If you're remodeling, linear shower drains can give you lots of design and style options
Linear shower drains are more rectangular-shaped than traditional shower drains.
Linear shower drains are more expensive to install due to their intricate nature.
Due to the difficulty of installation, hiring a pro might be the best option.
There’s nothing quite like a hot shower at the end of a long, hard day. But turning your bathroom into the perfect in-home spa means navigating a lot of design options. When it comes to remodeling or refreshing your shower, though, you probably don’t give your shower drain much thought.
And that’s a shame because abandoning the old tried and true square or circular shower drain can actually give you tons more options for your shower redesign. A linear shower drain, for instance, can help you create a shower that’s both fabulously stylish and largely fall-resistant. This guide breaks down the ins and outs of linear shower drain pros and cons.
Like traditional square or circular drains, linear drains siphon water from the bottom of your shower, ideally with no overflow onto your bathroom floor. They feature a rectangular shape and can lie toward the edge of the shower or flush against a wall. As with any drain, though, the floor must slant toward the drain for the water to flow out of the shower.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Allows for more tile options | Expensive |
| Luxurious | Complex to install |
| Prevents water overflow | Difficult to clean |
| Highly accessible | Requires more maintenance |
Linear shower drains have a lot going for them. Here are some of the top benefits:
To drain effectively, traditional circular and square shower drains must be positioned in the center of the shower floor, meaning the entire shower bottom must slant toward the drain. You’ll need to use small tiles in the shower pan to get the required slant.
However, linear shower drains give homeowners the option to use any tile size. This is because they tend to slant toward a wall, which allows tile installers to use larger tiles since all tiles lean in the same direction.
Best of all, because linear drains often lie along the edge of the shower floor, they’re often far less noticeable than standard center drains. And that means that all you’ll notice is your beautiful tile work and the luxurious feel of your shower.
Linear shower drains can accommodate various tile sizes and shapes, making them more versatile than other center drains. It’s also easier to create custom shower designs to suit your style and budget.
One of the biggest perks of the linear shower drain is how well they work in walk-in, roll-in, and curbless showers. Walk-in, curbless, or zero-entry showers are great for older homeowners or those with disabilities. They significantly reduce the risk of slips and falls and make the shower accessible for people who use wheelchairs.
Linear shower drains are best for curbless showers because curbless showers don't include a ledge to keep water in. Linear shower drains cover the most surface area for water drainage.
Of course, with sunshine, there will always come some rain. And, for all the benefits of a linear shower drain, there are also some drawbacks.
You can expect to pay significantly more for a linear shower drain than for most center drains. You can buy center shower drains at home improvement stores for as little as $20. Most linear shower drains cost $200 or more, though you can find some for as low as $50.
Because linear shower drains require more coordination between the tile contractor and plumber, you may also need to pay a few hundred dollars more for labor, especially if working with someone who charges hourly.
Because linear drains require a different slope than traditional center drains, you will probably need to brace yourself for a pretty significant shower remodel. This is especially true if you’re planning to replace a standard step-in tub or shower with a walk-in or curbless one.
Depending on the size and scope of your shower remodel, you may have to wait days or weeks for the project to be completed. Your wallet may also take a hit, as a shower remodel costs between $3,700 and $11,200.
Proper maintenance and cleaning are essential to keeping your drains and drainpipes working in tip-top shape. A common linear shower drain problem is that, although they’re nice to look at, the design makes them more difficult to clean. Because they’re installed flush with the floor or wall, they can be hard to access for cleaning and accumulate more debris than a traditional drain. This additional debris means you might have more frequent clogs.
Before reaching for a plumber in a bottle to maintain your drains from clogs, it’s important to know that there are pros and cons to using liquid drain cleaner. Consider other alternatives to keep your linear shower drain clean, like using a DIY eco-friendly drain cleaner to help with any pesky clogs you might encounter.
Once you’ve decided to install a linear shower drain, your next task is choosing the type of installation. This matters because it can change the overall look and function of your linear drain. Consider the size of your shower, the flow rate and location of your showerhead, and any aesthetic and accessibility requirements.
