Drainage In Bathroom Floor? [Everything You Need To Know]

The bathroom floor drain is a crucial part of your bathroom. Imagining a bathroom without a drain will give you an idea of its importance. In that case, you must dry out your bathroom by mopping all the water yourself. That would be time-consuming and frustrating.

But how are you going to plumb a drain on bathroom floor? Don’t worry. I have gathered a straightforward method to guide you through installation. I will also let you through the things you should avoid while installing floor drains in bathrooms, including some tips that make it long lasted. 

Just stay with me till the end. So, without wasting seconds, let’s jump to the article.

4 Different Types Of Bathroom Floor Drain That Last Long

Longevity is a unique feature of any aftermarket product. If you plan to buy a bathroom floor drain, you should always consider this feature. There are many different types of bathroom floor drains avaialble in the market. You can choose as per your preference. 

However, here I am going to suggest different types of floor drains that last long: 

1. Point Drains:

Point drains are used in bathrooms and kitchens. Depending on the type of point drain, they are designed to discharge water into the sewer system or a sump pump. A point drain will have a small hole connected to your house’s pipe at the bottom.

The pipe has an elbow bend, connecting to the main tube that leads outside your home’s foundation. Point drains come in different sizes depending on how much water they can handle at one time.

Some point drains can hold up to ten gallons of water, while others only hold one or two gallons. Before backing up into your home or overflowing onto your bathroom flooring surface area, they do it. 

It may happen if they do not have any overflow pipes built into them yet installed by professionals during construction projects. Point drains are easy to maintain and simple to clean, so they can live long lives. If the build material is a premium one, the life of the point drain may increase even more!

2.  Linear Drains:

A linear drain is also called a trench drain or French drain, as it is laid down as trenches along the walls of your house. People install them with perforated pipes placed in them for drainage purposes. It requires more effort than point drains but provides better results as well.

Linear drains are often used in bathrooms and kitchens because they allow for easy cleaning under cabinets and behind toilets. They provide this easy cleaning feature when you need access below them during regular maintenance tasks. These tasks include changing out light bulbs or something like that.

They consist of parallel pipes leading from your house through the roof or an exterior wall. You need an experienced plumber to install these drains properly. A professional plumber is that linear drains require more space than point drains and a lot more effort to install correctly.

However, if you are an expert in plumbing, you can do it yourself by following a good guide like the one I will show here.

3. One-Piece Bathroom Floor Drain:

One-piece bathroom floor drains are typically made from cast iron or plastic materials. They usually feature an integrated waste pipe and an overflow pipe that prevents flooding if the drain becomes clogged or blocked.

These drains can be installed on ceramic tile or stone floors without drilling holes. However, if you want to install this drain on concrete or wood floors, you must drill holes through them before installing the gutter.

As one-piece bathroom floor drains are made of one part (basically, all the parts are there but not separated), they are effortless to clean. They can provide outstanding service for a long time if you maintain them with care.

4. Multi-Piece Floor Drain:

Multi-piece drains consist of two parts – one that sits on top of the other. The upper part works like a funnel, while the lower part contains a trap that catches any water flowing through it.

If you want a long bathroom floor drain, you can go for something of a robust material. Multi-piece floor drains can be a blessing for your bathroom floor with timely maintenance.

How To Plumb Bathroom Floor Drain: 7 Easy Steps

People always think plumbing drainage on bathroom floor is a very tough task to accomplish. It is not rocket science, right? If you are moderately familiar with home improvement tools, you can do it yourself by following a good guide.

The following 7 steps will help you on how to install floor drain in bathroom:

Step 1: Prepare The Plumbing Area

Before going for the installation process, you need to prepare the plumbing area first. Make sure there is not any dirt or waste present on the floor. If you are afraid of the new drain set being dirty, you can protect the drain with a cloth or a sealing membrane.

Step 2: Place The Drain Set Properly

After preparing the installation place, you now have to place the new bathroom floor drain set correctly on the bathroom floor. You have to ensure that the new drain set is at the level of the installation area or 1mm lower than the installation area. To adjust the height of the drain, you can take help from height adjusting legs.

Step 3: Connect The New Drain Set To Drainage Pipe

Now you have to connect the new bathroom floor drain to the drainage pipe of the floor or the entire house. You won’t need extra sealant as the connectors provide enough sealing to keep things in their place. After completing the connection, you can do a test run to determine whether everything is going okay or not.

