any shower waste trap experts out there?

[xelaris]

The last thing one need is to install the wrong waste/trap under the shower cubicle for then realizing the fall isn't adequate and the trap isn't sealing properly ....not too mention having to work in a confined space to rectify such problems (or dismantle the shower cubicle).
So, I'm taking no chances and try to gather as much as info as possible before committing myself.

I have 5 shower trap to consider:
1) the one coming with the actual shower cubicle -
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pop-Up-Sh...?pt=UK_Bathroom_Mats_Rugs&hash=item27bb48e9cf
This isn't a proper trap - it has a click clack (pop up) closer which might cover a similar function but I'm not trusting it - still, it is useful to have the option of using the cubicle as a mini bath so the ideal shower trap should be lockable (unfortunately there aren't many on the market).
2) a common 50mm trap (typically produced by MX and other companies) which fit exactly my shower tray and provide a 50mm seal....plus, with a few adjustments can be fitted with the original pop up waste (so it would allow to use the shower as a mini bath).
3) a 90mm fast flow trap - this doesn't fit but I've considered enlarging the shower tray's hole....
4) a Geberit 50mm trap: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Geberit-S...?pt=UK_Bathroom_Mats_Rugs&hash=item4abbb25974
5) a McAlpine STW2M:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/McAlpine-...?pt=UK_Bathroom_Mats_Rugs&hash=item5d3633748c

Now, I'm discarding option (1) - it isn't a proper trap. Option 2 looked promising; unfortunately, the exit is located near the bottom and this will affect the fall.
The 90mm fast flow is very compact (3-4cm shorter than the MX above) so, it allows for more room for maneuver under the tray and the exit is higher (this will improve the flow) but I'm not sure it's a good idea to enlarge the tray's hole....also, it won't accept the original 50mm pop up waste.
The Geberit looks very well made and offers a very compact design with the exit near the top (good water flow) - but the peculiar design won't allow to fit the original pop up waste on it (pity).
The McAlpine looks the most promising of the lot...at 95mm it isn't the most compact but the exit is higher than the MX - with a bit of luck it should accept the original pop up waste so it will tick all marks (I use the "should" cos' I haven't yet received this trap).

So, it might seems I've found the perfect trap....
Now, I've noticed that both the Geberit and the McAlpine (2 trusted names) use a bend just after the exit....is there any reason for this design? I thought the most direct route would be the best.

Any shower trap designer out there?

 

[MJGas]

You keep mentioning the pop up waste, But a shower isn't really designed to have a pop up waste (well none that I have fit have had one) If you think about it you don't want the water staying in the tray. Don't make the hole bigger in the tray, they usually have a chamfer built in for the top of the trap to sit into. If a tray doesn't come with a trap I usually just use the mcalpine trap. The ones from the merchants don't tend to come with an elbow either.

Edit: Sorry didn't read the bit about the mini bath, How big is the cubicle btw?

 

[xelaris]

You keep mentioning the pop up waste, But a shower isn't really designed to have a pop up waste (well none that I have fit have had one) If you think about it you don't want the water staying in the tray. Don't make the hole bigger in the tray, they usually have a chamfer built in for the top of the trap to sit into. If a tray doesn't come with a trap I usually just use the mcalpine trap. The ones from the merchants don't tend to come with an elbow either.

Edit: Sorry didn't read the bit about the mini bath, How big is the cubicle btw?

no worries....I was expecting this kind of replies - this is a shower cubicle with steam and other gizmos + a 50cm deep "shower" tray which cover also the function of a mini bath. It would be a pity to lose such functionality just because I can't find a proper shower trap fitted with a pop up waste (any manufacturer listening out there?) - so, I have to find a trap which accept the pop up waste bundled with this shower tray/cubicle. (the MX trap does work with the bundled pop up waste).

Any idea about that elbow in the McAlpine and the Geberit? What's that for?

 

[polesapart]

Connect the flexi provided to an in-line HEPvO.

 

[MJGas]

Without seeing the shower cubicle it's quiet hard to imagine, If its 50cm deep would you be able to run something like this inline with the original pop up waste:

http://www.mcalpineplumbing.com/traps/tubular-traps/running/1-189-running-tubular-swivel-p-trap.html

Although you would have to have access for cleaning and would probably look like a bit of a bodge.

As for the elbow I can only think that its for different pipe entry locations to make it a bit easier to fit.

All mcalpine shower traps here:

http://www.mcalpineplumbing.com/traps/1-189-shower-traps.html

 

[xelaris]

Without seeing the shower cubicle it's quiet hard to imagine, If its 50cm deep would you be able to run something like this inline with the original pop up waste:

http://www.mcalpineplumbing.com/traps/tubular-traps/running/1-189-running-tubular-swivel-p-trap.html

Although you would have to have access for cleaning and would probably look like a bit of a bodge.

As for the elbow I can only think that its for different pipe entry locations to make it a bit easier to fit.

All mcalpine shower traps here:

http://www.mcalpineplumbing.com/traps/1-189-shower-traps.html[/QUOTE]


This is a similar model:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-2013-...?pt=UK_Bathroom_Mats_Rugs&hash=item4d0aeaa532

now; the white enclosure at the bottom represent the volume which can be filled with water = a bath. The space below that area in my cubicle is around 10cm (adjustable) - big enough for a McAlpine (9.5cm).

 

[xelaris]

Connect the flexi provided to an in-line HEPvO.

I didn't know about these HEPvO - not that pricey too - I wished I'd spent the money on one of these in the first place (we learn the hard and costly ways sometimes).
Still, I guess there are some negative points which will come up in due time? E.g. how do these cope with clogging/hair etc. rodding might not be a viable solution cos' will probably bore the membrane....(that's might be just one issue).

 

[xelaris]

having read this from another post:
"Hep Vo's are carp when installed horizontally. Esp on showers where flow rate is low...."

I'm glad to know I'm going in the right direction with the old trusty McAlpine (or Geberit or similar).
Thanks god for forums and so many useful posts...

 

[xelaris]

Found out the reason of those elbows which seems to be a standard in shower traps (McAlpine and Geberit for example).

These angled pipe helps adjusting the fall so that the pipe can be pointed exactly at a specific target - we just need to rotate the elbow...
Other waste/traps use a flexible pipe - this cover the same function of the elbow.