Infinity Drain offers a variety of linear drain series for bathroom and wet area applications. Installation procedures and product suitability depend on site conditions, waterproofing methods, and desired aesthetic outcomes. This article details installation considerations and series-specific recommendations based on available documentation. The documentation emphasizes the importance of professional installation and adherence to local building codes.
Series Overview
Several Infinity Drain series are referenced in the provided materials, each suited to different installation scenarios. These include the Bonded Flange Center Drain Series, the Site Sizeable (S) Series, the Fixed Flange (FF) Series, the FT Series, the FX Series, the LTD-5 Series, the LTDBF Series, the TD 15 & 20 Series, the TDB Series, the WW 5 Series, and the LTD-5 B series. The Site Sizeable series allows for adjustments to the drain length during installation, while the Fixed Flange series is designed for flush installations against walls. The TD 15 and TD 20 series have specific height requirements for finished flooring.
Site Considerations and Waste Line Location
The location of the waste line is a primary consideration during linear drain installation. In new construction or renovation projects, the existing waste line location may dictate drain placement. Moving a waste line is possible but dependent on site conditions. The Site Sizeable (S) Series offers flexibility in outlet placement along the channel run, accommodating various waste line configurations. Consulting a licensed professional is recommended for all installations, particularly when modifications to existing plumbing are required.
Waterproofing Compatibility
Infinity Drain products are compatible with various waterproofing methods, including liquid waterproofing, fabric waterproofing, PVC Liner, Chloroloy, Lead Pan, Copper, Fiberglass, and Hot Mop type waterproofing. The Bonded Flange Center Drain Series is specifically intended for use with liquid or fabric waterproofing. The Fixed Flange series is designed for use with liquid or fabric waterproofing to tie into the wall board. Proper waterproofing is crucial to prevent water damage and ensure the longevity of the installation.
Wall-to-Wall Installation
Installing a linear drain wall-to-wall is a method to ensure proper drainage. This approach requires precise measurements, as the drain must fit exactly between the walls. The Site Sizeable (S) Series, FX, FF, and FT series address this challenge by allowing the grate and channel to be cut to the exact finished wall-to-wall dimension or custom fabricated.
Against-the-Wall Installation
When installing a drain against a wall, the documentation highlights potential challenges in achieving a flush finish. For traditional clamping drain bodies, three options are recommended: installing a strip of flooring material between the drain and the wall, building out the back wall with a double layer of wallboard, or using the FF or FT series for exact against-the-wall installation. The Fixed Flange series is specifically designed for flush installations against walls and is available in set lengths of 24”, 32”, 36”, 42”, 48”, and 60”. Custom sizes and outlet locations are also available.
Threshold vs. Curbless Installation
Deciding between a barrier threshold (curb) and a barrier-free (curbless) installation is critical. The documentation advises consulting a licensed professional to determine which installation is possible based on site conditions. For threshold installations, it is recommended that the drain run exactly wall-to-wall to prevent water from escaping the shower or wet area. Thinner or tile-in type drains are not recommended for threshold installations due to insufficient channel width.
TD 15 & 20 Series Installation Details
The TD 15 and TD 20 series require specific attention to finished floor height. The finished floor must be 1/16” higher than the top edge of the bottom frame. The minimum height for the TD 15 is approximately 1⅞”, while the maximum height is approximately 2¾”. The TD 20 has a minimum height of 7⅞” and a maximum height of 7 ⅛”. These series utilize a clamp-down drain with weep holes and require a pre-slope in four directions towards the drain body. Waterproofing must be applied according to local code.
Height Considerations and Series Variations
The documentation provides varying minimum and maximum height specifications for different series. The LTD-5 series has a minimum height of approximately ¾” and a maximum height of approximately 2⅛”. The documentation for the TD series specifies a minimum height of approximately 1⅞” and a maximum height of approximately 2¾”. These height requirements are critical for ensuring proper drainage and preventing water from overflowing the shower or wet area.
Parts List and Installation Steps (TD Series)
The TD series installation involves several steps. First, the clamp-down drain (C) location is determined and connected to the drain pipe. Second, a pre-slope is created in four directions towards the drain body, and the area is waterproofed according to local code. Third, the bottom frame (B) is inserted into the clamp-down drain (C) and adjusted for height, supported by secondary mortar. Fourth, the top frame (A) is removed, and tile is installed within the frame using mortar and thin-set. Finally, the finished floor must be 1/16” higher than the top edge of the bottom frame (B). The parts list includes the top frame (A), bottom frame (B), and 4” clamp-down drain (C) with a 2” or 3” connection.
Site Sizeable Series Features
The Site Sizeable series offers flexibility during installation by allowing the outlet to be placed anywhere along the channel run. This feature is particularly useful when dealing with pre-existing waste line locations or challenging site conditions. The series is designed for “site sizing,” enabling installers to cut the grate and channel to the exact finished wall-to-wall dimension.
General Recommendations
Throughout the documentation, a consistent recommendation is made to use a licensed professional for installation. This is attributed to the complexities of linear drain installation, including site conditions, waterproofing, and adherence to local building codes. The documentation also notes that dimensions are subject to manufacturer’s tolerance and may change without notice, and the manufacturer assumes no responsibility for the use of superseded or void data.
Conclusion
Infinity Drain offers a range of linear drain series designed for various installation scenarios. Proper installation requires careful consideration of site conditions, waterproofing methods, and finished floor height. The documentation consistently emphasizes the importance of professional installation and adherence to local building codes. Selecting the appropriate series and following the recommended installation procedures will ensure optimal performance and longevity of the drainage system.