When To Use Low Profile Drains In Wet Rooms

Functional design relies on making the most effective use of available space. When looking for ways to optimise space in high end property developments, wet rooms provide a versatile showering solution that supports the modern trend for open plan living.

Drainage Considerations

When planning a wet room, it’s important to choose a drain solution that can easily be incorporated into the floor space. For a wet room to drain efficiently there must be enough depth available within the floor to allow for the drain itself and enough fall for the waste water pipes.

Low Profile Drains Save Space & Create Value

Within developments such as residential apartments, hotels or luxury apartments; where every extra inch of living space adds value, developers can gain a considerable amount of space by keeping floor depths and build-ups as shallow as possible.

Low profile drains provide the ideal solution as they are designed for low depth installations. Drain systems such as the Low Profile Unidrain range only require a building depth of 64mm. This enables architects to reduce floor depths to a minimum and still include the luxurious showering experience provided by a wet room.

As a wet room also adds value to a property, selecting a low profile drain where space is at a premium allows more properties to take advantage of this positive investment.

Ease Of Incorporation Into Existing Properties

While it’s always preferable to design adequate underfloor drainage space as part of a new build, low profile drains can also be used where existing floor levels require modification to accommodate a wet room.

The greatest benefit of wet room design is level access to the showering area with no steps to navigate. When installing a wet room drain into a concrete floor this either involves creating a raised floor, which creates a step into the shower room, or removal of the required depth of concrete. Using a low profile drain means that less concrete needs to be removed to create additional depth, or that raising the floor is less significant.

Choosing a low profile drain for installation into a timber floor can also be advantageous, as the lower depth required creates less opportunity to damage the structure of joints. To comply with building regulations the strength of joists should never be compromised.

Flexibility & Choice

Low profile drains offer greater flexibility within any type of wet room installation as they can be wall mounted, or positioned anywhere on the shower floor. Always source high quality components as these will be designed with stronger seals and engineered to handle high capacity flow. Systems like the Unidrain range can channel up to 36ltrs water per minute, directed to a horizontal or vertical outlet. The outlet can also be positioned to face backwards, for when drainage needs to be directed towards an external wall.

Always looks for features such as an in built anti-odour barrier and removable mechanical trap, to assist with cleaning and to keep the wet room smelling fresh.

The Architect’s Wet Room Design Guide

For an invaluable source of information and advice on how to source the right drain solution and wet room accessories for every project, click here to access your copy of our FREE eBook. Or to speak to a member of our team, for further information about the range of low profile drains available from Wet Room Materials call 01332 840 820.

Important update to the NHBS Specifications 2018

Backing surfaces for tiling should;

• Be moisture resistant, where frequent wetting occurs 

When Tiling; 

• Proprietary water-resistant grouting should be used in accordance with the manufacturer 

Grouting should be: 

• As specified in the design including mix and colour 
• Cement-based, epoxy resin or a proprietary product 
• ‘Waterproof in and around shower enclosures and where tiling can be saturated’. 

Gypsum plaster should not be used where; 

• ‘Repeated or persistent wetting may occur’