A shower drain cover is vital for any shower with an exposed drain. It stops it from going into the drain and subsequently clogging it. When choosing a cover, the best shower type and appropriate drain size should be considered. Although there are advantages and disadvantages associated with different types of covers, determining which one to get only depends on your style preference.
Types of Shower Drain Covers
Snap-In Covers
If you’re looking for a new snap-in drain cover, you should know a few things.
First, they come in various colors, patterns, and finishes. So, whether you’re looking for something that matches your shower hardware or complements your other interior design choices, there’s sure to be a snap-in cover that fits your needs.
Second, this drain cover is easy to install; you snap it into place. And if you ever need to remove it, it’s just as easy to take off. However, you may need to pry it up with a flathead screwdriver or another tool.
Finally, snap-in covers include openings for water to flow through, but the holes are tiny enough that hair and bigger debris do not fall down the drain. A snap-in is the way to go if you want an easy-to-install and efficient drain cover.
Specs
[Snap-In Shower Drain Cover] Strainers for Casper-Style Drains
4-1/4″ outer diameter – 2-7/8″ prong-to-prong
Finishes and prices
- Screw-In Covers
Look closely at your drain cover the next time you’re in the shower. Is it held in place by screws? If so, congratulations! You have a screw-in shower drain cover. These handy coverings are similar to snap-in covers, except they are held in place using screws. These screws are often included with the drain cover and are inserted at the top and bottom to secure it.
Like most drain covers, a screw-in body has small holes that allow water and soap to drain while preventing larger items from getting into the plumbing system. This is important because no one wants to take a shower in dirty water or have to fish a clog out of the drain.
This shower drain cover comes in many different finishes, but stainless steel is the most common. And for a good reason: stainless steel is long-lasting, easy to clean, and looks fantastic in any bathroom. So if you’re looking for a new drain cover, check out the screw-in variety. It might just be the perfect fit for your needs.
Specs
3-3/8″ outer diameter – screw holes 2-7/8″ on center
Finishes
- Snap-In Replacement Strainers
Regular snap-in covers are designed for specific drains, but snap-in replacement drain strainers are much more versatile. You can use them just about anywhere you need a drain cover as long as they fit the right pipe size.
There are three standard sizes for snap-in replacement shower drain strainers: 3¼”, 4″, and 5⅛”. But if you’re in a pinch, you could probably also use one of those teeny-tiny ones designed for sinks. Or one of those giant ones designed for industrial pipes.
Hey, as long as it fits, right? The possibilities are practically endless! So next time you’re looking for a drain cover, don’t limit yourself to regular snap-in covers—think outside the box and try a snap-in replacement drain strainer instead.
Specs and finishes
- Heavy-Duty Screw-In Cast Covers
Screw-in drain covers are one of those things that you never really think about until you need them. And then, when you need them, they’re usually nowhere to be found. Fortunately, heavy-duty screw-in cast covers are designed for just such an eventuality.
These tough little guys are made to withstand the rigors of everyday life. The most significant distinction between these covers and their less robust cousins is that they undergo a sand-casting process. This gives them added strength and durability, making them ideal for use in high-traffic areas. Plus, they’re available in various finishes to match your décor. So, go with a heavy-duty screw-in cast cover next time you’re looking for a drain cover that won’t let you down.
Specs and prices
- Three-Piece Covers
Shower drain covers come in three different types: the simplest, one-piece, two-piece, and the most complex, three-piece. The extra pieces in this type of cover create an extension of the drain cover that provides an additional barrier.
One advantage of employing a three-piece shower drain is that it can be changed to meet your unique requirements. However, installing this type yourself is not recommended; It is preferable to hire an expert. These drain covers are tough to install and must be properly sealed or they will leak.
When deciding if a three-piece shower drain is the best option, consider if you want to protect the subflooring beneath your shower or if you have a tiled shower. If either applies to you, then a three-piece shower drain cover is likely your best bet.
Features:
- With this drain, your custom shower installation will be complete with style and quality. Tile-in design means it can match any aesthetics you’re going for, while the many finish options give you even more ability to personalize.
- The sturdy frame helps to withstand the strain of heavy loads. Inside tailpiece for 2-in drains and outside tailpiece 3-in drains are included.
- This flange adapter has a tarnish-resistant grooved collar that also functions as weep holes, providing an effective seal.
- Compatible with standard 2″ and 3″ PVC & ABS tubing on the outlet. Compatible with PVC and ABS pipe. If you’re connecting PVC pipes, use the proper cement composition. It’s ABS, so make sure you use the appropriate plastic connector.
- The flow rate exceeds 0.9 L/s, and the drains are UPC-certified.
