Pros and cons of shower drains and trays
When it comes to arranging a new shower room in a private house or apartment, the question arises: which type of communication should I give preference to, choose a tray or a ladder. Despite the similarity, these two intake structures have a number of differences that determine the advantages and disadvantages of each. Today we will try to figure out what the difference is and what pitfalls cheap ladders and trays have.
What is a ladder, tray and pallet
A stall with a pallet is a classic version of a shower in which waste water flows into a special container resembling a small bathroom. At the moment, this option is considered to be somewhat outdated, because the use of such a shower is not strikingly different from using a regular bathroom with a shower.
Showers equipped with a tray or a ladder allow you to create an open space in which water will flow into a special chute (at the tray) or an opening (ladder). Such bathrooms look modern, are used in designer interiors, and have a wide range of functionality.
A person does not need to cross thresholds, the risk of falling or slipping on a slippery pallet is reduced, the floor in the shower is one solid canvas. Such showers, by the way, allow people with limited motor ability to perform hygienic procedures on their own, for example, wheelchair users.
However, there are also differences between the ladder and the tray: the tray has a special chute for water intake, but the ladder immediately drains directly into the sewer. Hence the main advantages and disadvantages of these devices.
The pros and cons of ladders
One of the main advantages of the ladder is its unobtrusive design, which is suitable for any style of bathroom. That is why shower ladders are often used in designer, exclusive interiors. For example, the shower ladder under the tile is completely invisible. Since the ladder immediately drains the drain into the sewer, the throughput will depend on the rate of discharge into the general system, however, proper installation plays an important role in this matter. With proper installation, high functionality with high throughput will be provided. Users also note as an advantage the ability to hide unsightly communications (hide in the floor under a screed).
The main disadvantages include the relatively expensive price of the ladder, as well as the complexity of the installation, since installation requires an accurate calculation of the required angle of inclination of the floor. Therefore, it is worth considering not only the price of the structure, but the cost of the work of a professional plumber, who will help to install the ladder efficiently. Do not forget also that you will need to raise the floor level — and this is additional costs and increases the load on the floor. For this reason, ladders are not recommended for installation in apartment buildings. Installation of communications in the floor complicates repairs in case of leakage and maintenance of the system — therefore, ladders are more often used in private cottages, houses and dachas.
Advantages and disadvantages of trays
Trays are cheaper than shower ladders, and are much easier to install: many models have legs that allow you to adjust the height of the tray at floor level. Even a novice builder can handle this task. Since the tray is a structure with a chute for collecting water, the process of removing liquid from the floor will occur faster, and therefore there will be no wet puddles and humidity in the bathroom will be within normal limits. The disadvantages include a shorter service life than the ladders, as well as a more noticeable appearance (the tray will be visible in the floor plane) than the ladder.
