In the world of custom shower installations, finding innovative solutions that meet both client design demands and the practical requirements of the project can be daunting. However, for Casey Hullette, owner/operator of The Tile Dad, a North Carolina-based tile installation company, a fortuitous encounter with Matt Valore, regional sales manager, Tile Shower Systems, at Oatey Co., led to an exciting opportunity to upgrade Hullette’s shower installations dramatically.
Looking to help Hullette expand his knowledge of the business, Valore extended an invitation to the inaugural Tile Summit at Oatey headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio in August 2023. Due to a scheduling conflict, Hullette could not attend. Still, Hullette’s keen interest in improving his shower installations prompted Valore to offer an alternative—the chance to try the QuickDrain Linear Drain system on a client project.
The client, a new homeowner with a Jack and Jill bathroom, wished to convert its bathtub into a modern walk-in shower. However, they wanted to avoid the hassle of demolishing the entire existing shower. With the QuickDrain Linear Drain system and PET shower pan, Hullette saw an opportunity to create a stunning walk-in shower by removing the tub.
Next, Hullette encountered a few challenges presented by the existing shower layout—challenges that limited his design options. For example, the client desired a seamless transition from the space where the removed bathtub once sat to the new shower floor. But the constraints of the original design made it challenging to achieve the desired aesthetic and functionality.
The client desired a shower drain system that would offer maximum design flexibility and efficient water drainage to enhance their shower experience. Traditional drain systems were limited in placement options, making it necessary for Hullette to find a solution that would address their needs.
Initially Hullette and Valore had planned to implement Oatey’s “at the wall” drain, where the back row tile would be eliminated, and the drain grate would be placed against the tiled wall. But they encountered another unexpected obstacle. A floor joist protruded into the shower pan area, preventing the implementation of the planned drain design.
Simplifying the installation process was also a crucial concern. The client wanted minimal disruption during the renovation, and Hullette needed a solution that minimized the need for extensive demolition and reconstruction. Streamlining the installation process would ensure efficient time and resource management for Hullette and the client.
The Solution
To overcome the challenges of transforming the Jack and Jill bathroom into a walk-in shower, Hullette chose QuickDrain’s ShowerLine linear shower drain system. Here are several key features that contributed to the success of the project:
Onsite customization: Upon removing the tub, Hullette faced the task of fitting the new shower into the space, which was not an exact 30 by 60 inches, a standard size for walk-ins. QuickDrain’s linear drains offer flexibility for post-installation adjustments with (1) stackable leveling spacers for height changes; and (2) drain trough extensions for width modifications.
Resolving the “off-center drain” issue: Dealing with the floor joist in the shower pan area, Hullette effectively customized the linear drain to accommodate the existing drain location despite its off-center position. QuickDrain’s drain trough extensions allowed for a seamless installation, with side-to-side placement to avoid obstructions and ensure comprehensive wall-to-wall coverage for efficient drainage.
Time savings: By opting for the shower pan compatible with QuickDrain systems—thus eliminating the need for a traditional mortar bed—Hullette streamlined his installation process, saving time and reducing labor costs. The PET pans, known for their ease of cutting and waterproof properties, enabled Hullette to assemble the PET foam components swiftly without costly customization.
“I appreciated the density and stiffness of the foam,” he says. “Being able to securely screw the foam curve into the pan, rather than relying solely on a thin set bond, gave me added confidence in the installation. As any experienced tile contractor knows, thin sets can easily shift or move during installation. With this system, I didn’t have to worry about anything shifting or moving on me.”
The drain choice for the project was the Matte Black finish with a Stream drain cover design, which added a sleek and modern aesthetic element to the shower.
The Results
Hullette set the pan and waterproofed it in only one day. The waterproofing method required him to return after 24 hours for a 24-hour flood test.
The project met the client’s desires for a modern walk-in shower, exceeding expectations and ensuring high satisfaction levels.
Given such a positive installation experience with QuickDrain, Hullette fully intends to use it for future projects. In fact, he is currently utilizing it for another custom-built shower project.
