Introduction
As homeowners, we often focus on the design and functionality of our bathrooms, paying attention to every detail, from tiles to faucets. However, the shower drains types are frequently overlooked.
Shower drains are indispensable in maintaining a clean and efficient bathroom space.
They collect and dispose of water while preventing debris from clogging the pipes.
I will introduce different drain types in this guide and explain their design.
This knowledge will help you decide on your bathroom renovation or construction project, ensuring optimal drainage for your showers.
Common Types of Shower Drains
Shower drains are essential for bathroom plumbing, ensuring that water flows out efficiently and helps to prevent flooding.
They come in various types, each designed to suit different shower styles, installation methods, and aesthetic preferences.
Here are some common types of shower drains and how they differ from each other:
- Point Drains: These are the most traditional shower drains positioned at the center or a corner of the shower. Water flows from all directions into this single drain point. They are versatile and can be used with various shower base materials. Installation typically involves sloping the shower floor towards the drain from all sides.
- Linear Drains: As the name suggests, linear drains are long and narrow, offering a more contemporary look. They are installed along one shower edge, allowing for a single slope in the shower floor, which can be easier to construct than the multi-directional slope required for point drains. Linear drains can handle a higher flow of water and allow for the use of larger tiles on the shower floor.
- Tile Insert Drains: These are a type of linear drain where the top section can be filled with the same tile used on the shower floor, making the drain almost invisible. This type of drain offers a sleek and seamless appearance, blending perfectly with the rest of the shower floor.
- Square or Rectangular Drains: These drains combine elements of both point and linear drains. They can be positioned similarly to point drains but have a shape that can integrate more seamlessly with tile patterns, providing a modern look while still accommodating efficient water flow.
- Freestyle Drains: These are less common and offer unique designs, such as circular patterns or custom shapes, allowing for personalized shower designs. They can be used as a statement piece in the shower.
- Barrier-Free Drains: Designed for accessibility, these drains are used in showers without a curb containing water, allowing wheelchairs or walkers to enter and exit the shower quickly. Linear drains are often used in barrier-free showers because they can be placed at the shower entrance to catch water efficiently.
These types of drains differ in their design, installation requirements, water handling capacity, and aesthetic appeal.
Point drains are versatile and fit traditional shower setups, while linear drains offer a modern look and are suited for more extensive showers with a single slope floor.
Tile insert drains provide an aesthetic solution by camouflaging with the shower floor, and square or rectangular drains offer a modern yet straightforward design.
Freestyle and barrier-free drains cater to specific design preferences and accessibility needs.
Choosing the correct floor drain types depends on the shower’s design, the desired aesthetic, the installation feasibility, and specific needs such as accessibility.
Each type offers unique benefits, and the choice should align with the overall bathroom design and functionality requirements.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Each Type of Shower Drain?
Modern shower drains come in various designs with unique advantages and disadvantages.
Understanding the pros and cons of each type can help you choose the best shower drains for your bathroom’s functionality and aesthetics. Here’s an overview:
Point Drains
Pros:
- Versatility: Point drains can be installed in almost any shower, making them a flexible choice.
- Cost-Effective: Generally, point drains are less expensive than linear drains and more straightforward to install, reducing overall costs.
- Familiar Design: This traditional drain type is well-understood by most plumbers, making installation and maintenance straightforward.
Cons:
- Four-Way Slope Requirement: The shower floor must slope towards the drain from all directions, which can complicate installation and limit tile size choices.
- Aesthetic Limitations: The central location can interrupt the floor’s visual flow, making it less appealing for those seeking a sleek, modern look.
Linear Drains
Pros:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Linear drains offer a clean, contemporary look that can be seamlessly integrated into the shower floor.
- Single Slope Convenience: They require only a single slope for installation, facilitating more considerable tile use and more straightforward construction.
- High Water Flow Capacity: Linear drains can handle a higher water flow than point drains, reducing the risk of overflow.
Cons:
- Cost: Linear drains are typically more expensive than point drains, both in terms of the drain and installation.
- Complex Installation: Installing a linear drain may require more extensive plumbing work, especially in renovations.
Tile Insert Drains
Pros:
- Invisible Design: Tile insert drains allow for a uniform floor design, as the drain can be filled with the same tile as the shower floor.
- Customization: They offer a high degree of customization, blending perfectly with the bathroom’s overall design.
Cons:
- Maintenance: Cleaning can be more challenging, as debris and hair can get trapped under the insert.