Step 4: Make The Installation Watertight

Before placing the bathroom floor tiles, you have to ensure another thing. You have to make the installation watertight so that something doesn’t go wrong in the future. You can do it by taking help from the water protection system. You will need a sealing paste. You may use Easy2Sell Rapid 2K.

Step 5: Place The Bathroom Tiles

After you are done with installing the new bathroom floor drain watertight, you have to place the bathroom floor tiles now. You must create a sloped floor so the bathroom floor drain can be effective.

Step 6: Seal The Bathroom Floor Drain

In this step, you have to seal the new bathroom floor drain. To fill it, you must apply an elastic sealant. You should permanently seal the joint between the bathroom floor drain and the tiled floor.

Step 7: Install The Grate Cover

When you are assured of the dryness of the newly installed bathroom floor drain, you can install the grate cover. While choosing the surface, ensure after placing it that the overall height of the drain does not exceed the size of the floor.

If you have done step 7 correctly, you have successfully installed a new bathroom floor drain in your bathroom. Congratulations!

5 Things You Should Avoid While Installing Bathroom Floor Drain

Installing a floor drain bathroom is always exciting. But this excitement can turn into a horror if you do something wrong. While installing drains in bathroom floor, try to avoid the following things:

1. Using Wrong Materials

The first thing you should not do while installing the bathroom floor drain is to use the wrong materials. The material used for the goal should be strong enough to withstand heavy water pressure and last long without damage or leakage problems.

So, ensure you use high-quality materials while installing your new bathroom floor drain system at home.

2. Not Protecting The New Drain Set

You should always provide enough protection to your new floor drain set before operation. Due to improper protection, if dirt and debris enter the drain even before coming into operation, it will be a great shame.

3. Keeping The Height Of The Drain More Than The Tiles

While doing the installation, you may not be aware of the height of the drain. But you should be mindful of the ridge the most. Even 1mm extra size of the bathroom floor drain then the floor will make the entire system fail. If the size of the drain is more than the floor itself, the water won’t be able to pass through the drain.

4. Creating A Flat Floor In The Bathroom

Just like keeping the height of the drain more than the floor, you should not create a flat floor in the bathroom. To make the water transition smooth, you must create a sloping floor. This way, you will make the water drainage system of the bathroom floor smooth and fast.

5. Not Seeking Professional Help

Installing a bathroom floor drain is a complex process. I do not recommend doing the installation if you are entirely a newbie in this field. Even with experience in this field, you should always seek professional help whenever necessary. Refusing to take professional service in certain situations can cause dangerous accidents in the future.

6 Advantages Of Bathroom Floor Drainage System

Using the bathroom floor drainage system has become a must nowadays, why? If you see the below-mentioned advantages of a bathroom floor drainage system, you will be able to realize the answer better:

1. Prevents Water Damage:

Water damage can be costly, so it’s always best to prevent it. A floor drain will help you do just that because it will drain all the water from your shower or bathtub directly into the sewer line or septic tank. This means no more ugly puddles in your bathroom or wet carpeting in your hallway!

2. Reduces Wetness:

Water from the bathroom floor sink and bathtubs will be directed away from your house’s interior walls if there is a bathroom floor drain. Thus, they will not get damaged by water damage or mold growth.

3. Reduces The Risk Of Mold And Mildew:

When moisture remains on surfaces for long periods, it can trigger mold growth or other microbial growth. These activities on your bathroom floor can cause health problems for you and your family.

4. Less Chance Of Flooding:

Water draining directly into sewer pipes prevents flooding issues caused by clogged drains or inadequate drainage systems at home. So, you will be in a safer position with a bathroom floor drain. 

5. Reduces Noise And Vibration

Bathroom floor drainage systems are also beneficial in reducing noise and vibration caused by running water in your bathroom.

6. Helps Giving An Aesthetic Look To Your Bathroom:

If the decision to purchase a bathroom floor drain is matched with the color and design of the bathroom floor, it will look amazing. And most people worship beauty! 

How to Clean Drain in Bathroom Floor

Cleaning a bathroom floor drain is relatively straightforward. First, remove the cover or grate from the drain. Wear gloves for hygiene and safety. Use a flashlight to inspect the drain for visible debris and hair.

