Do you want to install a Schluter drain grate in your home? Installing one is easy and can help keep water away from your foundation and basement.
If you’re looking for a reliable drain grate system that is durable and easy to install, then you need to look no further than the Schluter Drain Grate. As one of the leading suppliers in the industry, Schluter has developed an innovative system designed to ensure efficient drainage while being virtually maintenance-free.
Furthermore, thanks to their clever design, installing your own Schluter Drain Grates can be quite simple – all it takes are a few basic tools and just a bit of knowledge about how they work.
In this blog post, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to install schluter drain grate so you can start using it in your home or business today!
What are the Benefits of Schluter Drain Grate?
Before we get into the installation process, let’s quickly review some of the benefits that you can expect to enjoy when using a Schluter Drain Grate:
1. Durability: The unique design of these drain grates ensures maximum longevity and durability even in the toughest environments.
2. Superior Drainage: The system is designed with two separate drainage channels that work together to ensure maximum efficiency. This ensures that water drains away quickly and efficiently, keeping your home or business dry and protected from potential damage.
3. Easy Installation: As we’ll see in our step-by-step guide below, installing a Schluter drain grate doesn’t require any special skills or tools – just basic knowledge of how the system works and a few simple tools!
Now that we understand why you should consider using a Schluter drain grate, let’s review how to install it!
What Will You Need?
Before starting the installation process, you will need to ensure you have all the necessary tools and supplies. Here’s a quick list of what you will need:
- Schluter drain grate
- Level
- Measuring tape
- Drill with an appropriate drill bit for concrete/stone (if needed)
- Hammer (if needed)
Once you have gathered all of your materials, it is time to begin installing your Schluter Drain Grate.
10 Easy Steps on How to Install Schluter Drain Grate
Step 1. Measure the Area:
Measure the area where you will be installing the drain grate. Make sure to measure from each side and get an accurate measurement of the entire space. If the space is not square, you may want to use the measuring tape to measure diagonally as well to get a more accurate measurement.
Step 2. Prepare the Surface:
Prepare the surface by cleaning and smoothing it to ensure proper water drainage away from your home or business. If you install concrete or stone, you may need to use a drill to make pilot holes for anchors.
Step 3. Place the Drain Grate:
Place the drain grate into the area that you have measured and leveled off. Make sure that all four corners are lined up with each other – this will help ensure an even installation. Don’t forget to pay attention to the direction of the arrows on the drain grate!
Step 4. Secure with Anchors:
Secure the drain grate in place using anchors if needed (e.g., when installing concrete or stone). Make sure that they are securely tightened so they won’t move. It is important to ensure that the drain grate is secure to properly do its job.
Step 5. Level the Grate:
Using a level, ensure the drain grate is level and even with the surrounding surface. Use shims or wedges to adjust and ensure that it is properly situated. Try to make sure that the grate is level in all directions. As an extra measure, you can also check the level of the grate from each corner.
Step 6. Mark Outline on Surface:
Mark an outline of the drain grate onto the surface using a pencil or marker so you know where to dig for installation. Make sure to mark all four sides in order to ensure accuracy. It is important to make sure that the outline is accurate and clear, so take your time with this step.
Step 7. Dig Area Around Outline:
Dig out the area around your marked outline until you are left with a trench about 2-3 inches deep — this will allow water to flow away from the grate more effectively. Use a spade or shovel to remove any excess soil. You can use a level to ensure the trench is even throughout if needed.
Step 8. Place Drain Grate:
Once you have dug out the area, place the drain grate into the trench and ensure that it is still level. Be careful not to move the grate too much while placing it, as this can disrupt the level. Moreover, it is important to make sure that no dirt or debris gets into the grate.
Step 9. Fill in with Gravel or Sand:
Fill in around the sides of the drain grate with gravel or sand so that it will stay in place and water can move away from it more efficiently. Additionally, if you are filling in with sand, tamp it down so it is even and level.
Step 10. Test for Proper Installation:
Test to make sure that water drains away from your Schluter drain grate properly by running some water over it — if water runs off quickly and evenly, then you’ve successfully installed it! Remember, it is important to regularly check and clean out your drain grate to ensure proper drainage.
And there you have it – all the steps needed to install a Schluter drain grate. Installing one of these grates is a great way to keep water away from your foundation and basement, resulting in better drainage and less maintenance for you. We hope this guide was helpful and gave you the information needed to install your Schluter Drain Grate!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
1. If you are using a self-leveling compound to level your floor, make sure the finished surface is below or even with the surrounding tile. This will ensure a proper installation of the Schluter drain grate.
2. Make sure to measure the height and width of the Schluter drain grate before installing it. This will help you determine how many tiles you should use when setting up the flooring around the area.
3. Before inserting your Schluter drain grate, make sure to apply a thin layer of mastic adhesive or silicone sealant along the perimeter of the hole in which it will be placed, as well as on any mortar beds used for support underneath it. Doing so will help keep water from entering through any cracks or gaps between them and your flooring material.
4. When cutting tiles to fit around your drain grate, use an electric wet saw with a diamond-tipped blade. This will ensure a clean, precise cut that won’t damage the tile or the drain grate.
5. To finish off your installation, use a grout sealer to protect the grout from staining and water damage. This will increase its overall durability and help keep your floor looking great for years to come.
Once you have followed these steps, you can enjoy the beauty of your newly installed Schluter drain grate for many years to come!
5 Things You Should Avoid
1. Avoid using screws to hold the Schluter drain grate in place. This may cause damage to the tile or grout surrounding it and may not provide a secure fit.
2. Avoid using modified thinset mortar when setting up your tiles around the area. This could affect the flow of water and increase the chances of leaks occurring.
3. Do not use dry mix mortar beneath your Schluter drain grate. This type of mortar is not resistant to water and can cause problems with long-term performance.
4. Don’t forget to seal any cracks or gaps between your flooring material and the perimeter of your drainage hole before installing your drain grate. Doing so will help prevent water from entering underneath it and causing damage over time.
5. Avoid using too much mastic adhesive or silicone sealant around your Schluter drain grate. Overusing these products can lead to buildup and create a less secure fit, leading to water leakage over time.
By following these tips, you’ll have no problem installing your Schluter drain grate and enjoying its beauty for years to come!
Conclusion
All in all, how to install schluter drain grate is an easy and satisfying project that will give you a lifetime of worry-free performance. Pour the ideal mix of cement around your drain and pedestal before laying the tile to ensure that you never have to re-level your drain later.
After you’ve installed the Schluter grate, don’t forget to test it for adequate drainage using a garden hose. Adhere all components with a good latex-modified thinset adhesive, and cover any exposed edges with silicone caulking.
Following these steps to install your Schluter Drain Grate properly will create an aesthetically pleasing tiled shower or bathtub area while giving yourself peace of mind that this investment was worth your time and money!
