SereneDrains Linear Shower Drain Installation Instructions - Hot Mop & Vinyl/PVC Liner
These installation instructions explain how to install a SereneDrains flange-channel linear shower drain with a hot mop or vinyl/PVC liner waterproofing system.
These instructions apply to all SereneDrains flange-channel drain lengths and to both center-outlet and side-outlet configurations. The basic drain installation procedure is the same for all sizes.
Important: These instructions are specifically for SereneDrains flange-channel linear drains. They do not apply to plain-channel linear drains that use leveling feet.
Product Overview
SereneDrains flange-channel linear shower drains are designed to be installed into properly prepared shower floors using approved hot mop or vinyl/PVC liner waterproofing systems.
The drain features an integrated flange that becomes part of the shower-floor drainage assembly. The drain channel is factory pre-sloped to direct water toward the outlet.
Unlike plain-channel linear drains, the SereneDrains flange-channel drain does not use leveling feet. The flange rests on a solid, properly formed mortar support beneath the drain, providing a stable installation.
SereneDrains drains are available with either a Tile Insert grate or Broken Lane stainless steel grate, depending on the model.
Available drain lengths and center or side outlet configurations can be installed using the same basic procedure described in these instructions.
For drain sizes, finishes, grate options, and product specifications, visit the SereneDrains Linear Shower Drains product collection.
Package Contents
Depending on the drain configuration purchased, the package includes:
- Linear drain channel/body
- Tile Insert grate or Broken Lane grate
- Supplied rubber fitting for connecting the drain to the rough drain base
- Drain puller key
- Pre-cut waterproofing membrane sheet
- Installation instruction brochure
Not Included
- Rough drain base
- ABS, PVC, or cast-iron plumbing adapters
The rough drain base is available separately.
Important: The supplied pre-cut waterproofing membrane sheet is not used with hot mop or vinyl/PVC liner waterproofing systems.
Before Installation
Before installing the SereneDrains linear drain, make sure the shower floor, plumbing, waterproofing system, and mortar support are properly prepared for the drain installation.
- Confirm the 2" waste pipe is installed at the correct elevation and location.
- Install the rough drain base and connect it to the waste pipe.
- Confirm the rough drain base is properly positioned and secured.
- Confirm the shower floor is properly prepared with the required slope toward the rough drain.
- Confirm that the selected waterproofing system has been properly installed according to its manufacturer's requirements.
- Prepare the opening and mortar support required for the selected SereneDrains drain.
- Determine the finished drain elevation based on the mortar bed, thinset, tile thickness, and selected grate.
Important: Hot mop and vinyl/PVC waterproofing systems must be installed by a qualified professional in accordance with the waterproofing manufacturer's requirements, applicable plumbing codes, and local building codes.
1. Establish the Waste Pipe Elevation
Begin by establishing the correct elevation and location of the 2" waste pipe.
The waste pipe must be positioned so the rough drain base and SereneDrains linear drain can be installed at the required elevation while maintaining the proper slope of the shower floor.
Verify the drain location before proceeding with the shower-floor and waterproofing installation.
2. Install the Rough Drain Base
Install the SereneDrains rough drain base and connect it to the 2" waste pipe using the appropriate plumbing connection for the installation.
The rough drain base is installed during the plumbing rough-in and remains below the shower-floor assembly.
The rough drain base is a separate accessory and is not included with the linear drain.
The final plumbing connection is:
SereneDrains Linear Drain
↓
Supplied Rubber Fitting
↓
Rough Drain Base
↓
2" Waste Pipe
3. Prepare the Shower Floor and Waterproofing
Prepare the shower floor and install the selected waterproofing system according to the requirements of the hot mop or vinyl/PVC liner manufacturer.
The shower floor must be properly sloped toward the rough drain so water reaching the waterproofing layer can flow toward the drain assembly.
The waterproofing system must be properly integrated with the rough drain base and its weep-hole drainage system where required.
Do not use the pre-cut waterproofing membrane sheet supplied with the SereneDrains drain for hot mop or vinyl/PVC liner installations.
4. Form the Drain Opening and Mortar Support
During the mortar installation, create a properly sized opening or dam for the selected SereneDrains linear drain.
A temporary form, such as a piece of wood, may be used to create the required opening during the mortar installation.
The opening must provide sufficient space for the SereneDrains drain flange and allow the flange to rest on a solid mortar support after the temporary form is removed.
