Floor Drain Types: Types and Their Best Uses

When it comes to managing water drainage in your home or commercial space, choosing the right floor drain type makes a huge difference. At All Needs Plumbing, we’ve seen firsthand how the correct floor drain can prevent costly water damage, blockages, and foul odours. If you know about the different kinds of floor drains and where they work best, you can make better decisions and avoid plumbing problems in the future, whether you own a home or a business.

Types of Floor Drains and Where They Work Best

Shape and Design Options

There are various sizes and shapes of floor drains available to suit different areas and drainage needs. Square and rectangular drains, such as those measuring around 20 cm by 11.8 cm or 60 cm by 9.2 cm, are popular in bathrooms and showers because they fit neatly into tiled floors and allow for smooth water flow. Their larger surface area helps water drain quickly, which is essential in wet areas.

Circular drains, typically 11 to 11.5 cm in diameter, are common in smaller wet areas, such as laundry rooms or basements. Their round shape makes them easier to clean and maintain, and they fit nicely in compact spaces.

You can also find floor drains with decorative covers filled with ceramic or granite to blend in with your flooring. This option is great if you want your drain to be functional without spoiling the look of your space.

Trap Types: P-Trap vs S-Trap

The trap is a crucial part of the floor drain. It holds water to create a seal that stops sewer gases from coming back into your home or business.

P-Traps have a U-shaped bend with a horizontal outlet that connects to the wall. These are the most common in modern plumbing because they effectively block odours and comply with plumbing codes. They’re reliable and easy to maintain, which is why we recommend them for most new installations.

On the other hand, S-traps have an S-shaped bend that extends vertically into the floor. They were common in older homes but often don’t meet current plumbing standards because they can lose their water seal more easily, allowing sewer gases to escape. If your property has S-traps, it’s worth having them inspected and potentially upgraded.

Other Specialised Drains

Gully Traps

These are designed to catch debris, such as leaves, dirt, and grease, before it enters the drainage system. You’ll often find gully traps outdoors or in commercial settings where heavy debris is common, such as loading docks or external paved areas. They help prevent blockages and keep unpleasant smells at bay.

Hub Drains

These are used for the indirect disposal of waste from fixtures such as sinks or dishwashers. Unlike floor drains, hub drains don’t handle direct water drainage from floors, but they are essential in commercial kitchens and industrial settings to manage waste safely.

Best Uses for Each Floor Drain Type

Square and Rectangular Drains

These are perfect for showers and bathrooms where you want efficient water drainage combined with a neat, integrated look. Their size and shape help handle large volumes of water quickly, reducing slip hazards.

Circular Drains

Ideal for laundry rooms, basements, and smaller wet areas where space is limited. They are easy to clean and maintain because they are small.

P-Trap Floor Drains

Suitable for almost any modern residential or commercial property. They provide excellent odour control and meet plumbing codes, giving you peace of mind.

S-Trap Floor Drains

Mostly found in older buildings. If you have these, we recommend upgrading to P-traps for better performance and compliance.

Gully Traps

Best for outdoor drainage or areas prone to debris accumulation. They protect your drainage system by catching solids before they cause blockages.

Hub Drains

Used mainly in commercial kitchens or industrial setups for indirect waste disposal. They’re not designed for general floor water drainage but are vital for managing waste safely.

Pro-Tip: When installing new flooring, have your plumber inspect the drain’s flange and seal. A poor seal between the floor and drain can cause leaks and damage over time.

Maintenance and Installation Tips

Proper installation and maintenance keep your floor drains working smoothly and prevent costly repairs. Make sure your drains have proper venting and trap primers to stop the water seal from drying out. Without this seal, sewer gases can escape into your home or business.

Regular cleaning is essential. Hair, debris, and grease can become trapped in pipes and drains, causing them to drain slowly or not at all.

Pro-Tip: If you notice slow drainage or bad smells, don’t wait. Call a professional plumber to inspect your trap and venting.

FAQs About Floor Drain Types

What's the difference between a P-trap and an S-trap floor drain?

P-traps have a U-shaped bend with a horizontal outlet and are common in modern plumbing, preventing sewer gases effectively. S-traps have an S-shaped bend extending vertically, mostly in older homes, and are less compliant with current standards.

What is the difference between a gully trap and a floor drain?

A gully trap captures debris and stops sewer gases, often used outdoors. A floor drain removes water from floors inside buildings and usually includes a trap to block odours.

What is the difference between a floor drain and a shower drain?

A shower drain is a type of floor drain designed specifically for shower water runoff. Floor drains cover a wider range of areas like laundry rooms, basements, and commercial spaces.

Does every floor drain need a trap?

Yes, every floor drain needs a trap to maintain a water seal that blocks sewer gases. Proper venting and sometimes trap primers are also necessary to keep the trap working properly.

What is the difference between a floor drain and a hub drain?

A floor drain removes water directly from floors. A hub drain handles indirect waste from fixtures and is not designed for direct floor water drainage.

Over the years, I’ve worked on countless plumbing jobs where the wrong floor drain caused ongoing problems—slow drainage, bad smells, or even water damage. One commercial kitchen I serviced had a mix of old S-traps and clogged gully traps. 

After replacing them with modern P-traps and properly sized gully traps, the kitchen’s drainage improved dramatically, and the owners haven’t had a single complaint since. That’s the kind of peace of mind we want for all our customers.

What if I Want to Know More About Floor Drain Types?

If you want to learn more about floor drain types or need help choosing the right one for your home or business, we’re here for you. At All Needs Plumbing, we offer a $0 callout fee, 24/7 same-day service, a 15% seniors’ discount, and $150 off hot water systems. 

Whether it’s a blocked drain, a new installation, or a maintenance check, you can count on us to get the job done right and fast. Give us a call today and let’s keep your drains flowing smoothly.

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