For rental properties, prioritise durability and low maintenance over appearance: rigid construction, a proper waterproofing flange, tool-free trap access and a grate that will not damage easily. The finish matters least — nobody chooses a rental on the drain grate.
Priorities for rental units
| Priority | Why |
|---|---|
| Waterproofing detail | A leak means tenant displacement, repair cost and lost rent |
| Rigid body | Resists heavy use and cleaning without movement or tile cracking |
| Tool-free trap access | Cleaning happens only if it is easy |
| Durable grate | Tenants are not careful; grates get damaged |
| Standard size and finish | Replacement parts are cheap and available |
| Simple installation | Reduces labour cost and the risk of installation error |
Where to spend and where not to
Spend on:
- Proper flange design for reliable waterproofing
- Body rigidity
- Trap access and capacity
- Adequate flow rate for the shower fitted
Do not over-spend on:
- Special finishes — matte black and PVD cost more and gain nothing in a rental
- Custom lengths — standard sizes are cheaper and replaceable
- Tile-insert grates — they need accurate cutting and are harder to replace
Replacement and longevity
- Standard sizes make future replacement straightforward
- Brushed stainless is the most economical durable finish
- Keep a spare grate per property type — cheap insurance against a tenant-caused chip
- Specify the same drain across all units in a block, so one spare fits everywhere
The hidden cost
The cheapest drain is expensive if it fails. Replacing a drain means breaking out tile and screed, re-waterproofing and re-tiling — and possibly relocating a tenant. That cost is an order of magnitude above the difference between a budget and a mid-range drain.
For blocks of units, standardising across all bathrooms also reduces the spares inventory to a single set of parts.
Tell us the unit count and we will advise on a specification that balances cost and durability. Request a Quote