Shower drain cover types. The smallest household items can hold significant importance, but we often only realize their value once an issue arises. The shower drain cover serves as a prime example of this.
Typically overlooked, it becomes crucial when a clogged drain requires costly plumbing repairs. To avoid these inconveniences, finding a compatible cover that serves its purpose correctly is essential.
To do so, accurately identifying your bathroom‘s drain and shower type is necessary before shopping. Although this narrows the search, familiarizing yourself with the available shower drain covers is still recommended.
What is a Shower Drain? Shower Drain Covers?
The shower drain is where the water used in the shower flows out. However, hair and soap residue often obstructs it, leading to blocked pipes. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the right shower drain and cover.
Numerous bathroom drains are available in different shapes, materials, and styles, including brass, steel, stainless steel, and plastic covers. They come in various shapes, such as squares, triangles, and circles. Check also: Why Plunging Shower Drain Made It Worse?
To learn more about shower drains and bathroom drain covers, refer to the next section if you need clarification.
What are the types of shower drains?
While your shower drain cover may not be at the forefront of your mind daily, it’s essential to be aware of its type if you encounter a clog and need to remove it. Check also: Faucet Dripping After Water Turned Off.
There are six primary types of shower drain covers:
- Snap-in: These covers can be easily snapped into place, requiring no additional tools for installation or removal.
- Screw-in: These covers are secured with screws, typically requiring a screwdriver or similar tool to install or remove them.
- Snap-in replacement shower drain covers: These covers serve as replacements for existing snap-in covers and can be snapped into place without the need for tools.
- Three-piece covers: This type of cover consists of three separate pieces that need to be assembled and secured with screws, making them more complex to install compared to other types.
- Removable covers: These can be easily lifted or pulled off without specialized tools or screws.
Shower Drain Cover Types (Best and Common Drain Covers)
1. Snap-in Drain Covers
In traditional showers, snap-in covers and screw-in covers are popular shower drain covers. Although they function similarly to screw-in covers, their installation process differs.
Typically, snap-in covers have surface holes that allow water to flow while preventing hair and debris from passing through. They can also feature various patterns, such as square cutouts on the surface.
Snap-in shower drains are available in various colors and finishes, including chrome, brass, copper, nickel, silver, gold, and more. As a result, locating a snap-in cover that complements your bathroom’s interior design should be simple.
2. Screw-in Drain Covers
Screw-In Shower Drain Covers are popular for preventing debris buildup in drains. They have a simple design and are easy to install, making them easily recognizable. These covers are round in shape and have multiple evenly spaced holes, along with a central screw hole.
The holes in the cover are designed to allow water, soap, and small dirt particles to flow through while blocking larger materials like hair and debris from causing clogs. By using Screw-In Drain Covers, you can keep your shower clean and avoid drainage problems.
What’s great about these covers is that they come in a wide range of materials and finishes. Depending on your preference and bathroom style, you can choose from options like stainless steel, chrome, bronze, polished brass, or antique brass.
3. Snap-in replacement shower Drain Covers
A snap-in replacement shower drain cover is a type of drain cover that is easy to install by snapping it into place, usually replacing an existing drain cover. Unlike screws or other drain covers, snap-in covers have clips or tabs that hold them securely in place. These replacement drain covers are designed to fit specific drain sizes and types, ensuring a proper and snug fit.
Snap-in replacement shower drain covers often have perforations or holes on the surface, allowing water to flow through while preventing larger debris, hair, or other objects from entering the drain pipe and potentially causing clogs. They come in various shapes, sizes, and styles to match different drain configurations and bathroom aesthetics.
4. Three-piece Drain Covers
Installing a three-piece shower drain is more complex than attaching a cover and securing it in place. It is constructed similarly to a conventional floor drain and can be utilized for tiled showers or to safeguard the subflooring below the shower. Essentially, the supplementary components provide an added barrier or an extension of the drain cover.
The drain cover in the shower floor can be adjusted for thickness using three parts. One piece drops into the lower part of the drain, while the middle piece extends through the shower pan and into the floor area. The top piece fastens to the middle piece.
Proper sealing is necessary to prevent leakage, making installation of this type of drain cover challenging. It is advisable to seek professional help for installation. The built-in drain cover is connected to the middle piece and usually has a slotted design with screw holes.
5. Removable Drain Covers
Various removable shower drain covers are available, each with unique designs and styles. However, they all serve the same purpose of permitting water to flow but preventing clogging-causing substances such as hair.
Some models are slotted and placed over the drain, while others snap onto it. The most suitable option may be determined by the type and design of your drain. Check also: Is Bathtub Paint Peeling Dangerous?
Best Shower Drain Covers
Shower drain covers may seem like a small and insignificant detail in your bathroom, but they are important in properly functioning the plumbing system.
A good shower drain cover not only prevents hair, soap scum, and other debris from clogging the pipes but also enhances the overall look of your shower.