Then, use a pair of needle-nose pliers or a drain snake to reach in and extract any clogs or obstructions. Next, flush the drain with hot water and a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to help dissolve any remaining debris and eliminate odors.

After a few minutes, flush again with more hot water. Finally, replace the drain cover or grate. Regular maintenance like this can help prevent blockages and maintain proper ground floor bathroom drainage.

How to Install Heated Drain in Bathroom Floor

Installing a heated drain in a bathroom floor is a more intricate task that involves electrical work and should be approached with caution. It’s advisable to hire a professional for this project. First, determine the appropriate location for the heated drain and ensure it complies with local building codes.

After switching off the power supply to the bathroom circuit, the existing drain must be carefully removed, potentially requiring disconnection of plumbing. The subfloor should be cleaned, leveled, and prepared for the installation of electric heating cables or mats. An electrician must connect the heating element to a dedicated GFCI-protected electrical circuit. After testing the system’s functionality, thin-set mortar should be applied over the heating element before laying tiles and finishing the floor.

Finally, reconnect plumbing components and thoroughly check the system once more. Due to the complexity and potential safety hazards involved, professional installation is highly recommended.

How to Lay Drain in Bathroom Floor Tiles

To install a floor drain in a bathroom with tiles, start by determining the ideal drain location, typically in the center of the room. Mark this spot and ensure the subfloor is level and clean.

Use the necessary tools to cut an opening in the subfloor that fits the drain pipe. Place the drain in the hole, making sure it’s level with the floor, and connect it to the waste pipe below. Apply a waterproof membrane around the drain to prevent water from seeping into the subfloor. When installing the tiles, ensure they slope gently towards the drain to aid proper drainage.

After setting the tiles, grout the joints, and finish the floor as desired. Proper installation of the floor drain is crucial to maintain efficient water drainage and prevent damage to the subfloor and surrounding areas.

How to Replace a Drainage in a Bathroom Floor

Replacing a drainage in a bathroom floor involves several steps. First, turn off the water supply to the bathroom and ensure it’s dry. Next, carefully remove the old drain cover or grate. To replace the entire drain assembly, you might need to disconnect it from the plumbing underneath the floor.

Use a wrench to do this, but be cautious not to damage the surrounding pipes. Once the old drain is out, clean the area and prepare it for the new drainage. Install the new drain following the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring it’s properly sealed and secure.

Finally, test the drain for any leaks or issues before replacing the cover or grate. If you’re uncertain about this process, it’s advisable to consult a professional plumber for a safe and effective replacement.

Related Questions:

What Is The Drain In The Bathroom Floor Called?

You may call the drain on the bathroom floor a shower drain. Some other names for this type of drainage system include floor drain, floor sink, floor vent, and floor sump. The drain is also called a “waste” or “vent” because it directs wastewater away from the house.

A bathroom floor drain is a plumbing fixture that allows water to flow from the bathroom into the sewer system. It’s usually located in the center of the bathroom floor, under a trap.

What Is The Drain On The Bathroom Floor For?

Floor drains prevent significant water damage when your bathroom breaks or water leaks into your building. Directing water to a sewer or storm drain keeps the bathroom floor dry and prevents flooding. 

It is essential for bathrooms to have the floor drains to deal with runoff and wastewater. A clean bathroom floor drain can contribute greatly to the safety and a healthy work environment in the bathroom. As well as handling moisture and messes outside the home, they play a crucial role.

Should You Put A Floor Drain In Your Bathroom?

You should install a floor drain if you’re planning on installing tile or another permanent type of flooring. A floor drain is one of the essential things in your bathroom because it provides several benefits. 

This includes wood and vinyl floors and ceramic tile and stone floors. This is because these floors are complicated (and expensive) to replace if they get damaged due to flooding. If there’s no way for water to drain out of the room, it will sit there until someone comes along and cleans it up. And this system can take days or weeks!

How Do You Get Rid Of Smelly Bathroom Floor Drains?

The first thing to do is ensure that your floor drain has a trap. If it doesn’t, then you’ll need to install one. A surprise is an extra piece of pipe that sits inside the drain and towards the bottom. 

It creates a seal against sewer gases so they can’t escape into your home. Without a drain trap, these gasses will rise through your floor drain and cause an odor problem in your bathroom.

Does A Drain In Bathroom Floor Drain Need A Trap?

