Architects • Contractors • Facility Owners

Zurn ZS880 Stainless Steel Linear Shower Drain: A Practical Specification & Installation Guide

Linear shower drains are popular because they create a clean tile layout, support barrier-free entries, and simplify water capture along a single plane. This guide explains how the Zurn ZS880 works, what to look for when specifying it, and how to install it so it drains fast, stays clean, and finishes flush.

Updated: December 2025 • Focus product: Zurn ZS880 Stainless Steel Linear Shower Drain

1) What a Stainless Steel Linear Shower Drain Does

A linear shower drain is a long, narrow drain body that collects water along a single line. In technical terms, it concentrates flow to one outlet while allowing the shower floor to be pitched in one direction (single-plane slope). In plain English: instead of aiming tile from all sides into a center drain, you “tilt the floor one way” toward the drain line.

Zurn ZS880 Linear Drain in a Finished Shower

2) Zurn ZS880 Overview: Features That Matter On-Site

The Zurn ZS880 is a Type 304 fabricated stainless steel linear shower drain designed for tiled shower applications. It uses a V-shaped, anti-ponding channel to promote positive drainage (less standing water) and a secure grate system intended to finish clean at the tile surface.

Key performance components

• 304 stainless steel body: corrosion resistance for wet environments and frequent cleaning.
• Anti-ponding V-channel: encourages water to move to the outlet instead of lingering.
• 2" no-hub outlet options: common shower plumbing connection style (confirm exact model outlet location).
• Adjustable support legs + leveling frame: helps set elevation and keep the grate flush with the tile plane.
• Built-in tiling edge: creates a clean termination line for tile finish work.

Practical takeaway: linear drains succeed or fail based on slope + waterproofing + flush finishing. ZS880’s adjustment features are there to make those “finish-critical” details easier to get right.

3) How to Specify the Right ZS880 Configuration

ZS880 is offered in multiple lengths and grate patterns, and some models include end outlet variations and tile in-lay options. A clean specification starts with four decisions: length, outlet location, grate style, and tile build-up.

Step-by-step specification checklist

1. Pick the drain length: match the shower width or the collection line you want (common sizes include 12", 28", 32", 36", 40", 60" depending on configuration).
2. Choose outlet location: center outlet vs end outlet (and confirm bottom/end outlet configuration based on your plumbing routing).
3. Select the grate pattern: heel-proof slotted styles and decorative patterns are common; tile-inlay is used when you want the grate to visually “disappear.”
4. Confirm tile thickness range: ZS880 is designed to accommodate typical finished tile thicknesses (commonly 1/4" and 3/8" ranges—verify model details during submittal).
5. Verify substrate/build: plan for the required pour depth and waterproofing assembly (ZS880 is designed for a minimum 2" concrete pour in typical details).

Barrier-Free Access Over a Linear Shower Drain

ADA and “heel-proof” considerations (plain-English)

For accessible showers, the drain cover needs to be comfortable to roll over and safe to walk on. ZS880 grates are typically described as ADA-compliant and heel-proof (small openings intended to reduce snagging). In practical terms: you’re aiming for a grate that feels stable under wheels, doesn’t trap cane tips, and doesn’t catch small heels.

Field tip: Accessibility isn’t only the grate. The “win” is a flat, flush finish at the drain with a consistent single-plane slope that doesn’t create abrupt transitions at the entry.

Where ZS880 is commonly specified

• Curbless showers in hospitality and multi-family
• Accessible restrooms (universal design, ADA-related applications)
• Large-format tile showers needing a clean slope strategy

4) Installation Best Practices (What Prevents Callbacks)

A linear shower drain installation is a finishing system: waterproofing + slope + elevation control. The goal is to create positive drainage to the outlet while keeping the grate perfectly flush with the finished tile surface.

Install workflow (contractor-friendly)

1. Layout and outlet planning: confirm outlet location and ensure the trap and piping can align without forcing connections.
2. Set the drain body elevation: use the adjustable supports so the finished grate sits flush with the final tile plane.
3. Waterproofing integration: tie the shower waterproofing system into the drain detail per the project’s approved method.
4. Build the slope: create a consistent single-plane pitch toward the drain line (avoid “birdbaths” along the channel).
5. Tile finish: use the tiling edge/frame so the tile terminates cleanly and the grate opening remains uniform.
6. Final test: flood test where required and verify fast drainage with no ponding along the channel.

Linear Drain in a Large-Format Shower Layout

Slope & tile layout: the “real-world” advantage

Linear drains are especially helpful when using large-format tile because a single-plane slope is often easier to execute cleanly. The key is consistency: a smooth pitch into the drain line, with no low spots where water can sit.

• Avoid ponding: check the channel line during setting—minor humps create “standing lines” of water.
• Flush finish: keep the grate level with tile to prevent stubbed toes, rocking, or debris ledges.
• Plan the cut lines: decide grout joints and tile cuts early so the drain reads as intentional, not improvised.

Common pitfall: The drain is level, but the surrounding tile isn’t. Use a straightedge and level checks throughout the setting process.

5) Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Stainless linear drains are generally easy to maintain, but performance depends on keeping the grate openings and outlet path clear. A simple routine prevents slow drainage and odor issues.

Maintenance checklist

• Weekly (high-use showers): remove hair and soap buildup from the grate openings.
• Monthly: lift the grate (when safe), wipe the channel, and check for buildup near the outlet.
• As needed: confirm trap performance and clean per facility protocol.

Troubleshooting quick guide

• Slow drainage: grate clogged, buildup near outlet, or downstream restriction.
• Ponding near the channel: inconsistent slope (tile work) or channel not set correctly relative to finish plane.
• Odors: trap issues or organic buildup—clean channel and confirm trap seal.

6) Case Study: Accessible Shower Retrofit Using ZS880

7) FAQ (Accordion)

Click a question to expand.

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