Best Snap-in Drain Covers
Moen Snap-In Shower Drain Cover
The Moen 101663BN 4-1 /4-Inch Snap-In Shower Drain Cover is an excellent choice for homeowners upgrading their bathroom fixtures. This shower drain cover is made of durable materials that resist rust and corrosion, which means it will last many years. The brushed nickel finish looks sleek and modern and matches well with most bathroom décor.
This shower drain cover snaps easily into place, making it simple to install even for those without plumbing experience. Its size fits most standard shower drains and prevents hair and debris from clogging the drain pipe. To clean it, you only need to snap it off and rinse it under running water before snapping it back in place.
Best Screw-in Drain Covers
TRUSTMI Screw-in Shower Drain Cover
The TRUSTMI 4 1/4-inch Screw-in Shower Drain Cover is the perfect solution for those who want to upgrade their existing shower drain covers. Available in Chrome, Oil Rubbed Bronze, and Brushed Nickel, this product allows you to choose a finish that will match your bathroom décor. Made of durable brass material, it is rust-resistant and can withstand heavy usage.
It is designed with screw-in installation making this shower drain cover ensure easy and secure attachment to your shower drain. Its sleek design complements modern bathroom fixtures without sacrificing functionality. It is built with precision engineering, which provides high flow drainage capacity, preventing water from pooling in your shower stall.
Best Snap-in replacement shower Drain Covers
DANCO Easy-to-Install Snap-In Shower Drain
Shower drain covers are essential to any bathroom and often go unnoticed until something goes wrong. The DANCO Easy-to-Install Snap-In Shower Drain, Stainless Steel, is an excellent solution for those who need to replace or upgrade their shower drain cover. This snap-in model makes installation a breeze with no special tools required.
It is made of a durable stainless steel shower drain cover that is built to last. It comes in both single and twin options to fit any size shower drain. The sleek design adds a modern look to the bathroom, improving drainage efficiency by preventing hair and other debris from clogging the pipes. In addition to being easy to install and durable, it also offers easy maintenance.
Three-piece Drain Covers
WEBANG Square Shower Floor Drain with Flange
The WEBANG 4-Inch Square Shower Floor Drain with Flange is a top-quality shower drain that comes with a Quadrato pattern grate that is removable for easy cleaning. This shower drain cover is durable and rust-resistant and made of food-grade SUS 304 stainless steel. Not only that, but it has also been Watermark and CUPC certified, ensuring its quality and safety.
Installing the WEBANG 4 Inch Square Shower Floor Drain is incredibly easy, thanks to its flange design. This design allows for quick installation without the need for any special tools or skills. Additionally, the brushed finish of the shower drain cover adds a touch of elegance to your bathroom decor while also providing slip resistance for added safety in your shower area.
Removable Drain Cover
LEKEYE Drain Hair Catcher/Bathtub Drain Cover
LEKEYE Drain Hair Catcher Bathtub Drain Cover Drain Protector for Pop-Up & Regular Drains is an essential tool that helps prevent clogging in your bathroom drains. This removable drain cover is perfect for homeowners who want to keep their sinks and bathtubs clean and free from hair, soap residue, and other debris.
It is suitable for both pop-up and regular drains, making it versatile enough to use in all types of bathrooms. It has a unique design covers the entire drain area, ensuring that no hair or other particles slip through the cracks. The cover also features small holes that allow water to flow while catching unwanted debris.
How to choose a shower drain cover?
When selecting a shower drain cover, it’s important to consider a few factors. Firstly, ensure it is compatible with your drain by measuring its size from side to side and top to bottom. Creating a basic sketch to take with you when shopping may be helpful. Seek assistance from a professional or hardware store attendant if needed. Once you’ve determined the correct size, choose a color and design that complements your bathroom. If you need more clarification on installation, consider hiring someone for assistance.
What sizes do shower drain covers come in?
You will commonly come across shower drain covers with a 4-inch diameter because they are the standard size for shower drains. Nevertheless, alternative sizes of shower drain covers are readily available on the internet. To ensure that you purchase the correct drain cover, you should measure your shower drain before shopping.
How do you choose a shower drain cover?
When selecting a drain grate for their bathroom, homeowners often opt for a style that complements the finish of their other fixtures. For instance, if the taps are made of chrome, it is advisable to select a drain grate that is also chrome. If you prefer to have the drain blend in with the shower tile, then a tile-able grate would be the best option, as it allows you to use the same tile on the drain as you did for the shower.
Do you need a shower drain cover?
Having to spend money on hiring professional plumbers to unclog your shower drains will make you understand the significance of maintaining your drains. You can prevent debris and hair from entering your drain by utilizing an appropriate shower drain cover.
Conclusion
In conclusion, shower drain covers come in various types, each with unique features and benefits. From snap-in covers to screw-in covers, there are options for every homeowner’s preference and style. Factors such as ease of installation, durability, and material should be considered when choosing a shower drain cover. With the correct type of drain cover in place, you can keep your bathroom clean while enjoying a comfortable shower experience.