- Removable Covers
As any homeowner knows, clogged drains are a real pain. It means dealing with water that won’t go down the drain and can also lead to costly repairs if the clog is severe enough. One way to help prevent clogged drains is to use a removable shower drain cover.
These covers are designed to let water and soap through while keeping out anything that can cause a blockage. Plus, they’re easy to remove anytime, so you can quickly and easily get rid of any buildup before it has a chance to cause problems. And if you’re worried about your drain cover not matching your décor, don’t be – you can purchase them in multiple colors, sizes, and designs.
So next time you’re standing in the shower wondering why the water isn’t going down the drain, check for a clog – and then pick up a removable shower drain cover to help avoid future headaches.
Finishes and prices
Shower Drain Cover Removal: Screw-In, Snap-On, and Others
If you’re here, you’re probably annoyed with how long it’s been taking for your shower to drain recently. A slow bathtub drain is both frustrating and unsightly. To help you, we’ve put together a complete guide on removing the shower Drain cover and unclogging the drains.
What clogs a shower drain?
Bathtub drain clogging can be caused by various factors, including hair buildup, debris accumulation, and foreign objects accidentally dropping down the drain. If left untreated, these clogs can eventually lead to a blocked drain that cannot properly evacuate water from the tub.
Fortunately, most clogs can be cleared relatively easily by removing the shower drain cover and dislodging the obstruction. You may need a plunger or a plumbing snake to clear the clog. However, it is crucial to remember that these treatments should only be utilized as a last option, as they can occasionally cause more harm than good.
The First Step in Removing a Shower Drain Cover
Before removing your shower drain cover, you must first inspect how it is connected to the drain. Shower drain covers are available in a variety of designs, including:
- Screw-In
This shower drain cover is a standard strainer for brewing tea. It’s easy to remove and only requires a Phillips head screwdriver (or flathead) to loosen the screws holding it in place. Depending on the design, this type of drain cover can have one or two screws.
- Flip-It
The flip-it drain cover can be easily removed–no hardware is necessary. Just clasp the cover and spin it out of the drain.
It’s so easy that even a child could do it. I’m pretty sure my three-year-old niece did it once while helping me in the kitchen.
- Toe-Touch
The toe-touch shower drain cover is opened and closed with a gentle toe push. It may appear difficult to remove at first, but it’s not.
Remove the cover from the machine by flipping it over, unscrewing it counterclockwise, and remove it. The cover’s threaded, flathead screwdriver opening makes detaching the entire mechanism easy.
- Pop-Up
The pop-up shower drain cover is easy to remove without any tools–pull it straight up. Some other models require wiggling back and forth or flipping the attached arm up before pulling horizontally, but this is much simpler.
- Lift-and-Turn
The lift-and-turn drain cover is similar to the push/pull drain cover. Check to see if the stopper is kept in place by a screw by opening the cover.
If there is no screw keeping the stopper in place, remove the cap by turning it counterclockwise. However, if a screw is present, loosen it just enough to remove the stopper.
- Push/Pull
It’s important not to mix the push/pull shower drain cover with its lift-and-turn counterpart.
To remove the stopper, first, hold it in place. Then, turn the push/pull cover counterclockwise to unscrew the upper knob. Doing this will reveal a brass insert under the stopper—use a flathead screwdriver to unscrew it. Finally, lift on the stopper.
Necessary Tools
It would help if you had already decided on your shower drain cover style now that you’ve learned about the many varieties of shower drain covers.
You must now acquire the necessary tools and supplies to remove your shower drain cover. Assemble the following job-related tools and materials:
- Screwdriver Philips (or flathead screwdriver for a screw-in drain cover)
- Trash bin for clearing a blockage from a drain
- Small screws should be stored in a resealable bag or a plastic tray.
- When removing or replacing screws, use a washcloth to cover the drain grate.
- Snap-on drain cover needle nose pliers
- Knife (utility)
- lubricating spray
Note: Some of this equipment may be unnecessary, depending on your shower drain cover.
Installation Considerations and Size
The primary difference with shower drain covers is whether a wrench, screwdriver (or other tools) will be required. A wrench is usually needed, but the jackrabbit cover uses screws instead. Of course, ease of installation should be factored into your decision-making process. Similarly, the standard size is another thing to note before making your purchase. Most drain covers have an outer diameter of 4.25 inches and a prong-to-prong diameter of up to 3.5 inches.
Choosing the ideal shower drain cover for your bathroom may be difficult, especially if you’re looking for one that will fit your style. These are just a few things to consider while selecting a shower drain cover for your shower and bathroom. Looking at samples on display in a plumbing store or kitchen and bath shop is the most effective method to choose among the options available. You can also get many different sorts of covers via the internet. If you do some research, you should be able to discover the best drain cover for your bathroom.