A linear drain is a sleek, modern floor-level shower drain that replaces the traditional shower tray. Water flows through a narrow channel built into the floor — no raised edges, no corners collecting grime, easy to keep clean. More and more homeowners in Śródmieście, Bielany and across Warsaw are choosing this option during bathroom renovations. If you are planning a walk-in shower with a linear drain, our handyman will come, assess the technical conditions and carry out the installation properly.

How Much Does It Cost and What Affects the Price

The minimum labour cost for linear drain installation starts from around 400 PLN, assuming the subfloor is ready and the waste pipe is in place. The final price depends on the length of the channel (50, 70, 90 cm), whether the screed needs cutting or the waste pipe rerouting, and the type of subfloor (concrete screed, timber joist, prefabricated polystyrene former). The drain unit itself, trap, waterproofing membrane and tile adhesive are charged separately. Basic fixings are included in the service price. Waste removal and carrying materials upstairs cost extra.

How the Work Goes On-Site

1. Inspection — the handyman checks the floor condition, waste pipe position and whether the required fall can be achieved.
2. 2. Layout — the channel position is marked, fall direction set (minimum 1–2 % towards the drain), and the height from drain to waste entry is confirmed.
3. 3. Subfloor preparation — the screed is chased out if needed, or a polystyrene former with a built-in gradient is laid. The trap is connected to the waste pipe.
4. 4. Waterproofing — liquid-applied waterproofing is spread over the floor and up the walls in the shower zone (minimum 150 mm). Joints are taped with sealing band.
5. 5. Drain fitting — the channel is fixed, levelled and tested with a trial pour of water.
6. 6. Screed and tiling — a finish screed is poured with a fall towards the drain; after curing, tiles are laid and joints grouted.
7. 7. Final check — the handyman tests for leaks, drainage speed and standing water. The client receives care instructions.

Typical Customer Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

1. Insufficient floor gradient — water pools instead of draining. You need at least 1 cm per metre, ideally 1.5–2 cm.
2. 2. Buying a drain without checking installation height — if the distance from finished floor to waste pipe is less than 60–70 mm, a standard trap will not fit. A low-profile one is needed.
3. 3. Skipping waterproofing — without it, water seeps under the screed and into the flat below. Waterproofing is mandatory across the entire shower zone.
4. 4. Cheap trap — clogs faster and lets sewer odours through. Choose a trap rated at least 0.5 l/s flow.
5. 5. Poor waste pipe gradient — if the pipe runs flat or uphill, drainage will be slow and blockages will become regular.
6. 6. Placing the drain far from the soil stack — every extra metre of pipe reduces flow speed and raises blockage risk.
7. 7. Plastic grate — people stand on it in the shower. Plastic cracks within six months; pick stainless steel.

What to Prepare Before the Handyman Arrives

1. Decide where the drain should go — along a wall, in the centre, at the shower entry.
2. 2. Buy the drain in advance or agree a model with the handyman — avoids delays.
3. 3. Make sure the waste pipe outlet is accessible — if it is hidden under tiles, let us know beforehand.
4. 4. Clear the bathroom of furniture, washing machine and personal items.
5. 5. Ensure access to water and power for tools.
6. 6. If you live in a block — warn the neighbour below about the work.
7. 7. Check screed thickness — the handyman needs to know how many centimetres there are to the slab.
8. 8. Arrange space for rubble — construction waste removal is charged separately.
9. 9. If the building has an intercom or barrier — arrange access for the handyman.
10. 10. Set aside time — drain installation with preparation takes 4–8 hours, sometimes two visits.

A Real Case from Warsaw

A client in Żoliborz was renovating the bathroom and wanted a frameless walk-in shower with a 70 cm linear drain along the wall. The complication: the waste outlet was in the opposite corner and the floor-to-slab clearance was only 85 mm. The handyman selected a low-profile trap at 54 mm height, routed a new waste pipe with correct fall, and poured a screed graded in two planes towards the channel. Waterproofing was applied in two coats with taped corners. After tiling and grouting he ran a flood test — the water reached the drain in about 12 seconds with no pooling anywhere. The client called a month later — everything working perfectly. The lesson: even with tight clearance, a linear drain can be installed correctly when you choose the right components and get the falls right from the start.

Frequently Asked Questions

**How long does linear drain installation take?**

If the subfloor is ready — from 4 hours. With screed preparation and waterproofing — 1–2 working days.

**Can a linear drain be fitted in an old building with timber floors?**

Yes, but the subfloor may need reinforcing and specialist waterproofing. The handyman will assess on-site.

**Wall drain or centre drain — which is better?**

Wall drain — simpler gradient, one plane. Centre drain — gradient from all sides, more complex, more expensive.

**Does the drain need cleaning?**

Yes, every 2–3 months lift the grate and flush the trap. This prevents blockages and odours.

**Do you supply the drain or should I buy it?**

Best to buy in advance or agree a model with us. Materials are charged separately.

**What happens if the gradient is wrong?**

Water will pool on the floor. Fixing it means redoing the screed — so it pays to get a professional from the start.

**Is there a warranty on the work?**

Yes. If a leak appears within the warranty period due to our workmanship, we will come back and fix it at no charge.

Who Does the Work and What to Expect

Installation is carried out by experienced handymen who work on plumbing and bathroom fit-outs across Warsaw every day. We arrive at the agreed time with all necessary tools. Before starting, the handyman inspects the site and confirms the exact price — no hidden charges. After the job, the workspace is cleaned and tools removed. We take responsibility for installation quality and joint integrity. We do not cover hidden defects in the building slab, pipes damaged before our arrival, or materials purchased by the client without consultation. If we discover a serious problem during the work — we will tell you straight and suggest options. Need a linear drain installed? Drop us a message or call — we will agree a time that suits you.

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