Walk-in shower cabins are a very fashionable solution that investors value both for their functionality and aesthetic values. They are often installed in public facilities such as hotels, hospitals and sports institutions. Cabins without shower trays are versatile, so they can also be conveniently used by elderly and disabled people. In projects of this type, it is worth relying on modern point drains. We advise you which floor drain to choose!
Advantages and disadvantages of cabins without a shower tray
If you design or implement bathrooms, you have certainly noticed the growing popularity of shower cabins without a shower tray. They are chosen by both business and individual customers. However, they are motivated by slightly different reasons. There is no shortage of arguments in favor of choosing this solution. To better understand the popularity of walk-in cabins, let's take a closer look at their advantages and disadvantages.
The advantages of cabins without a shower tray include:
- Space saving - the glass wall and the drain installed in the floor take up much less space than the entire shower cabin with a shower tray . Therefore, the bathroom seems larger and is more convenient to use.
- Arrangement flexibility - a shower tray requires a special space in the bathroom, while a walk-in cabin can be arranged anywhere. Moreover, the design is not limited by the dimensions of the available elements, because such a shower zone can be precisely adapted to individual needs .
- Aesthetics - this is an asset appreciated primarily by private investors. Walk-in cabins are perfect for, among other things, minimalist bathroom designs . They look neat and do not "clutter" the space.
- Safety - walk-in shower zones are a mandatory element of so-called barrier-free bathrooms, i.e. rooms intended for the elderly and disabled. Using such cabins is very comfortable and therefore safe for users with limited mobility . Zones can be arranged in such a way that wheelchair users can also enter them.
- Convenience - owners of bathrooms with walk-in cabins praise the ease of keeping them clean. Straight walls installed near the floor mean there are no problematic bends, doors or rails where dirt, bacteria and fungi could accumulate.
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However, walk-in shower zones are not without their disadvantages, including:
- High price - some investors think that not having to buy a shower tray should translate into a lower price of the shower installation. However, the costs are higher because the installation of walk-in cabins requires quite labor-intensive assembly, including preparation of the ground.
- Installation limitations - the need to profile the floor and obtain a 2% slope means that not every apartment is suitable for installing a walk-in zone. An example are old blocks of flats whose ceilings are too thin to accommodate the necessary connection elements.
- Problematic operation - water often escapes outside the shower zone during bathing. If the cabin is not designed properly, it may be necessary to dry the bathroom floor after each shower.
Types of floor drains
One of the key elements of walk-in cabins are floor drains. The choice of a specific type will affect both the efficiency of the entire system and the appearance of the bathroom. What options can investors choose?
- Linear floor drain - a frequently used structure consisting of a gutter in the floor, a siphon and a grate. Only this last element is visible. The advantage of such drains is the need to obtain a slope only on one side. Their length adapts to the dimensions of the shower zone.
- Point floor drain - it is installed in the middle of the walk-in zone, therefore it requires designing a slope on four sides. Its only visible element is a metal grid that prevents insects and unpleasant odors from entering the interior.
- Corner floor drain - a type of triangular drain that is placed in the corner of the shower area.
- Wall drain - in this case, the mounting elements are hidden in the wall. The siphon is located on the side and is accessed by a one-sided or two-sided fall.
It is worth noting that the most popular drains - linear and point - can be hidden under a ceramic tile. Water then enters the sewage system thanks to special holes or edges that allow it to flow. This solution is especially recommended to clients who want a very elegant bathroom finish. It should be remembered that in the event of a possible failure of the installation, its repair may be slightly more difficult and time-consuming.
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Application - where is a walk-in cabin best suited?
Walk-in shower zones are a modern solution, increasingly popular in residential buildings. However, this type of systems have long been widely used in public bathrooms, in spaces such as sports facilities, hotels and hospitals . The outlets can be used not only in the shower, but they are also perfect for utility rooms. This is a very convenient and functional way of draining water.
A cabin without a shower tray is definitely more versatile, so it works better in places where the bathroom is also used by people with limited mobility . It also saves a lot of space, which can translate into more shower zones in one room (for example, a swimming pool).
A walk-in cabin will, of course, also work well for an individual client. This solution is especially recommended in situations where the house is inhabited by an elderly or disabled person . Investors for whom aesthetic considerations are particularly important should also consider giving up the shower tray.
Modern Dallmer point drain systems
When working on the design of walk-in cabins, it is worth using proven Dallmer floor drains. They meet the requirements of all applicable standards and impress with their versatility. Thanks to their modular design, they can be freely configured and fitted with various types of attachments and accessories.
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The features that distinguish the DallDrain floor drain from competitive products include:
- press-fit sealing cuff,
- ball joint allowing for stress-free installation,
- mounting legs with acoustic insulation for height adjustment,
- removable siphon for easy cleaning,
- accessories for fire and acoustic insulation.
As you can see, Dallmer point drains meet the needs of even the most demanding customers. We have no hesitation in recommending them to every installer and contractor!
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