When floor build-up is tight — concrete slabs, raised access floors, prefabricated bathrooms, or renovations where you cannot raise the finished level — a standard drain simply will not fit.
AERLO’s low-profile range starts at 28 mm overall height, with outlet options that keep the horizontal run inside the slab rather than below it.
Understanding Build-Up
Floor build-up = structural slab → screed → waterproofing → adhesive → tile.
| Total build-up available | Suitable drain type |
|---|---|
| Under 40 mm | Ultra-thin / low-profile linear drain, vertical or side outlet |
| 40–60 mm | Low-profile linear drain with adjustable frame |
| 60–90 mm | Standard linear drain or shallow point drain |
| 90 mm+ | Standard drain with full siphon |
Why Thin Floors Cause Drainage Failures
Three recurring problems:
- Insufficient slope — installers reduce the screed fall to make the drain fit, and water pools at the far end of the shower.
- Crushed waterproofing — forcing a full-height drain into a thin floor compresses the membrane.
- Restricted outlet — squeezing the outlet pipe below the drain reduces flow rate and causes slow drainage.
Choosing the correct low-profile body from the start avoids all three.
Recommended Products
- Ultra-thin linear drain — 28 mm body height, side outlet for minimal build-up
- Low-profile linear drain with adjustable frame — 50 mm, height-adjustable to tile thickness
- Shallow point drain — for centre-drain layouts on thin slabs
Installation Notes
- Measure build-up at the drain position, not at the room entrance — screed depth often varies.
- A side outlet allows the pipe to run horizontally within a thin slab; confirm the connection height before ordering.
- Never reduce the slope below the minimum required for the tile format; change the drain instead of the fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the minimum installation depth?
- How much slope is required for a shower drain?
- What flow rate do I need?
Working with limited floor height? Tell us your available build-up in millimetres and we will confirm which drain fits. Request a Quote