A barrier-free shower only works if the drainage does. Level-access showers, wheelchair-accessible bathrooms and ageing-in-place renovations all depend on a drain that removes water fast enough to prevent surface pooling — with no threshold to contain it.
AERLO supplies linear drains and low-profile floor drains specified for accessible bathroom projects.
What Makes a Drain Suitable for Accessible Showers
1. Flow capacity matched to the shower
Without a threshold, water spreads across the whole floor. Specify a drain with a flow rate comfortably above the shower’s output — typically 0.6–0.8 L/s for a standard shower, higher for rain heads.
2. Linear layout for single-slope falls
A linear drain at the wall allows the entire floor to fall in one direction, which keeps the slope shallow enough to remain wheelchair-usable. A centre point drain requires four-way falls that increase floor slope.
3. Low grate profile
The grate must sit flush with the tile — no lip, no step. Choose a frame with fine on-site height adjustment.
4. Load and durability
Grates in accessible bathrooms are regularly rolled over. Specify a grate rated for wheelchair loads and check the fixing method.
5. Cleaning access
Hair and debris removal must be possible without lifting the whole floor — a removable grate and accessible hair trap are essential in care environments.
Typical Applications
| Project type | Recommended configuration |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair-accessible bathroom | Wall-position linear drain, fine-adjust frame, flush grate |
| Ageing-in-place renovation | Compact linear drain replacing an existing centre drain |
| Hotel accessible room | Linear drain + tile-insert grate for continuous floor finish |
| Care home wet room | High-flow linear drain with large hair trap |
Installation Notes
- Keep the floor slope within accessible limits — a linear drain lets you achieve drainage with a single shallow plane.
- Verify the grate is set flush with the finished tile; a 2 mm lip is a trip hazard.
- Allow maintenance access to the hair trap without removing fixed tiling.
- Where local accessibility codes apply, confirm required flow rate and slip rating before specifying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Specifying an accessible bathroom? Send your project requirements and local code references — we will confirm a compliant drain configuration. Request a Quote