Wall-to-wall: Wall-to-wall shower drains reach from one wall of the shower to the opposite wall, spanning the entire width of the shower floor. They give a seamless, minimalist look and can offer better drainage for large or curbless showers.
Against a wall: Install linear shower drains flush against the back or side walls to simplify tiling, maximize floor space, and create a clean aesthetic. They can be less intrusive than central drains, but the shower floor must slope slightly toward the drain to direct water effectively.
Channel style: Channel-style drains are long and narrow, with sleek, grated tops so water can easily pass through. They’re efficient and subtle, and the grates are often customizable to match your bathroom’s design.
Threshold: Threshold drains get their name from their location at the shower's entry. They’re the smartest fit for curbless showers because they capture water at the shower entry to prevent it from spilling onto the bathroom floor.
Center: Center linear drains run down the center of the shower floor. They’re modern and stylistic, and their design requires the floor to slope toward the center from all directions.
Curbless: Curbless showers need a curbless drain to maintain their seamless design. Linear shower drains are perfect for this task—they make bathrooms accessible and modern without physical or visual barriers.
A center drain falls in the middle of the shower floor and comes in 4-, 5-, or 6-inch sizes. A grate or cover sits above the drain to catch debris or hair before it travels into the drainpipes. Center drains are similar to the standard point drain, but they’re larger and have a wider grate.
Linear drains are unlike what you’d think of when you think of a shower drain. These are long and narrow instead of circular. Instead of sitting in the center of the tub, they run along one wall of the shower, creating a more sleek and refined look. This drain allows for a better and continuous water flow to your drainpipes, minimizing the risk of pooled water as you shower.
Beyond the aesthetic differences between the two types of drains, there are other factors to consider when choosing between these two. For example, center drains are less expensive and easier to install than linear drains. Center drains are more commonly found in homes and are considered traditional in appearance with various styles and sizes. However, due to the size and location of the center drain, these might be less effective at draining, which can lead to pooling water when you shower.
Linear drains, on the other hand, are more expensive as a luxury item and can be more costly and complicated to install than center drains. However, their size and location offer better drainage, especially for larger showers or showers with multiple showerheads. Linear drains offer the type of sleekness that center drains just can’t provide.
A linear shower drain is a good option if you have the budget for a luxury shower drain and are willing to do a little extra maintenance. This is especially true if your bathroom has a contemporary design.
It’s also a great option if you are looking for a drain solution for an oversized shower with multiple showerheads. Adding a linear shower drain will help reduce the chance of water overflowing and causing damage to your flooring and subfloor.
Finally, a linear shower drain is a wonderful choice if you or a household member is older or has mobility issues since they work well in roll-in and curbless showers.
You may wonder if you can DIY a linear drain installation job, especially if you are already upgrading your bathroom. Unless you have extensive plumbing experience, be sure to budget and hire a local plumber or a shower installer near you. The average cost to replace a shower drain is $700.
A plumbing expert will know the proper way to slope the tub so water falls toward the drain, which is vital for this type of drain. Also, they’ll be able to help with a whole shower installation, something you might be considering if you want to upgrade to a linear drain.
Remember that DIYing a linear drain install might seem more cost-effective, but if you make a mistake or come across a technical plumbing issue, it can cost you more in the long run. Hiring a pro will help mitigate these problems.
Although linear drains allow water to flow quickly and efficiently, they tend to clog more easily than traditional drains. Linear drains are flush with the shower floor, allowing soap scum and hair to potentially build up. They’re also longer than other drains, allowing for more space to let debris fall into the drainpipe.
As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to clean your linear drain every two to three months to prevent debris buildup. However, if you notice it draining slowly or an odor from your drainpipes, it’s best to clear the clogged drain and maintain it more often. If you let a clog go for too long, you may have to invest in the price of professional shower drain cleaning, which costs about $225.
Linear drains work best at the shower door wall or the wall opposite the shower door wall. These can also be installed on the floor with an open-concept shower, allowing the water to flow freely. If you’re installing one on the floor, you can place it between two walls, at the entrance of the shower, or in the center of the shower.
