What is the Level-Dec?

The Level-Dec is a preformed floor former with a  built in gradient to create a consistent flow rate.

The Level-Dec is made from an outer skin of GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) with a gel coat finish with a solid core..

As the Level-Dec has a solid core it can, therefore, be trimmed along the four edges without affecting the strength of the former. We recommend by no more than 30mm. In other circumstances please refer to our Technical Department.The only exceptions are the LD4 (900x900) and LD5 (800x800) which can only be trimmed on two edges.

Does it have to be sunk into the floor?

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

In circumstances where the floor cannot be breached the entire floor can be raised to accommodate the Level-Dec, however, this could be time consuming and may affect the level access.

How thick is it?

The Level-Dec is 22mm thick at the 50mm flat perimeter with a built in gradient of 1:40 being a 17mm fall from the edge to the waste position.

Where floorboard is 18mm, an additional  4mm over boarding with a Tile backer board or plywood would be required in preparation for the final floor covering. Various over boarding materials such as tile backer boards and plywood's are available from Builders Merchants and Tile Suppliers.

When this is the case the Level-Dec will need to be raised to maintain a flush level finish with the floor. Alternatively, you can replace the floorboards with 22mm plywood flooring. (Check adhesive manufacturers' recommendations).

Modern properties will have 22mm thick floorboards, usually chipboard sheets which mean vinyl floors will not require any further preparation.

Is it available in different sizes?

At present there are 16 different sizes in Level-Dec and Level-Dec Advance, range from 800mm x 800mm to 1700mm x 1700mm in square design and 1300mm x 800mm to 1850mm x 900mm in rectangular design.

What types of floor drains are available?

To compliment the Level-Dec we have developed our own range of floor drains known as the WSF1(H or V). It is a two part system comprising of the trap-a-dapta itself and a waste trap available for vinyl floors and come with either a horizontal or vertical gravity waste.

In addition we offer a shallow pumped waste version with a 22mm outlet.

Does it need to be fitted level?

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

How strong are Level-Decs?

Level-Decs are very strong and have been tested up to 40 stones. However they should be supported with noggins between the joists at the waste and around the 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.

Can Level-Decs be drilled?

Yes.Level-Decs can be drilled in additional areas to the counter sunk holes already provided by using a masonry drill.

How is the floor drain fitted?

The Level-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 Level-Dec.

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

TheLevel-Dec Advance has a central eccentric waste arrangement for multi waste positioning.

Is the floor drain cleanable from the top?

All our floor drains 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 cover cap, followed by the dip tube, which then allows easy access to the sump of the trap for cleaning

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 Level-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 Level-Dec).

If the joists are running widthways the option is to move the Level-Dec sideways until the trap no longer collides with the joist.

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

The only exceptions are the LD4 (900x900) and LD5 (800X800); these have been specifically designed for corner drainage and cannot be trimmed. These Level-Decs have a 6mm structural up-stand on two sides both of which must, when installed, be against a wall and must be chased into the wall to ensure a flush finish. 

Although every effort has been made within the design to prevent the gully conflicting with a joist, all buildings are different. In these cases you will need to reposition the Level-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 any gap.

In addition to the above we have now introduced the Level-Dec Advance with a multi positioning waste which should avoid virtually all joist positions.

Can you use pumped waste?

We have designed a very shallow pumped waste floor gullies (TAD13) to compliment the Level-Dec; these are for use with our range of waste pumps. These are self priming pumps rather than a macerator type pump.

Please note: Maximum flow rate 12 Litres/min

Can it be fitted in timber floors?

The Level-Dec was designed entirely because of the difficulties encountered when creating gradients in timber floors.

 A basic installation would involve removing the existing floorboards, supporting the Dec on noggins between the joists, install the waste plumbing, fix the Level-Dec in position by drilling and screwing, and connect the trap to the Trap-adapta. 

Can it be fitted in screeded concrete floors?

The Level-Dec can be fitted into screeded floors.

In fact, fitting the Level-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 Level-Dec is simply bedded down level. You can use sand and cement or tile adhesive 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 will prevent any risk of movement in the future.

Can it be fitted in structural concrete floors?

The floor may need to be raised to accommodate the Level-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.

What type of drill bit is needed to drill it?

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

Ordinary high speed twist drill bits will also cope with drilling the Level-Dec without any problems. Masonry drill bits can be used to good effect.

Can it be cut down to size?

The Level-Dec can be trimmed to suit most site conditions although we recommend by no more than 30mm along the edge.( If you need to cut more then please contact our Technical Department). Excludes LD4 (900x900) and LAD5 (800x800).

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 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 Level-Dec is with an angle grinder fitted with either a diamond or masonry cutting disk.

A Jigsaw can also be used with a ceramic tile cutting blade but this may prove time-consuming.

What water flow rate can the Level-Dec take?

This will depend on the type and size of the Dec, and site conditions such as the position of the shower outlet. Generally the flow rates vary between 22 to

30 Litres/min.

What type of Vinyl should be used ?

A non-slip vinyl designed for shower and wet area application must be used.

This should be installed by a specialist floor layer and clamped into the WSF1 Trap Adaptor.

Can Level Dec be tiled?

For tiled applications please refer to our Aqua-Dec Range.

Can shower screens be fitted to Level Decs?

Yes. Impey offer a wide range of Half Height Shower Doors, both Bi-Fold and Sliding.