Linear Drain FAQs
1 - Where in the shower floor should the shower channel be positioned?
There are 4 main choices that are mainly a visual preference or may be determined by the position of the plumbing.
Against the wall – this allows for the floor to slope gently in one direction towards the channel and actually slightly increases the flow capacity as a small head of water can be created.
At the threshold – as the floor will slope towards the threshold a smaller slope is necessary.
A third option is where multiple units are used either as the shower is a walk through design with one unit at the entrance and exit or if a higher capacity is needed whereby units are positioned against each side wall.
2 - How do I install QuARTz Shower Drains?
ACO provides a number of section details to assist in the installation process depending upon body type chosen and type of flooring.
3 - What is the water intake of the grates?
For all grate designs the constraining factor is the outlet. The grate width of the Quartz by ACO grates of 3.25" offers good capture to help ensure wet/dry barriers can be created. Narrower linear drains are more susceptible to bypass (where water flows across the grate into the dry area).
4 - What is the outlet capacity of the shower channel?
All shower channels have a central 2" diameter outlet, this is the same as any other shower drain in the USA. It provides a capacity of approximately 7GPM (0.6 liters per second) which is sufficient to deal with most shower heads. If a higher flow rate is required, multiple units or custom channels are available.
5 - What is Pickle Passivation?
Pickle Passivation is a form of chemical metal finishing that provide protective properties to metal, especially against rust.
6 - What type of stainless steel are channels and grates made from?
Both the channel body and grate are made from Grade 304 austentic stainless steel.
Unlike some stainless steels, authentic stainless steels are non-magnetic and therefore do not attract magnetic particles which can encourage bacterial growth and corrosion.
7 - What is an electro-polished finish?
Electro-polishing produces a uniform, high luster with an extremely smooth finish – ideal for aesthetic applications.
It is achieved by an electro-chemical process that is essentially the reverse of electroplating. Components are immersed in a bath of electrolyte containing phosphoric acid where the component becomes the anode of a direct current electrical circuit. The process is characterized by 'selective attack' whereby upstanding surface roughnesses are dissolved and yield a progressively smooth, brighter surface.
8 - What is an oil-rubbed bronze finish?
The Oil Rubbed Bronze finish is a chemical process that darkens the surface to simulate an aged bronze color. There is a wide variety of color differences between different suppliers of bathroom fixtures with this finish and not all oil rubbed bronze finishes match. To ensure that the finish is right for you, ACO offer material color samples which should be ordered in advance.
QuARTz ACO ShowerDrain components with this finish have a plain grade 304 stainless steel base with the oil-rubbed bronze finish applied overtop to ANSI/BHMA A156.18-2006 722 Dark oxidized oil-rubbed bronze. A liquid coat is applied to protect the finish. ACO's oil-rubbed bronze is tested to 96 salt spray hours at a 5% salt ratio.
Common finish codes for oil rubbed bronze are 10B, US10B, 613 and OB.
9 - How do I clean my Quartz shower channel?
Standard household cleaners or soap is all that is required. A soft cloth can be used to dry and buff the surface.
Electro-polished versions only - Scratches in the grate may have their appearance lessened by gently rubbing in the direction of the grate texture(along the length) with a slightly abrasive synthetic scourer – NEVER use iron/steel wool as this will damage the grate finish.
10 - How do the LED lights work?
The lights are rechargeable low voltage batteries that attach to the underside of the grate (except Tile). When the shower water starts to run the water completes the electrical circuit turning the lights on; when the shower water stops running the circuit is broken and the lights turn off. Each full charge should last approximately 3 months based on 15 minutes of operation per day.
11 - How do I install QuARTz by ACO ShowerPoint?
ACO provides a number of section details to assist in the installation process depending upon type of flooring and waterproofing membrane to be used.
12 - What is the water intake of the grates?
For all grate designs the constraining factor is the outlet. The grate size of 6" square offers good capture to help ensure all water within the shower area will be drained quickly.
13 - What is the outlet capacity of ShowerPoint?
ShowerPoint has a 2" diameter outlet, this is a standard size for most shower drain in the USA. It provides a capacity of approximately 7GPM which is sufficient to deal with most shower heads.
14 - Which connection fitting should I use?
The QuARTz ACO ShowerDrain has 3 possible connection methods:
The piece can be threaded into any existing FHA shower drain using the 2” threaded coupling provided. This drain could be existing or new and of any material; PVC, ABS or Cast Iron.
A no-hub coupling (also can be provided by ACO) can be used to couple the rough in drain to the ShowerPoint outlet
The outlet on the ShowerPoint can be solvent welded to the existing drain, please keep in consideration of the finished height when using this method.
15 - What is ShowerPoint made from?
The body of the ShowerPoint is made from ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). The ABS is chrome plated to achieve the same luster as the stainless steel frame and grate. The grates are made from Grade 304 austentic stainless steel or stainless steel tile point.
Unlike all other stainless steels, authentic stainless steels are non-magnetic and therefore do not attract magnetic particles which can encourage bacterial growth and corrosion.
16 - What is an electro-polished finish?
Electro-polishing produces a uniform, high luster with an extremely smooth finish – ideal for aesthetic applications.
It is achieved by an electro-chemical process that is essentially the reverse of electroplating. Components are immersed in a bath of electrolyte containing phosphoric acid where the component becomes the anode of a direct current electrical circuit. The process is characterized by 'selective attack' whereby upstanding surface roughness’s are dissolved and yield a progressively smooth, brighter surface.
17 - How do I clean my QuARTz ACO ShowerPoint?
Standard household cleaners or soap is all that is required. A soft cloth can be used to dry and buff the surface. Scratches in the grate may have their appearance lessened by gently rubbing in the direction of the grate texture (along the length) with a slightly abrasive synthetic scourer – NEVER use iron/steel wool as this will damage the grate finish.
18 - What is Electro-polish?
Electropolishing, (also known as electrochemical polishing or electrolytic polishing), is a electrochemical process that removes material from a metallic workpiece. It is used to polish, passivate, and deburr metal parts.
19 - Why is the "V" better?
"V"-bottom drains are used for applications that require improved hydraulic flow and reduces contaminant and bacteria build-up.
20 - What is ABS?
ABS stands for Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. It is a type of piping that can be used above or under ground, and are easier to install than PVC pipes. ABS has a higher impact strength than PVC, especially at lower temperatures.