What is the Aqua-Dec?

The Aqua-Dec is often mistaken for a shower tray but it is not, in fact it is a floor former with built in falls or gradient.

Its purpose is to offer a simple means of forming the gradient within the construction of either existing or new floors.

On completion the Aqua-Dec will be completely covered with either tiles or slip resistant flooring.

Does it have to be sunk into the floor?

The Aqua-Dec has been designed to be level access. Therefore it must be recessed into the floor to a flush finish with the prepared floor.

In circumstances where the floor cannot be breached the entire floor can be raised to accommodate the Aqua-Dec. However this would not normally be a cost effective solution.

How thick is it?

The Aqua-Dec is 22mm thick and was primarily designed for use with timber floors. Where the floorboard is 18mm an additional layer of 4mm plywood in preparation for the final floor covering is required.

The 4mm plywood may be substituted for a thicker plywood e.g. 9mm for use with some floor tiles. When this is the case the Aqua-Dec will need to be raised to maintain a flush level finish with the floor.

Modern properties will have 22mm thick floorboards, usually chipboard sheets which mean the floor(s) will not require any further preparation.

Is the floor drain cleanable from the top?

All of the floors drains we sell are top accessible, this means they can be cleaned from the top without removing the entire drain.

This is achieved by the removal of the grating or cover, followed by the dip tube, allowing easy access to the sump of the trap for cleaning.

What about different thicknesses of tiles?

To compensate for different tile thickness we have developed a height adjustable tile floor drain (TAD/DV1). The height is adjusted by rotating the grating, as it is turned it will become taller. To fix the height simply apply solvent cement to the two parts set position and leave to cure for a few minutes. The orientation of the floor gully grate can then be set to align with the tiles.

What if there is a joist in the way of the trap?

You may think that when this occurs there isn't anything that can be done as thejoist must never be notched to allow installation of the trap.

In fact various options are available. The first and simplest option is to turn the Aqua-Dec around 180 degrees which in most cases will reposition the gully. Of course this will only help if the joists run in the right direction (normally lengthways to the Aqua-Dec).

If the joists are running widthways the option is to move the Aqua-Dec sideways until the trap no longer collides with the joist. As the trap is only 90mm in diameter the side step should be no more than 45-50mm either left or right.

If the Aqua-Dec must be moved towards the wall rather away from the wall it is possible to cut the side of the Aqua-Dec to allow for repositioning.

The only exception are the AD4 and AD5, these have been specifically designed for corner drainage andcannot be trimmed. Although every effort has been made within the design to prevent the gully clashing with a joist, all buildings are different. In this case you will need to reposition the Aqua-Dec until the trap is clear of the obstruction. You could then build a boxing off the wall or create a false wall to fill the gap that is left.

Is it available in different sizes?

At present there are 11 different sizes of Aqua-Dec.

What types of floor drains are available?

To compliment the Aqua-Dec we have developed our own range of floor drains known as the trap-adapta. It is a two part system comprising of the trap-adapta itself and a waste trap. They are available for both tiled and vinyl floors alike.

In addition we can offer them for either horizontal or vertical gravity waste, as well as 22mm pumped waste versions.

Does it need to be fitted level?

It is extremely important that the Aqua-Dec is fitted level. This is easily checked by placing a spirit level on the 50mm flat perimeter that is present on all Aqua-Dec's. Because the gradient is built into the Aqua-Dec it will only function properly if it is level around its perimeter.

What size is the waste outlet of the gully?

Both the vertical and the Horizontal outlet traps have 50mm solvent weld socket (BS5255). The horizontal being the more popular is supplied with a 50mm-40mm reducer.

How is the floor drain fitted?

The Aqua-Dec has a 200mm diameter circular rebate with a 160mm diameter hole in the centre.

The gully flange fits into the rebate making the top of the gully flange a flush fit with the surface of the Aqua-Dec.

Normally the trap part of the floor gully would be installed before the Aqua-Dec allowing for easy connection to the waste pipe. The Aqua-Dec would be fitted next and then the trap-a-dapta part is fitted into the rebate and connected to the trap body from above. The trap-a-dapta is then secured in place by drilling the Aqua-Dec and using self tapping screws provided.