A floor drain in the bathroom floor needs a trap. The trap prevents sewer gas from coming up through the drain and entering your home. Doing so reduces odors in the bathroom and keeps water from backing up into other parts of your house during heavy rains or snowmelt. 

Traps are required by code in most areas of the country. But if you live where hitches aren’t necessary for floor drains, installing one is still a good idea because it will keep sewer gas from entering your home through the drain pipes.

Can You Pour Water Down A Floor Drain?

You can pour water down a floor drain. Although it’s not recommended because water from the sink or bathtub is usually straightforward. 

Thus, it should pose no problem for your sewer system. However, you can always pour water down a floor drain to give your drainage system extra security.

How To Clean Bathroom Floor Drain?

You have to clean the bathroom floor drain regularly to keep it in good condition. However, several options are available on the bathroom floor drain market. The cleaning process differs according to what type of bathroom floor drainage system you use.

At the bottom of your bathtub or shower floor drain, you’ll find a removable cap that allows you to clean out any hair or debris. If you have a bathtub-style drain, you need to remove the cleanout cap to use it as an access point for cleaning the drain line.

Why Does Your Floor Drain Smell Like Sewage?

If your floor drain smells like sewage, it could be because you have a crack or tear in the pipe, the trap seal is compromised, or the city’s sewer system has a problem.

Sewage and other wastewater can seep into the grout or concrete surrounding the pipe, eventually leading to the sewage odor. If you suspect the problem is at your disposal, it may be time to call a plumber. You should also consider replacing bathroom floor waste.

Why Don’t Bathroom Stalls Go To The Floor?

Bathroom stalls don’t typically extend to the floor for several practical reasons. First, leaving a gap at the bottom allows for easier cleaning and maintenance, as it allows janitorial staff to access and clean the entire floor without obstruction.

It also aids in air circulation, preventing the buildup of unpleasant odors and ensuring proper ventilation. Moreover, not going all the way to the floor reduces the risk of water damage, especially in areas prone to spills or frequent cleaning.

This design choice also promotes a sense of openness and safety, as it allows individuals to see if a stall is occupied, which can be especially important in busy public restroom settings.

What is The Best Type of Drain in Bathroom Floor Tiles?

The best type of drain for bathroom floor tiles is a linear or trench drain. These drains feature a long, narrow profile that can be seamlessly integrated into the bathroom floor’s design, allowing water to be directed efficiently towards the drain.

They are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, as they can accommodate large volumes of water and prevent pooling, which can be a common issue with traditional point drains.

Additionally, linear drains are often easier to clean and maintain. When selecting a linear drain, consider the materials, such as stainless steel or PVC, that suit your bathroom’s style and your budget, and ensure it’s installed professionally to guarantee proper functionality.

Where to Start Tiling a Drain in The Bathroom Floor?

When tiling a bathroom floor with a drain, it’s essential to start by planning your layout. Begin by locating the center of the room, both lengthwise and widthwise. The drain should ideally be at the center or follow the natural flow of water to ensure proper drainage.

Once you’ve determined the center, dry lay your tiles in a grid pattern, working outward from the drain. Make sure you leave a small gap between the tiles and the drain to accommodate the thickness of your grout. To maintain a uniform look, consider using tile spacers. Then, begin applying thin-set mortar and setting your tiles in place, working your way from the center towards the edges. After the tiles are set and the mortar is dry, you can cut tiles to fit the perimeter of the room, including any odd angles or corners. 

Finally, grout the tiles, ensuring a waterproof seal around the drain. This method will help you achieve a professional and aesthetically pleasing result while ensuring proper water drainage in your bathroom floor.

Final Verdict:

The absence of something will remind you of its importance the most. Day by day, bathroom floor drain has become part and parcel of a bathroom floor. I have given my 100 percent in this article to let you know some basic information about bathroom floor drains.

I hope this article has helped you a lot. If that is the case, my efforts have not gone in vain! Thank you for reading this piece. 

References

Beck, J. (2022, September 7). How to Unclog a Shower Drain and Keep It Clean. Architectural Digest. Retrieved September 19, 2022, from https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-unclog-shower-drainWhite, M. L. (2007). Property Owner’s Sewer and Drain Guide. Dorrance Publishing Company. https://www.google.com.bd/books/edition/Property_Owner_s_Sewer_and_Drain_Guide/xYqw8h9VszgC?hl=en&gbpv=1

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