Floor wastes and linear drains: choosing the right shower drain

The drain is a small part of a shower, but it affects how the floor is tiled, how water flows and how the finished room looks. Here is how the main options compare.

Point drains: round and square wastes

A point drain sits in one spot, often the centre of the shower. The floor falls towards it from every side, which means the tiles are cut on the diagonal to create an envelope shape. Round and square grates are the most common. Smaller tiles or mosaics make these falls easier to form. Point drains are reliable and familiar to every tiler.

Tile insert wastes

A tile insert waste has a tray that takes a piece of your floor tile, so only a thin slot is visible around the edge. It blends into the floor and looks very clean. See our floor drains, including tile inserts from Modern National and Meir.

Linear drains

A linear drain is a long channel, usually placed along one wall or at the shower entry. The floor falls in one direction only, so large tiles such as 600x600mm or 600x1200mm can run across the shower with fewer cuts. Linear drains are popular for walk in showers and level entries, where there is no hob between the shower and the rest of the bathroom.

How to choose

• Using large tiles? A linear drain avoids awkward diagonal cuts.
• Want the drain to disappear? A tile insert waste or a tile insert linear drain.
• Keeping it simple? A round or square point waste.
• Level entry or step free? A linear drain, combined with correct falls and waterproofing.

Matching the finish

Grates come in finishes such as chrome, brushed nickel, matte black and gunmetal. Matching the grate to your shower and tapware ties the room together. Our finish care guide covers cleaning.

Outlet size and position

Drains connect to a waste pipe of a certain size, and the position of the outlet affects where the drain can sit. Your plumber will check the existing waste and advise. In a renovation it is often possible to move the outlet to suit a linear drain, but this needs to be planned early.

Waterproofing and falls

Every drain relies on correct falls and waterproofing. The waterproofing membrane must be properly sealed around the drain, and the floor must fall so water does not pool. Read waterproofing basics for questions to ask your trades.

Keeping drains clean

Lift the grate or insert every few weeks to remove hair and soap residue. Most designs lift out easily.

Drains and tile layout

Agree the drain position with your tiler before tiling starts. A linear drain placed along the back wall of the shower is usually hidden from view. A drain at the entry can create a level threshold but will be more visible. For point drains, centre the waste on a tile joint or tile centre so the cuts look deliberate.

Laundries and other wet areas

Laundries and some bathroom floors outside the shower also have floor wastes. A matching grate in the same finish keeps the look consistent. See our laundry renovation guide.

Choose your drain

See floor wastes and tile inserts at our Reservoir and Geelong showrooms, or order online with delivery Australia-wide. Book a free measure, and ask us to quote installation by our qualified trades as a paid service.

Common questions

Is a linear drain better than a centre waste?

Neither is better in every case. A linear drain suits large tiles and level entries, while a centre waste is simple and reliable.

What is a tile insert waste?

A waste with a tray that holds a piece of your floor tile, so the drain blends into the floor.

Can I change from a centre waste to a linear drain?

Often yes during a renovation, but the plumber may need to move the outlet and the falls must be re formed.

Do linear drains block more easily?

Not if they are cleaned regularly. Lift the grate every few weeks to remove hair and soap residue.

Can a tile insert waste use my floor tile?

Yes. The insert tray takes a piece of your chosen floor tile so the drain blends into the floor.

Visit us or shop online

See the range in person at our showrooms: Geelong at 35A Ryrie St, Geelong VIC 3220, phone (03) 5223 2765, and Reservoir at 214 Broadway, Reservoir VIC 3073, phone (03) 9867 5051. Both are open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:00pm, Saturday 9:30am to 3:00pm, and Sunday by appointment only.

Planning a renovation? Request a quote and a free measure, and ask us to include installation by our qualified trades if you would like it quoted. Prefer to shop from home? Order online with Australia-wide delivery, or pick up from either showroom, usually ready in 2 to 4 days.