Low Profile Shower Tray Problems

Switching from a high-profile to a low-profile shower tray can raise various questions for homeowners. Given their sleek design and minimalist appearance, low-profile trays have become a popular choice in modern bathrooms. However, it’s essential to understand their pros, cons, and the considerations to bear in mind when opting for such trays.

1. The Importance of Efficient Drainage:

A recurring concern for those considering a low-profile tray is the efficiency of drainage. The limited depth of these trays means there’s less room for error when it comes to water draining out.

Recommendation: Ensure that you have a high-flow waste system. Many low-profile trays come equipped with one, which supports rapid drainage. Proper installation of the waste pipe is crucial, particularly its length and positioning, to ensure water flows out quickly and doesn’t stagnate.

2. Aesthetics and Practicality:

Low-profile trays often provide a modern and clean look, especially in bathrooms where the shower tray is more visually exposed, such as in 3-sided enclosures. The reduced height can also offer more effortless entry and exit, which is particularly beneficial for those with reduced mobility.

Recommendation: Your choice between low and high profile will often come down to personal aesthetics and preference. Consider the overall design of your bathroom and how visually exposed the tray will be.

3. Installation Considerations:

While your plumber might find it slightly more challenging to install a low-profile tray, the installation’s success largely depends on the conditions of the bathroom. A significant consideration is ensuring an adequate fall in the waste pipe.

Recommendation: Low profile trays often use a 90mm waste, which offers higher flow rates compared to the typical 50mm waste in high-profile trays. Ensure your plumber allows for the correct fall in the waste pipe, especially since the starting point of the waste pipe in a flush-laid low-profile tray could be below the floor level.

4. Potential Issues:

Existing high-profile trays might already have drainage issues if they don’t drain water quickly enough. This can be due to various factors, such as a blockage in the trap or improper fall in the waste pipe.

Recommendation: If you’re switching to a low-profile tray, ensure that the plumber checks or redoes the waste pipe as necessary. Remember, the pipe should not be the limiting factor in drainage.

Conclusion:

While low-profile shower trays offer a contemporary and minimalist design, ensuring efficient drainage is crucial for their successful installation and use. If you’re comfortable with the appearance and step-up of a standard height tray and are wary of potential drainage issues, it might be best to opt for what you know. However, with proper installation and the right waste system, a low-profile tray can be a sleek addition to your bathroom.