Can you use pumped waste?

Yes pumped waste is an option; we have designed a very shallow pumped waste floor gully to compliment the Aqua-Dec. However, only self priming pumps that are capable of sucking water can be used. This rules out the Saniflo type that require a gravity waste from the trap to the pump.

Important note;its well worth investigating the maximum flow rate of the waste pump, if this is lower than the delivery flow rate of the shower you will experience flooding.

Can it be fitted in timber floors?

Yes, in fact the Aqua-Dec was designed because of the difficulties encountered when creating gradients in timber floors.

A basic installation would involve removing the existing floorboards, creating a solid platform of 18mm plywood between the joists, install the waste plumbing, fix the Aqua-Dec in position by drilling and screwing, and connect the trap to the Trap-a-dapta. 

Can it be fitted in screeded concrete floors?

The Aqua-Dec can be fitted into screeded floors, although this is often considered undesirable because it involves breaking up the floor screed.

In fact fitting the Aqua-Dec in a concrete floor can often be quicker than a timber floor as you don't have to construct any timber platforms.

After breaking up the screed and installing the waste pipe the Aqua-Dec is simply bedded down level like a large paving slab. You can use sand and cement to bed it down but we do state that it is also fixed with screws and rawl plugs after the bedding has fully hardened (normally the following day). This is because the cement may not adhere to the Aqua-Dec so fixing it will prevent any risk of movement in the future.

Can it be fitted in structural concrete floors?

It is much less likely to be able to install the Aqua-Dec in structural floors as breaking up the floor is normally not permitted. This is because you could weaken the structural integrity of the floor slab.

You may however raise the floor in order fit the Aqua-Dec and floor drain; however this is not normally cost effective.

What type of drill bit is needed to drill it?

Most cordless drills will be powerful enough to drill the Aqua-Dec.

Ordinary high speed twist drill bits will also cope with drilling the Aqua-Dec without any problems. (Don't use your best drill bits as the glass fibre content will blunt them)

You can also use masonry drill bits to good effect.

Can it be cut down to size?

Yes the Aqua-Dec can be trimmed to suit site conditions.

There may be a soil pipe boxing in the corner, you might be fitting it into an alcove whichever the case there are a few simple rules to follow.

• Always make sure that the cut edge is against the wall.

• Never cut ALL OF THE 50MM FLAT PERIMETER off the edge that will adjoin the existing floor as it will leave an uneven finish that is difficult to make good.

• All cut edges must be fully supported.

What is the best tool to cut it with?

The most efficient way to cut the Aqua-Dec is with an angle grinder fitted with either a diamond or masonry cutting disk. It is also possible to use a circular saw but it would be wise to use an old blade because the glass fibre content of the Aqua-Dec will blunt the blade.

Jigsaws don't normally work as the blade will get very hot and the saw tips will melt.

What about waterproofing/tanking system?

We would always recommend the use of Tilesafe; this is a simple to use and highly efficient means of water proofing the entire floor including the Aqua-Dec.

It is self adhesive and relatively simple to apply.

When fully installed it renders the floor completely water tight even without the tiles fitted.

Can Tilesafe be used with Slip resistant vinyl?  

No it should not be used as it would present various installation difficulties regarding the vinyl.

When slip resistant flooring is installed properly there should be no need for additional water proofing membrane as all the joins and corners would be hot welded and therefore be self waterproofing.

Can under tile floor heating mats be fitted on the Aqua-Dec?

Yes under tile heating mats can be used but it is essential that it is laid on top of the Tilesafe membrane. If the heating mat were to be fitted under the membrane it could eventually damage it.

The UFH mat should be 100w per m2; anymore than this will result in damaging the membrane.

What type of tile adhesive should be used?

A single part, cement base flexible tile adhesive must be used onto the membrane (never use a ready mixed adhesive.

But we must stress always refer to the adhesives manufacturers recommendations before use.