Drains may seem small and unimportant, yet they are an essential part of any bathroom. No shower or bathtub will work correctly without a drain. Choosing the right one is critical to make sure that the water drains quickly and effortlessly. The drain also affects the overall style of the bathroom, so it is important to choose the one that will help you maintain the integrity of the design.
Another useful thing that can eliminate most drainage problems is a drain protector. They are also called hair catchers, as that is what they do. Apart from the hair, it prevents other small particles from getting into the drain and forming a blockage. They are a great choice for those who are tired of having their drain constantly clogged and want to save themselves the trouble of having to unclog it.
Hopefully, our reviews will help you to choose the best shower drain and shower drain protector.
Types of Shower Drains
There are two types of shower drains today: traditional and linear.
Traditional, or point drains are a classical choice. They are installed in most homes. They can be either square or round and are placed in the center of the shower floor. They look good in all bathroom setups.
Linear drains look stylish and unique. They look especially great in bathrooms decorated in a modern design. As the name suggests, their shape resembles a line. They are usually installed along one side of the shower.
Top Three Best Shower Drains
1. Square Design Tile-In Shower Drain from Kohler
This shower drain combines a perfect performance with a high-end look. It is available in a wide variety of finish colors so that everyone can find a perfect match for their shower. You can choose from brushed chrome, polished chrome, vibrant brushed bronze, vibrant brushed nickel, vibrant French gold, vibrant moderne brushed gold, vibrant polished brass, and vibrant polished nickel.
This shower drain from Kohler combines a sturdy design and high-quality materials. Made of brass and PVC, it is durable and resists tarnishing. The dimensions of this model are 6.5 x 6.5 x 4.1 inches. It comes with a two-inch inside tailpiece and a three-inch outside tailpiece. The drain can be attached securely thanks to the grooved flange adapter.
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2. WingTite Shower Drain from LASCO
This shower drain is an excellent choice for any shower stall. It is easy to set up – its installation does not require much time or effort. If you are a handy person, you can do it without any outside help and save your money. Made of premium-quality materials only, this shower drain can offer durability and reliability
The minimalist design of the WingTite drain from LASCO will match a bathroom of any décor, from traditional to modern. It comes with a crisp white finish, beautiful in its simplicity. The dimensions of this model are 4.25 x 4.25 x 2 inches. Thanks to the silicone inserts, it will prevent leaks or any other kinds of drain failures.
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3. No-Calk Shower Drain from Oatey
This model is designed for pre-formed shower bases. It works best with shower floors made of fiberglass, acrylic, nylon, and metal. This unit perfectly attaches to two-inch drainpipes. It comes with polished brass strainers with a PVC finish that lasts a lifetime. You can purchase either a separate product or a pack of four.
The stainless steel construction of this shower drain from Oatey makes it extremely durable and rustproof. Its top has a mesh screen style, practical and attractive. The inside of the drain comes with a flat strip of metal that helps to adjust the opening size of the compression gasket made of rubber. You do not need caulk in order to install this drain – just tighten the gasket pressure ring and the job is done.
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Top Three Best Shower Drain Protectors
1. Tub Drain Protector Hair Catcher/Strainer/Snare from TubShroom
With this hair catcher, you will not need to face the problem of cleaning a clogged drain every day. It fits perfectly into standard 1.5-inch shower and bathtub drains. If your drain has a cover, you will need to remove it before installing this drain protector. Thanks to its unique design, the hair gets wound around it, which makes it very easy to remove.
The Revolutionary shower drain protector from TubShroom is very easy to clean – just take it oгt of the drain and remove the hair that has gathered there. The shape of this model resembles a mushroom and offers maximum water flow. It is available in a number of finishes including white, orange, green, blue, and gray.
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2. Good Grips Easy Clean Shower Stall Drain Protector from OXO
This stylish model will protect the drain from hair and any other particles. Its stainless steel construction offers rust-resistance, durability, perfect performance, and a high-end look. It comes with a silicone rim to make sure that the protector stays attached no matter what.
The Good Grips drain protector from OXO catches the hair without keeping the water from draining. Its unique tall dome shape is perfect for and accommodating flat and pop-up drains. It offers a perfect alignment with the shower base to make sure that no hair gets past the protector. Please note that it is not secured to the drain and just sits on top of it.
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3. Microban Hair Catcher from Danco
This drain protector is made of flexible PVC to make sure that it fits into the drain effortlessly. It fits drains sized from 4 to 4.5 inches. This model comes with a traditional white finish that does not attract too much attention and gives your shower a clean look.
Another great feature of the best hair catcher from Danco is the Microban antimicrobial protection that kills harmful bacteria that cause odor and prevents the growth of mold and mildew. The construction of this model includes a convenient loop for the finger to make lifting and cleaning the protector easier than ever.
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How to Unclog a Shower Drain
If you do not have a shower drain protector, then you are probably tired of having the drain constantly clogged with hair and other debris. Apart from the fact that the water takes longer to drain, the unpleasant odors begin to appear.
In some cases, unclogging shower drains can be easier than it seems. All you need to do is remove the hair and – voila! – the job is done. However, this is not always so. If there is a serious blockage in your drain and no matter how much drain cleaner you apply or how much time you spend operating with a plunger, it is time to take more serious measures.
One of the easiest ways of unclogging the drain is by using a wire coat hanger. Straighten it and bend one end so that there is a small hook. Then, stick it inside the drainpipe. Push it until you feel the blockage and try to hook it and get out as much as you can.
The best way to unclog a shower drain without any harmful chemicals is by using baking soda and vinegar. Pour about three liters of boiling water down the drain. Then, mix ¼ cup of baking soda and one cup of white vinegar and drain it, too. Wait around 20 minutes and add another kettleful of boiling water to finish the job.