- Installation Precision: Requires precise installation to ensure the tile matches perfectly and water flows efficiently into the drain.
Square or Rectangular Drains
Pros:
- Design Flexibility: These drains can be a compromise between the traditional point drain and the modern linear drain, fitting well with various bathroom styles.
- Efficient Water Handling: They often offer more efficient water handling than traditional point drains due to their larger size.
Cons:
- Installation Considerations: Similar to point drains, they may require a multi-directional slope, depending on their location in the shower.
- Cost: It can be more expensive than traditional point drains, though typically less than linear drains.
Freestyle Drains
Pros:
- Unique Design: Offers the opportunity for unique, custom designs to serve as a focal point in the bathroom.
- Personalization: Perfect for creating a bathroom that reflects personal style and preferences.
Cons:
- Cost and Availability: Custom designs can be significantly more expensive and may require special ordering.
- Installation Complexity may require specialized installation to accommodate unique shapes or sizes.
Barrier-Free Drains
Pros:
- Accessibility: Ideal for accessibility needs, allowing easy entry and exit with no barriers.
- Modern Look: A sleek, modern design enhances the bathroom’s appearance.
Cons:
- Water Containment: Water may spill into other bathroom areas without proper installation and bathroom design.
- Cost and Installation: It may require more extensive renovation to create a barrier-free shower space, increasing costs.
Each type of modern shower drain offers distinct benefits and potential drawbacks. When choosing a drain, consider your bathroom’s design, functionality needs, and budget to select the best option for your space.

Old Types of Shower Drains
Aside from the modern types of shower drain I mentioned, some homes still have older types, especially in older buildings where the plumbing still needs to be updated. These older types include:
- Bell Trap Drains: One of the oldest, bell trap drains were commonly used. They contain a bell-shaped trap under the drain cover to catch debris and prevent sewer gases from entering the home. The water flows around the bell and through the trap. However, they could be more efficient in water drainage and prone to clogging and complex maintenance, so they have largely fallen out of favor in modern plumbing systems.
- Cast Iron Drains: While not a specific “type” in the same sense as point or linear drains, cast iron was a prevalent material used for older shower drains and plumbing. Cast iron drains are durable but susceptible to corrosion over time, leading to leaks or blockages. They are still found in many older homes and buildings.
- S-trap Drains: S-trap drains were commonly used in plumbing to prevent sewer gases from coming up through the pipes. The S-trap creates a water seal by curving the pipe into an S under the drain. However, S-traps can siphon dry in certain conditions, breaking the water seal and allowing sewer gases to enter the home. Because of this, newer installations have replaced P-trap drains, which maintain the water seal more reliably.
- Lead Pans: In ancient shower construction, lead pans were used as a waterproofing method beneath the shower floor. A lead sheet was molded to the shape of the shower base to create a watertight seal. Over time, the use of lead has been discontinued due to its health risks and the development of better waterproofing materials like PVC or CPE (chlorinated polyethylene) liners.
While these older drains and methods may still be in use, they are often replaced during renovations or upgrades to meet modern efficiency, safety, and maintenance standards.
The evolution of shower drain technology reflects improvements in materials science, understanding of plumbing dynamics, and design preferences, leading to the diverse options available today.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shower Drain
When choosing a shower drain system that you want to remain functional and aesthetically pleasing even ten years from now, it’s essential to consider several factors that will ensure durability, efficiency, and compatibility with your bathroom’s design and usage needs.
Here are the key factors to consider:
- Material Quality: Opt for materials known for their durability and resistance to corrosion and tarnishing. Stainless steel, brass, and high-grade PVC are popular choices. Stainless steel, especially, is renowned for its longevity and resistance to rust.
- Drain Type: Consider the drain type that best suits your shower’s design and functionality. Linear drains are trendy for contemporary bathrooms and are excellent for handling large volumes of water. Point drains are more traditional but more straightforward to install in specific setups. The choice between them should also consider the shower floor’s slope and the desired aesthetic.
- Flow Rate: The drain should have a sufficient flow rate to remove water from the shower efficiently. This is typically measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Ensure the chosen drain can handle your showerhead’s flow rate to prevent water buildup.
- Ease of Installation: Consider how easy the drain is to install, depending on whether you’re installing a new or replacing an existing drain. Some drains require significant alterations to the existing plumbing.
- Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance: Look for a shower drain that is easy to clean and maintain. A removable cover or grate allows more accessible access to the drain for cleaning hair and debris. Drains designed with fewer crevices help reduce mold and mildew buildup.
