SereneDrains Linear Shower Drain Installation Instructions - Sheet/Fabric Waterproofing
These installation instructions explain how to install a SereneDrains flange-channel linear shower drain when using a sheet or fabric waterproofing membrane 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 for installation with properly prepared shower floors using sheet or fabric waterproofing membrane systems.
The drain features an integrated flange that becomes part of the waterproofing 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 pre-cut waterproofing membrane sheet is included with the drain but is not used when installing the drain with a full sheet or fabric waterproofing membrane system. It is intended for other waterproofing methods covered in the separate installation instructions.
Before Installation
Before installing the SereneDrains linear drain, make sure the shower floor, plumbing, 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 shower floor is properly sloped toward the linear drain location.
- Prepare a solid mortar support for the drain flange.
- Make sure the drain location and opening are suitable for the selected drain length.
- Determine the finished drain elevation based on the mortar bed, waterproofing membrane, thinset, and tile thickness.
- Confirm that the selected sheet or fabric waterproofing membrane is approved for the shower application and is compatible with the drain flange installation.
Important: The shower floor and waterproofing system should be installed by a qualified tile or waterproofing professional in accordance with applicable building codes and the waterproofing manufacturer's requirements.
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 finished elevation while maintaining the proper slope of the shower floor.
Verify the location of the drain before proceeding with the mortar 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 connection will be:
SereneDrains Linear Drain
↓
Supplied Rubber Fitting
↓
Rough Drain Base
↓
2" Waste Pipe
3. Prepare the Sloped Mortar Floor
Construct the shower floor using the appropriate mortar or approved shower-floor material.
The mortar floor must be properly sloped toward the linear drain location so water reaching the waterproofing membrane can flow toward the drain.
When establishing the drain elevation, allow for the complete finished floor assembly, including the waterproofing membrane, thinset, and tile thickness.
The final tile surface must slope toward the drain and meet the drain grate at the proper finished elevation.
Note: The SereneDrains channel is factory pre-sloped toward the outlet. The surrounding shower floor must also be properly sloped toward the drain.
4. Create the Mortar Support for the Drain Flange
The SereneDrains flange-channel drain does not use leveling feet.
A solid mortar dam or support must be formed at the drain location so the entire drain flange has continuous support.
The 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
- High enough to establish the correct finished drain elevation
The flange must rest firmly on this mortar support. Proper support beneath the flange prevents movement of the drain during installation and normal use.
Do not leave unsupported sections beneath the flange.
5. Position the Linear Drain
Place the SereneDrains linear drain into the prepared opening and position the flange directly onto the 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
Make any necessary adjustments to the mortar support before the mortar has fully cured so the flange is completely and evenly supported.
No leveling feet or installation screws are required.
6. 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.
7. Install the Sheet/Fabric Waterproofing Membrane
After the sloped mortar floor and drain support have been properly prepared, install the sheet or fabric waterproofing membrane according to the waterproofing manufacturer's instructions.
The waterproofing membrane is installed on top of the sloped mortar bed and directly beneath the thinset and tile.
There is one continuous waterproofing layer beneath the finished tile surface.
The basic floor assembly is:
Tile + Grout
↓
Thinset
↓
Sheet/Fabric Waterproofing Membrane
↓
Sloped Mortar Bed
↓
Subfloor
The sheet or fabric membrane must extend continuously across the shower floor and be properly integrated with the SereneDrains drain flange.
Follow the waterproofing manufacturer's approved procedure for bonding and sealing the membrane to the drain flange, including the required primer, adhesive, sealant, or bonding material when applicable.
Do not use the small pre-cut waterproofing membrane sheet supplied with the SereneDrains drain for this installation method. The full sheet or fabric waterproofing membrane already covers the shower floor and is integrated with the drain flange.
Water that penetrates through the grout and tile reaches the waterproofing membrane below the thinset. Because the membrane follows the slope of the shower floor, water is directed toward the drain and into the drain assembly.
8. Install Thinset and Tile
After the waterproofing membrane has been properly installed and has met the curing or setting requirements of the membrane manufacturer, apply the approved thinset.
Install the shower-floor tile while maintaining the required slope toward the linear drain.
Allow for the thickness of the thinset and tile when establishing the finished elevation of the drain grate.
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 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 membrane is continuous and properly integrated with the drain flange.
- The waterproofing membrane has not been damaged during tile installation.
- 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 system manufacturer before placing the shower into service.
Important Installer Notes
This guide covers installation of the SereneDrains flange-channel linear shower drain with a sheet or fabric waterproofing membrane. It does not replace the installation instructions for the selected waterproofing membrane, tile-setting materials, plumbing system, or applicable building and plumbing codes.
Always follow the waterproofing membrane manufacturer's requirements for surface preparation, seams, corners, bonding, curing times, and connection to the drain flange.
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 when installing the drain with a full sheet or fabric waterproofing membrane system.
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.