The mortar support must be:
- Properly positioned for the selected drain length
- Solid and stable
- Level along the length of the drain
- Properly sized to support the drain flange
- At the correct elevation for the finished tile and grate
Complete the mortar installation and allow it to cure according to the requirements of the mortar system.
5. Remove the Temporary Form
After the mortar has properly cured, remove the temporary form used to create the drain opening.
Clean the opening and confirm that the mortar support is solid and provides continuous support for the drain flange.
Do not leave loose mortar or debris beneath the area where the drain flange will rest.
6. Position the Linear Drain
Place the SereneDrains linear drain into the prepared opening and position the flange directly onto the solid mortar support.
Center or side outlet configurations can be installed using the same basic procedure. Position the drain according to the selected outlet configuration and the location of the rough drain base.
Check that the drain is:
- Properly aligned
- Level from end to end
- At the correct finished elevation
- Fully supported beneath the flange
The entire flange must rest firmly on the prepared mortar support.
No leveling feet or installation screws are required.
7. Connect the Linear Drain to the Rough Drain Base
Use the supplied rubber fitting to connect the outlet of the SereneDrains linear drain to the previously installed rough drain base.
Make sure the rubber fitting is properly seated and that the connection is secure.
After connecting the drain, verify that the drain remains level, properly aligned, and fully supported by the mortar beneath the flange.
The rubber fitting provides the connection between the linear drain and the rough drain base. The rough drain base is connected to the 2" waste pipe.
8. Complete the Shower Floor Around the Drain
After the linear drain has been positioned and connected, complete the surrounding shower-floor installation according to the selected waterproofing and mortar system.
The finished shower floor must maintain the required slope toward the linear drain.
When establishing the finished elevation, account for:
- Mortar elevation
- Thinset thickness
- Tile thickness
- Grate elevation
The finished tile should meet the drain at the proper elevation without creating a raised edge or low area that can interfere with water flow.
Do not allow mortar, thinset, grout, or construction debris to enter or obstruct the drain channel or outlet.
9. Install the Tile Insert Grate
For the Tile Insert model, install the selected shower-floor tile into the tile insert tray.
Use the same tile or an appropriate matching tile used on the surrounding shower floor.
Before cutting the tile, verify the actual tile insert dimensions and account for the tile and setting-material thickness.
The finished tile in the insert should align with the surrounding shower-floor tile.
After the tile and setting material have properly cured, place the tile insert grate into the drain channel.
Use the supplied drain puller key when removal of the grate is required.
10. Install the Broken Lane Grate
For the Broken Lane model, install the stainless steel grate into the drain channel after the surrounding tile and grout work is complete and the setting materials have cured according to the manufacturer's requirements.
Confirm that the grate is properly seated and aligned with the drain channel.
Use the supplied drain puller key when removal of the grate is required.
11. Final Inspection
Before placing the shower into service, inspect the complete installation.
- Drain is level and properly aligned.
- The entire flange is fully supported by the mortar support.
- The drain does not move under normal use.
- The rubber fitting is properly connected to the rough drain base.
- The waterproofing system is properly installed and integrated with the rough drain assembly.
- The finished tile maintains the required slope toward the drain.
- The grate is properly seated.
- The drain channel and outlet are free of mortar, thinset, grout, and construction debris.
- Water flows freely toward and through the drain.
Complete any waterproofing, plumbing, or inspection procedures required by local code or by the waterproofing manufacturer before placing the shower into service.
Important Installer Notes
This guide covers installation of the SereneDrains flange-channel linear shower drain with hot mop or vinyl/PVC liner waterproofing systems. It does not replace the installation instructions for the selected waterproofing system, tile-setting materials, plumbing system, or applicable building and plumbing codes.
Always follow the waterproofing manufacturer's requirements for surface preparation, drain connections, weep holes, curing times, and other installation requirements.
The SereneDrains drain flange must have continuous, solid support beneath it.
Do not install the flange-channel drain using leveling feet or mechanical fasteners.
Do not use the supplied pre-cut waterproofing membrane sheet with hot mop or vinyl/PVC liner waterproofing systems.
Protect the drain channel and outlet from mortar, thinset, grout, and other construction debris throughout the installation.
Important: The installer is responsible for ensuring that the complete shower assembly, waterproofing system, plumbing connections, and finished installation comply with applicable local requirements and the manufacturer's instructions for all products used.