- Compatibility with Shower Base/Flooring: Ensure the drain is compatible with your shower’s material and thickness. For tile floors, consider tile-insert drains that allow the drain to blend seamlessly with the floor.
- Style and Aesthetics: The drain should complement the overall design of your bathroom. With various finishes and styles available, you can choose a drain that matches your bathroom’s fixtures and decor.
- Waterproofing Compatibility: The drain system should be compatible with your shower’s waterproofing method. Using a traditional pan liner, a paint-on waterproof membrane, or a fabric membrane system, the drain must work effectively with these materials to prevent leaks.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the drain meets local building codes and standards for plumbing installations. This includes compliance with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements if needed for accessibility purposes.
- Warranty and Brand Reputation: Consider the warranty offered with the drain and the manufacturer’s reputation. A more extended warranty period can provide peace of mind, while a reputable brand is more likely to offer quality products and customer support.
By considering these factors, you can select the best shower drain that will meet your needs for functionality, design, and durability, ensuring that it remains a reliable component of your bathroom for years to come.

Maintenance and Cleaning Tips for Shower Drains
Maintaining and cleaning your shower drain is essential for preventing clogs and unpleasant odors and ensuring efficient water drainage for showers.
Here are step-by-step tips for maintaining various bathroom drain types, including shower and floor drains, to keep your drainage system in optimal condition.
Regular Inspection and Cleaning:
- Frequency: Perform a visual inspection and cleaning of your drain for shower usage every month. This helps in identifying buildup early and prevents blockages.
- Method: Remove the drain cover by unscrewing or popping it off, depending on the design. Use gloves to remove any visible hair and debris. For deeper cleaning, use a long, flexible brush designed for drain cleaning to scrub the sides of the pipe.
Natural Cleaning Solutions:
- Baking Soda and Vinegar:
- Pour a half cup of baking soda directly into the shower drain.
- Follow with a half cup of white vinegar. The mixture will fizz, helping to break down soap scum and grime.
- Cover the drain with a wet cloth for 5-10 minutes.
- Flush with boiling water to clear out the mixture and any loosened debris.
- This method is safe for most bathroom drain types and effectively maintains a clean drainage system without harsh chemicals.
Boiling Water Flush:
- Routine Maintenance: Once a week, pour boiling water down the drain for the shower to help dissolve soap residue, fats, and oils that can build up in your pipes.
- Caution: If you have PVC pipes, use hot water, not boiling water, to avoid damaging the pipe material.
Hair Catcher:
- Installation: Place a hair catcher over your shower drain types to trap hair and prevent it from entering the drainage system. Choose a model that fits your specific type of floor drains.
- Maintenance: Clean the hair catcher regularly to ensure water flows freely.
Check and Clean the P-Trap:
- Accessing the P-Trap: If your floor drain is slow, the issue may be in the P-trap, the curved section of the pipe designed to trap debris. For showers, this may require accessing the trap through an access panel or removing the drain cover.
- Cleaning: Disconnect the P-trap, if accessible, and clean it out thoroughly. Reassemble carefully, ensuring all seals are tight to prevent leaks.
Professional Maintenance:
- Annual Inspection: Consider hiring a professional plumber to inspect your drainage system annually. They can identify and address any issues with your types of floor drains, ensuring your system remains in good working order.
Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners:
- Caution: While tempting, chemical drain cleaners can damage certain pipes and harm your home’s overall drainage system. Use them sparingly or opt for the natural cleaning methods mentioned above.
Following these maintenance and cleaning tips ensures that your shower drain location and bathroom drains remain clear, functional, and odor-free.
Regular care not only prolongs the life of your drainage system but also enhances your bathroom’s overall hygiene and comfort.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right shower drain is an important decision that should be considered when designing or renovating your bathroom.
Whether you opt for a linear drain for a modern and sleek look or a center drain for a traditional and versatile option, consider factors such as drainage capacity, installation method, tile shower drain material, aesthetic appeal, and budget to make an informed choice.
Regular maintenance and cleaning of your shower drain are essential to prevent clogs and ensure optimal performance.
Following the tips in this comprehensive guide, you can select the perfect shower drain for your needs and maintain a clean and efficient bathroom for years to come.
Regarding drains for showers, there are various types available in the market.
You have many options, from tile shower drain to different shower drain types. It is essential to understand the shower drain trap types and their functionality to ensure the proper functioning of your shower drain.