Having a functioning drain in your shower or sink can make the world of difference when it comes to avoiding blockages, flooding and odours in your bathroom. Drains (or wastes as they are also known) connect to pipes below the floor, and act to prevent blockages from occurring by trapping large objects such as hair so it can be easily removed. They also prevent odours from the sewer piping from rising into the bathroom.
Pop-up Drains
There are two main types of drains in a bathroom. A pop-up drain is usually found in a sink or bath, and can be opened or closed by pressure or a lever. It removes the need for a plug, as it works to hold water until no longer needed, after which the drain function can be used.
A pop-up drain is usually found in a sink or bath, and can be opened or closed by pressure or a lever. Image source: Sanliv
Grid Drains
Grid drains can be used anywhere that draining of water is required. Typically found in a shower, basic grid drains allow for constant draining without the need for holding water. When installed in a shower, grid drains are flush with the floor surface, but in sinks and baths, grid drains are recessed to allow a plug to retain water.
Grid drains can be used anywhere that draining of water is required. Image source: Bathroom Vessels Sinks
Overflow Drains
A relatively new fixture in bathrooms, overflow drains can help prevent excessive flooding by draining water from a bath when it overflows. Usually positioned near the top of a bath or sink, it works to quickly and efficiently drain water so that the surrounding area does not flood.
Materials
Drains can be made using a variety of different material, allowing them to be easily matched with your bathroom fittings. Cheaper drains made from plastic can work well with a small budget, while more expensive drains made from stainless steel and chrome can add to the design of a room.
Feature image: Simon C Wilson
