Curbless Shower: Build Up, Not Down
joeboldt
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
I just read this article in the Kitchens and Baths issue. The shower floor slopes to the shower door where a linear drain runs the entire width of the opening. So, in theory, no water gets past the drain into the rest of the bathroom. But, what happens if the drain is plugged and overflows? It was always my understanding that building codes require that shower pans need to be able to hold a certain quantity of water. Am I wrong?
https://www.finehomebuilding.com/design/articles/curbless-shower-build-up-not-down.aspx
Thanks,
Joe
Replies
There's A Loophole ...
The inspector will want the drain to hold 2" of water, in order to check for leaks. For ;barrier free; designs, the plumber is allowed to construct a 'temporary' dam or barrier.
That aside, the market is beginning to see some resilient barriers. Originally designed for containing spills in chemical storage areas, these tough, spongy barriers are easily compressed by the wheels of a hand truck or wheelchair- yet will hold bace as much as four inches of fluid.
Still, I have concerns. In my planned curbless shower, I will make the entire bathroom a 'shower pah'- and there will be a second drain, outside the shower area. That way, any spills- be they from the shower, a clogged toilet, whatever- will find their way into the sewer.
Floor drains.
Floor drains that aren't likely to get regular water require a trap primer to prevent them drying out from evaporation.
The bathroom in a house we rented in New Zealand had that "whole bathroom is the shower pan" thing going on
View Image
Tangent: Off Topic
Thanks for the pic!
I am doing something similar in my house - and I meet all manner of puzzled looks when I describe it. Like you, I first saw this design while overseas.
Those who have wondered at my desire for a wall-mounted toilet will understand better once they see this picture.