Barrier Free Drains

What is a Standard Flow Drain?

US residential installations use a 2” waste line, which has an average capacity of 9 GPM at ½” head of water, assuming proper venting.

Flow Rates

There are many variables that influence flow rates and how drains perform. Our listed GPM (gallons per minute) on Infinity Drain® products are based on having a ”head of water” that is traveling at ½” high. Different head heights will change flow rate. Without calculating a specific install, use our flow rate as a general guideline. The following variables should be considered when choosing and locating a linear drain.

Variables to consider:

What is flow rate of the shower valve? (i.e. how much water is being drained?)
Are there multiple shower valves?
What is the water pressure or PSI of the site location?
How many water features? (i.e. shower heads, hand shower, body sprays, etc.?)
Will the fixtures operate at the local plumbing code’s legal gallons per minute?
Will the flow restrictors be removed from the fixtures?

The answers to the above questions fall into the equation of determining the proper type of drain, outlets necessary, and location of the drain. These variables can vary drastically from installation to installation, and because of this, it is difficult to have an absolute flow rate.

Adding additional 2” outlets and tying them to a 3” waste line will significantly increase the flow rate.

What is a High Flow Drain?

High Flow drains are designed to be connected to a 3″ waste line (not standard) and will have an average capacity of 21 GPM.

Flow Rates

There are many variables that influence flow rates and how drains perform. Our listed GPM (gallons per minute) on Infinity Drain® products are based on having a ”head of water” that is traveling at ½” high. Different head heights will change flow rate. Without calculating a specific install, use our flow rate as a general guideline. The following variables should be considered when choosing and locating a linear drain.

Variables to consider:

What is flow rate of the shower valve? (i.e. how much water is being drained?)
Are there multiple shower valves?
What is the water pressure or PSI of the site location?
How many water features? (i.e. shower heads, hand shower, body sprays, etc.?)
Will the fixtures operate at the local plumbing code’s legal gallons per minute?
Will the flow restrictors be removed from the fixtures?

The answers to the above questions fall into the equation of determining the proper type of drain, outlets necessary, and location of the drain. These variables can vary drastically from installation to installation, and because of this, it is difficult to have an absolute flow rate.

What is the Solid style?

The Solid grate showcases a fully stainless steel cover. A minimally sized gap surrounds the grate on all sides to provide the necessary drainage to evacuate water efficiently.

What is the Slotted style?

Infinity Drain slotted perforated grates are made from 16 gauge, 304L stainless steel.

What is the Wedge Wire style?

Infinity Drain Wedge Wire blends contemporary styling with durability. The signature ‘Infinity’ look is created by V-shaped wires that run parallel to each other and are welded together with a spacing of precision. Grate openings widen inwardly to serve as a primary strainer for debris while allowing water to flow freely.

What is the Square style?

If you’re going for a sleek, minimalist look, choose a drain that has a simple square pattern. It will add a statement to your shower, without taking away from the clean look.

What is the Tile Drain style?

Make the drain disappear. The Tile Insert Frame allows the drain to truly disappear into the shower floor. Flooring material is set into the tray and a minimally sized, yet sufficient, gap provides the necessary drainage to evacuate water efficiently. This grate style provides the illusion of an extension of your shower floor over the drain.

What is the Weave grate style?

This style is the perfect mix of everything that you are. It can be a combination of the styles you love – from traditional, simple lines to elegant, dramatic pieces, along with romantic, intricate textiles. Choose a drain that is an artistic balance between modern-day chic and vintage classic.

What is the Moor grate style?

With solid textiles, black and white features, and pops of gold or brass, you can achieve a timeless feel with your design. Add a hint of glamour with a sophisticated design in a decorative finish to liven up your shower and bring in a familiar pattern.

What is the Link grate style?

The vibe of industrial designs has become a wildly popular trend. Cement features, exposed pipe, and glass partitions, create a functional, proletarian feel. Pairing this look with a drain that has a slight decorative edge will add some dimension to your more utilitarian surfaces.

What is the Lines grate style?

If you’re going for a sleek, minimalist look, choose a drain that has simple straight lines. It will add a statement to your shower, without taking away from the clean look.

What is the Criss-Cross grate style?

This style marries the timelessness of traditional design with the clean lines of contemporary. A clean, criss-cross drain design will add a clean transitional detail to the center of the shower that complements this look seamlessly.

What is the Square grate style?

Infinity Drain square perforated grates are made from 18 gauge, 304L stainless steel.

What is the Circle grate style?

Infinity Drain circle perforated grates are made from 16 gauge, 304L stainless steel.

What is the Solid grate style?

The Solid grate showcases a 3/16 inch thick, fully stainless steel cover. A minimally sized gap surrounds the grate on all sides to provide the necessary drainage to evacuate water efficiently.

What is the Slot grate style?

