Is it better to use a T-shaped floor drain or a U-shaped floor drain in the bathroom?

We all know that floor drains are a common decoration material. Almost all people have floor drains installed in their homes, especially in places where water is used, such as kitchens, bathrooms, balconies, etc. There are many types of floor drains on the market, and T-shaped floor drains and U-shaped floor drains are two of them. So should we use T-shaped floor drains or U-shaped floor drains in the bathroom? Let's take a closer look!

Should I use a T-shaped or U-shaped floor drain in the bathroom?

Generally speaking, floor drains are divided into two types according to their structural forms: T-type floor drains and U-type floor drains. Floor drains are responsible for the drainage, waterproofing and insect prevention of the bathroom, so how to choose a suitable floor drain is a problem that must be considered during decoration.

T-type floor drain

The key to the structure of the T-type floor drain is that there is an inverted T-shaped closed baffle. When water flows through, the gravity of the water flow will open the baffle and drain into the sewer. When there is no water, the baffle will automatically close, thus achieving a sealing effect.

There are two main types of T-type floor drains: magnetic T-type floor drains and spring T-type floor drains. The difference is that the water retaining cover plate uses magnetic force and elasticity to achieve the closing effect. The characteristics of this type of floor drain are that it drains faster when there is a lot of water, and the sealing effect is better.

However, its mechanical components may cause loose sealing after long-term use. And whether it is magnetic or spring type, it may fail after long-term use.

U-shaped floor drain

The U-shaped floor drain is also called a water-sealed floor drain. Its principle is the same as the water trap at the drain pipe under the basin. It achieves the sealing effect by storing water, thereby achieving the purpose of preventing odor and insects. The only difference is that the U-shaped floor drain integrates the function of the water trap into the floor drain.

Unlike the straight-through drainage of the T-type floor drain, the U-type floor drain has to pass through the water trap, so the drainage speed is relatively slow. However, its sealing effect is better, and because there are no vulnerable parts such as magnets and springs, the service life of the U-type floor drain will be much longer.

in conclusion:

Bathrooms (toilets) are usually separated into dry and wet areas, and usually a floor drain is set up in the wet area (shower area) and the dry area (toilet basin area). Based on the above description of the two types of floor drains, we can make the following judgment:

1. Wet areas use a lot of water and drain frequently. You can consider U-shaped floor drains, which have a good sealing effect and can prevent odor from returning while draining. However, it should be noted that areas in the north that are prone to dryness should be carefully selected. Once the water in the water seal dries up, the sealing effect will be completely lost.

2. Since there is not much drainage in the dry area, if a U-shaped floor drain is used, it cannot ensure that there is water in the water seal for a long time, so a T-shaped floor drain is more suitable for the dry area. The T-shaped floor drain has good sealing when there is no drainage, and can maintain a longer service life without frequent drainage. And even if water accumulates under special circumstances, it can ensure rapid drainage.

What kind of floor drain is good?

1. Look at the functions

Floor drains are divided into ordinary floor drains and special floor drains for washing machines. Ordinary floor drains are what we usually see, while special floor drains for washing machines have a removable round cover in the center of the floor drain to facilitate the connection of the washing machine drain pipe for smooth drainage without causing water accumulation on the floor.

2. Look at the material

The materials of floor drains are mainly cast iron, PVC, zinc alloy, ceramic, cast aluminum, stainless steel, copper alloy, brass, etc. Among them, brass floor drains are the best with good performance in all aspects. Stainless steel floor drains and copper alloy floor drains are more moderately priced, beautiful and durable.

3. Look at the deodorizing effect

Deodorization is one of the most important functions of floor drains. Water-sealed floor drains are the most widely used, but they have a disadvantage, which is that they must have water to be effective and are prone to breeding bacteria. Therefore, when choosing a floor drain, you should choose a combination of physical deodorization and deep water deodorization, which uses water pressure and permanent magnets to open and close the sealing pad, rather than water, to avoid breeding bacteria and odor.

4. Check the anti-blocking effect

There will inevitably be a lot of hair accumulated on the floor drain in the bathroom, so when choosing, you should check whether the anti-clogging effect of the floor drain is good enough.

Where to install floor drain

Generally speaking, bathrooms and open balconies are two areas where floor drains must be installed. Other areas have specific drainage requirements, such as:

Floor drains are installed in kitchens and enclosed balconies because the floor needs to be cleaned frequently, or to prevent water accumulation on the floor in case of a water pipe burst.

For the drainage of washing machines and washbasins, floor drains are also installed for the sake of aesthetics and to prevent blockage.

It is best to install the floor drain when decorating a bare house, before laying tiles, and have the plasterer install it at the same time when laying the floor tiles.