Although not too complicated, a shower drain is more than just a hole in the bottom of the shower. The shower water cannot simply be returned to the water table, so the drain must be connected to a sewer while preventing sewer gases from escaping. Additionally, the drain opening must be waterproof so that waterfalls down the drain without seeping under the shower base, where it can damage the floor. Shower drain openings must be waterproof and sealed from the sewer. In my personal opinion, a long shower drain will be a better option for you.
The shower drain trap
Installing pipes for a shower drain includes a trap like the ones you see under your sinks. While sink traps are generally P-shaped, some of the showers are S-shaped, so waterfalls vertically from the trap when cleared from the S-curve instead of going through a horizontal length pipe. The bottom of the trap contains a puddle of water that provides a seal against the incursion of sewage gases and parasites through the shower drain. The bottom of an S or P shower trap is a natural repository for hair, soap, and debris that can form clogs.
Venting
When you bathe and water begins to flow down the drain, a vacuum forms in the drain line that can slow down the speed of the water. To keep the water moving, the drain line is vented with a pipe whose sole function is to allow air to enter the drain line. It connects to the shower drain at the point where it rotates vertically downward and rises to connect with the main vent stack that runs through the ceiling. Without ventilation, the vacuum can become strong enough to draw the water out of the drain trap, rendering it useless.
The shower base and drain gasket
If the water remains on a shower base, a soapy film can form that creates a slip hazard, so the base should be designed with a downward slope to the drain at all points. This slope is built into prefabricated shower bases, but if you build your own shower cubicle, you must do it yourself. You should also carefully seal the strainer to the shower base to prevent water from seeping underneath the base, where it can cause serious damage. When you make a base for a tile stand, you usually make this stamp with a vinyl overlay.
Keep the shower drain clear
Shower drains are susceptible to clogging of hair, which accumulates around the filter and in the curve of the trap, and in turn, collects other debris. You can’t always remove a clog from your hair with a plunger because your hair tends to cling, and if you can’t remove the filter, a bit is not an option. Chemicals to clean the drain can be effective, but they are not very good for your pipes. A good strategy to keep your drain clean is to periodically pour an enzyme-based drain cleaner through the opening. It eats through clogs slowly but is safe for pipes and groundwater.