The Slot Linear drain provides a narrow 3/8-inch drainage gap that virtually disappears into its surroundings.

What is the Offset Slotted grate style?

Infinity Drain Offset Slotted perforated grates are made from 16 gauge, 304L stainless steel.

What is the Slotted grate style?

Infinity Drain slotted perforated grates are made from 16 gauge, 304L stainless steel.

Double Waterproofing

Consists of two layers of waterproofing.

The primary waterproofing layer is a traditional type of waterproofing. This shower pan is built to be mechanically fastened to a drain body. The secondary waterproofing layer is a modern type of waterproofing. This waterproofing is above the primary layer and is applied to the primary mortar bed and bonds directly to the flanges of the drain.

Why do I need to know the waterproofing?

The type of waterproofing can help determine which linear drain series to specify. If using a traditional type of waterproofing, the professional will typically build a shower pan with PVC, Vinyl, Lead, Hot Mop, Copper or Fiberglass material. If using a modern type of waterproofing such as liquid or a fabric install, the professional can waterproof over a greater floor area to build a barrier free or zero threshold installation.

Most often, plumbers will install a linear with a clamping floor drain to be used with traditional waterproofing.(Example: Rubber Liner – Chloraloy®)

Most often, tile setters will install a linear with modern type of waterproofing. (Example: Schluter®-KERDI membrane system)

Note: Some areas in the US require specific types of waterproofing. Be sure to check with your installation professional about the waterproofing method being used before selecting a drain.

Why do I need to know if my installation is a barrier-free threshold installation?

Deciding between a barrier threshold (curb) or barrier-free (curbless) installation is critical when a linear drain is being considered.

For threshold installs, we recommend the drain run exactly wall-to-wall to block any water from leaving the shower or wet area. We do not recommend linear drains less than 2” wide or Tile Insert Frame linear drains for threshold installations without a curb due to the lack of channel width needed to sufficiently catch the water.

Installing a shower drain without a curb, barrier, or threshold creates a seamless look with easy accessibility to the wet area. To achieve an ideal installation, floor heights should be equal between the shower area (wet area), outside the shower (dry area), and next room.

Please consult a licensed professional when determining which installation is possible.

What is 3mm Wedge Wire?

Infinity Drain Wedge Wire blends contemporary styling with durability. Made of 316L marine grade stainless steel, the signature ‘Infinity’ look is created by V-shaped wires that run parallel to each other and are welded together with a spacing of 3mm. Grate openings widen inwardly to serve as a primary strainer for debris while allowing water to flow freely.

Infinity Drain 3mm Wedge Wire is available in 1-1/2″ and 2-1/2″ widths.

What is 2mm Wedge Wire?

Infinity Drain Wedge Wire blends contemporary styling with durability. Made of 316L marine grade stainless steel, the signature ‘Infinity’ look is created by V-shaped wires that run parallel to each other and are welded together with a spacing of 2mm. Grate openings widen inwardly to serve as a primary strainer for debris while allowing water to flow freely.

Infinity Drain 2mm Wedge Wire is available in 1″, 1-1/2″, 2-1/2″, 3-7/8″, and 5″ widths.

What is a Tile Insert Frame?

The Tile Insert Frame allows the drain to truly disappear into the shower floor. Flooring material is set into the tray and a minimally sized, yet sufficient, gap provides the necessary drainage to evacuate water efficiently. This grate style provides the illusion of an extension of your shower floor over the drain. The Tile Insert Frame is constructed of 12 gauge or 16 gauge, 304L stainless steel.

Why choose a linear drain?

Also called a trough or trench drain, a linear drain is a rectangular-shaped drain that allows for the use of larger format floor tile and the ability to pitch the floor in one direction. This offers an advantage from the traditional center drain installation, where the floor must slope in four directions in order to drain the water properly.

Benefits of a linear drain installation include:

No limitation on tile size or slab material
Can be placed as a threshold or curb
Meets ADA requirements for handicap shower entry
No boundaries on design because of the drain location
Drains water more efficiently

Why choose a center drain?

Also called a point drain, a center drain is a circular or square-shaped drain that requires the floor to be sloped in four directions in order to drain the water properly.

Why do I need to know if my installation is a barrier-free installation?

Deciding between a barrier threshold (curb) or barrier-free (curbless) installation is critical when a linear drain is being considered.

For threshold installs, we recommend the drain run exactly wall-to-wall to block any water from leaving the shower or wet area. We do not recommend linear drains less than 2” wide or Tile Insert Frame linear drains for threshold installations without a curb due to the lack of channel width needed to sufficiently catch the water.

Installing a shower drain with a curb allows more flexibility in drain choices.

Please consult a licensed professional when determining which installation is possible.

A little planning goes a long way

Benefits

By pitching a floor in one direction, the possibilities are infinite.

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