When it comes to construction projects a lot of things go overlooked until they are a problem or the primary focus of the project. Drains are no exception. When is the last time you thought about the drains at your own home? Let’s face it probably never. However, this doesn’t mean that the various drainage options available to install during a new construction project should receive any attention.
The primary task of a drain is to control the flow of water and elevate pools that may form in areas where water is common. On a construction project, drains may be used in kitchens and bathrooms where sinks and showers are commonplace and in landscaping efforts where pools, koi ponds, and sprinklers may produce excess water. Below the three best drainage options commonly used on new construction projects are discussed and explored.
Traditional Drains
Traditionally drains were quite standard. Typically, your standard drain utilizes curbs or another type of barrier to separate wet and dry areas. These barriers work alongside a primitive style drain. These drains are great in showers, sinks, and bathtubs where curbs and other barriers are present. However, for several reasons, it is more and more common for showers these days to lake curbs or another type of barrier. These barriers make getting in and out of the shower more difficult, and sometimes individuals with mobility issues are not able to utilize a shower with a curb. When working on a construction project where a curb or basin less shower is being installed, a traditional drain just won’t cut it.
Linear Drains
If you are on a construction site where you are installing a curbless shower or another barrier-free element that requires a drain, then you may want to look into installing a linear drain. Unlike traditional drains, a linear drain possesses a shallow channel and less invasive design that will allow you to lower the floor height around the shower or other elements. Linear drains are also a great drain option that is compatible with a slew of modern tanking techniques. Tanking, or waterproofing a bathroom or other element, is done differently across the United States. In most areas, rubber liners are the most common. However, in some regions copper and additional styles of liners are utilized to meet style and aesthetic standards. A linear drain is compatible with most PVC, rubber, copper, and other modern tanking techniques.
Pre-sloped Trench Drains
In order for in-floor drain systems to work, the floor has to be slightly sloped. Unlike traditional in-floor drains, a pre sloped trench drain does not require standard four-sloped floors to be installed. Compatible with two-sloped floors, a pre-sloped trench drain is a great choice to minimize the different levels a floor of a property possesses. In addition, a pre-sloped trench drain is easier to install than a standard floor drain and requires virtually no additional maintenance after installation. If you are looking to install an in-floor drain in your newest construction project you will probably want to go with a pre-sloped trench drain!
Right Drain For Your Project
All types and styles of drains that are currently on the market were created for a reason. A certain drain may be designed to perform better in a particular situation or when installed for use on a certain project. However, the best way to find the right drain for your current project is to do some research on the various different drains on the market. A traditional drain may be perfect for your new sink installation, but that new walk-in shower may require a linear drain.
Skylar Ross is a contributor to the Innovative Materials blog. He is a content writer for the construction and home improvement industries with an interest in landscaping, outdoor remodeling, and interior design. Skylar is focused on educating homeowners, contractors, and architects on innovative materials and methods of construction that increase property value, improve sustainability, and create a warm and welcoming ambiance.
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