the shower. They are often installed in the center of the room as additional protection. In the event of an accident, they will help save neighbors from flooding, and you from the need to compensate for their losses.
Linear
The product is made in the form of a rectangular-shaped tray with a variety of slots and holes. In another way, this type is called a shower tray or gutter. On the decorative plate, there may be perforation or a slit passing near the edge around the entire perimeter of the product. The installation process of the slotted version is simplified in comparison with a conventional device with holes. Since the ladder is installed on the side, near the wall or at the exit, the slope of the floor is formed so that the water flows in only one direction - towards the drain. Linear ladders have good culvert capacity, therefore they can be installed in rooms with a "tropical" shower.
Wall
An invisible angular structure is placed along the wall and masks the joint between the floor and the wall. To mount this model, it is necessary to build a false wall, since the main part of the structure must be hidden. The drain system is closed by a laconic and elegant rectangular panel with slots.
What to look for when choosing a ladder
Manufacturers offer a variety of types of drain devices. They vary in design, shape, material of manufacture. In order not to get confused in the wide assortment of gangways and choose a product with optimal characteristics, pay attention to the following points:
Material
The main materials for the manufacture of the ladder include:
Size and shape
Products are presented in the form of various geometric shapes.
Small point ladders can have a round, square and even triangular shape. Oval products also have a place to be, however, they are not so popular and quite rare. Wall and linear models are presented in the form of strips in the entire length of the cab wall.
The simple shapes of square and rectangular patterns provide them with great demand, as they are easier to combine with standard-sized tiles. Elongated grilles fit better with large porcelain or marble panels.
Shutter type
In order to block the way to the room with odors from the sewer, the ladder structures are equipped with special gates. There are various types of device data. Each of them has its own working principle.
Shutter Types:
There are three types of dry shutters:
The dry gate drain is an expensive pleasure compared to the hydraulic counterpart. It makes sense to install it in showers that are not used every day - in guest bathrooms or in the country.
Another type of shutter is combined. This option is a combination of a dry seal and a dry seal.
Water throughput
The design of the installed watering can affects the choice of shower drain. When using standard top sprayers, a point design with a flow rate of up to 24 l / min is suitable. Tropical rain watering cans require the installation of linear and wall-mounted gangways capable of diverting more than 50 l / min.
Self Installation Steps
If you do not want to allocate additional funds for the services of a designer and construction team, you can do it yourself. You have to solve a difficult and responsible task, but the result is worth it. If you carefully follow the instructions and follow the order of work, you will get a comfortable system that perfectly performs its functions.
Necessary materials and tools
If the installation of the ladder was planned at the design stage of the repair of the apartment, then it will be easier to make the installation. The screed should provide the ability to install the sewer below the final floor level.
When doing the work yourself, you can not do without:
Necessary materials:
Preparatory work
At the preparatory stage, you should decide on the type of system being installed and the method of its placement.
Shower drain can be installed:
Sewer Piping
Work on the wiring and installation of the sewer system is a rather complicated process. Before proceeding with its implementation, it is required to draw up a layout of its elements. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the features of the pipes - diameter, slope, to ensure the absence of sharp turns and strong bends. To place the pipes at the right angle, which will ensure effective drainage of waste fluids, their diameter must be considered. If it is less than 50 mm, the slope level should be 3%, from 50-100 mm 2% will be enough.
For the installation of a sewage system in the bathroom, it is recommended to use the following types of pipes:
For tight fixation of the joints of the elements, special couplings will be needed. The size of the pipe depends on the proximity of the plumbing fixture to the central riser. The closer they are to each other, the larger the pipe can be used. This rule applies even to small bathrooms. With correctly executed wiring, the sewage system will function effectively for a long time.
Waterproofing
This is one of the most important stages of work. To prevent possible leakage of the floor, it is necessary to provide good waterproofing. It is better that it be layered.
As a rule, coating technology is used for these purposes. You can use bitumen mastic, or a special composition for waterproofing pools. We apply it with a brush in several layers not only on the floor, but also on the lower part of the wall - about 30 cm in height. The result is a seamless elastic film that is impervious to water.Such waterproofing has a high degree of protection.
The weakest point is the corners. They are recommended to be further glued with strips of rolled waterproofing after applying the first layer of mastic.
If you want to protect yourself even more thoroughly, you can make a waterproof layer even before arranging the screed. In this case, roll waterproofing is used, which is glued onto a layer of coating material with a 30 cm approach to the wall. Sheets of material are overlapped to a distance of 15 cm. Joints are carefully lubricated with mastic.
Ladder installation
At the next stage, a ladder is installed. It is mounted on a selected location and connected to the entrance to the sewer. During installation, it is necessary to ensure the slope of the pipe for efficient drainage.
The sequence of work. You will need:
Thermal insulation
At the next stage, a thermal insulation layer is formed. We lay insulation boards on the floor. We cut it in such a way as to overlay the fixed ladder. We lay a damping tape made of polystyrene foam around the entire perimeter of the room. Its function is to prevent heat loss, to prevent it from going into the walls.
We seal the polystyrene joints with tape to prevent concrete from flowing from the screed.We slaughter large slots with pieces of material and only then close with adhesive paper tape. If you want to make the use of the shower even more comfortable, at this stage you can install the "warm floor" system.
Pouring screed
A metal reinforcing mesh with a mesh size of 10 square meters is laid on top of the insulation layer. cm and a wire diameter of 3 mm. It is cut exactly to the size of the floor.
The next step is the installation of beacons. The floor in the shower area should have a slope towards the drain. To properly fill the screed, special beacons must be set up. For this purpose, you can purchase special designs or use ordinary wooden planks. Lighthouses are set in such a way as to set the surface the desired level of slope.
The next task is to orient the bowl of the ladder relative to the walls. In this matter, a construction square will help.
After this, we proceed to the formation of the screed. We fill the floor together with the installed drain and gangway with a cement-sand composition. To make the mixture, you need to mix 1 part of cement with 3-4 parts of sand. The cement grade should not be lower than M400, and the sand should have a coarse-grained structure. To give water-repellent qualities, the composition should be supplemented with the necessary additives.
It usually takes 28 days to mature the solution. Concrete screed requires care. In the room it is necessary to ensure a stable level of humidity, to prevent a decrease in temperature at + 20 ° C and exposure to directed sunlight. It is recommended to cover the surface of the screed with a film and moisten it with water for the first few days.
It is necessary to accurately calculate the thickness of the screed. In this case, the thickness of the tile and tile glue must be taken into account. If, due to the design features of the ladder, it is necessary to install a flange, the concrete mixture should be laid flush with it.
Finish finish
For flooring in a bathroom with a shower cabin without a pallet, you should choose a tile with increased resistance to moisture.They begin laying from the drain and continue to the walls. This technique will help to beautifully arrange the place around the grill, reduce the likelihood of errors and make it possible to use tiles of any size. Cropped parts are not so noticeable near the walls than in the center of the composition. For such projects, a mosaic is ideal. With its help, it is much easier to produce cladding and create a local slope. Places of cutting mosaics are completely invisible. The tile is laid on the glue, if necessary, crosses are installed to align the seams. After this, the gaps are erased using a fugue. The trowel can be selected in the color of the tile or its pattern.
In order to prevent leakage of water to the screed in the area of the ladder, the gap between the device body and the tiled coating is sealed with silicone.
It remains to collect the siphon and install a decorative grid. Your stylish shower room is ready.
Conclusion
If you are tired of an uncomfortable “trough” in the bathroom, discard it. Install a shower cabin with a ladder and get a comfortable, spacious and modern space.