Best Shower Drain Cover (2024 Review)

Last Updated On October 6, 2024

Updated on January 11, 2024

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Best Shower Drain Cover

Need a new shower drain cover? These range from simple covers over the pipe opening to drain protectors that can keep hair and soap scum out of your shower drain to avoid stubborn clogs.

This small investment can save you a lot of money in professional drain opening services. Combine it with other drain stoppers and drain baskets, and you’re on another level.

Whether you’re looking for a basic aesthetic drain cover or one that offers straining protection, we’ve got you covered in this article. 

In this PlumbingNav guide, we cover:

  • What is a shower drain cover?
  • What are the different types of shower drain covers?
  • What do you look for when choosing a shower drain cover?
  • Best Shower Drain Cover Reviews

ImageProduct
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Westbrass Brass Snap-In Shower Strainer Grid, Polished Chrome, D316-26
  • Made from durable brass
  • Easy 2 prong snap-in installation
  • Variety of finishes
  • Made from durable brass
  • Easy 2 prong snap-in installation
  • Variety of finishes
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Replacement Shower Strainer, 4.25 in., White
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to install
  • Standard size
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to install
  • Standard size
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Westbrass 4-1/4″ OD Casper Brass Snap-In Shower Strainer Grid, Matte Black, D319-62
  • Attractive 
  • Multiple finishes
  • Long-lasting brass construction
  • Attractive 
  • Multiple finishes
  • Long-lasting brass construction
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4 1/4” Snap-in Shower Drain Grate – Matte Black – Replacement Cover
  • Thick 
  • Tested up to 10 years
  • Easy installation
  • Thick 
  • Tested up to 10 years
  • Easy installation
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Moen 102763ORB 4-Inch Screw-In Shower Strainer Drain Cover, Oil Rubbed Bronze
  • Small drain holes
  • Secure installation (screws included)
  • Multiple finish options
  • Small drain holes
  • Secure installation (screws included)
  • Multiple finish options
View on Amazon

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

Updated On October 6, 2024

Our #1 Rated Pick: Westbrass Brass Snap-In Shower Strainer Grid, Polished Chrome, D316-26

This is the best “conventional” cover most showers will feature. This flat-style drain cover has a polished chrome finish fits a 4” drain. Connect the cover to the drain using two snap-in prongs. The cover contains 10 – 14 comparatively large openings in an attractive pattern that capture hair to a limited degree using hooks.

Our Top 5 Best Shower Drain Covers

What's In This Guide?

      What Is a Shower Drain Strainer?

      A conventional cover will simply guard the opening of a drain opening with large slats. However, a shower drain strainer, also known as a drain catcher, acts as a tub drain protector by catching foreign items and hair before they wash down the shower’s floor drain. It will still allow water to escape down the drain for proper water drainage. 

      The cover can ensure peak performance of your drain pipe and potentially prevent a clogged drain, which can also lead to pipe damage during clearing. 

      The most common items your strainer will collect include hair and soap scum buildup, along with small items that you don’t want to fall down the drain, such as toothpaste caps or razor blades. 

      You remove the junk the strainer catches as needed (in some cases, after every use). 

      The strainer usually consists of a thin covering with numerous holes throughout it for the water. A cover simply sits on top of your drain as opposed to other items that include a flange or drain strainer that fits into your drain.

      A drain cover can pair with a drain stopper as long as the stopper doesn’t have a knob that protrudes from the drain, such as with pop-up drains. This will prevent the cover from going into place. Shower drain covers work best when paired with a flat drain.

      You may not necessarily need a drain cover if you have an adequate drain assembly. However, it can come in handy as an extra precaution, especially in households with long hair.

      Shower drain covers do not act as a drain stopper. A stopper is used to hold water in the tub or faucet, and in some cases also prevent sewage backup in areas with excessive rain.
      Keep in mind that your shower drain cover will be different than your kitchen sink hole cover since the drains are different sizes.

      did you know best shower drain cover

      What Are The Different Types of Shower Drain Covers?

      Snap In Shower Drain Cover

      A snap in shower drain cover, as the name suggests, snaps into place for easy installation. You can also find replacement snap in shower drain covers with adjustable sizes. These can fit any drain in your home. 

      While not as secure as snap in options, these covers are easier to install and replace. They are also easier for accessible-friendly bathrooms and for regular cleaning. 

      Screw In Shower Drain Cover

      A screw in shower drain cover is a cover that screws into place for optimal stability in a linear drain. Installation is still easy, but it’s not quite as user-friendly as snap in covers. 

      These drain covers have slotted patterns. You can find heavy-duty options that go through an additional sand casting process. Designer covers are square instead of circular. 

      Suction Cup Drain Cover

      You may be able to find a suction cup drain cover that attaches to your tub with suction cups. These tend to take up more space and protrude higher than other options, making them less common. 

      What Do You Look For In Choosing A Shower Drain Cover?

      Material

      A plastic shower drain cover is inexpensive and won’t succumb to corrosion. 

      A metal shower drain cover made from brass, steel, or copper, is stronger and tends to last longer. However, metal shower drain covers tend to cost more. (You’ll replace them less often, tho.)

      Finish

      The finish on your shower drain cover should match the rest of your design aesthetic with the following options:

      • Matte black shower drain cover
      • Oil rubbed bronze shower drain cover
      • Brushed nickel shower drain cover
      • Chrome shower drain cover
      • Stainless steel shower drain cover
      • Copper shower drain cover

      These finish types will allow you to match the faucet finishes in your bathroom, with brushed nickel and satin-nickel being the most common.

      Drain Size

      The cover you buy must fit into your drain. The standard shower drain size is 4.25”. If you have a different drain size, you will need to be mindful while shopping. 

      Watch How to Measure a Shower Drain Cover:

      Drain Shape

      Most of the drain covers you find will be circular. However, what if you have a square shower floor drain? (Yep, that’s a thing.)

      Depending on the cover, you may still be able to attach a circular cover to the square shower drain. However, you can also find unique covers in a square shape.

      Hole Sizes

      Your cover will have holes that allow water to flow down the drain while also preventing large items from going down the bathtub drain. The best hair catcher uses lots of small holes to allow water to easily pass through, as larger holes can allow hair to wash down the drain as well. This will eventually create a hair clog. Large holes allow for better water flow and less standing water in your bathroom bathtub. 

      Do you already have a hair clog? Try this remover tool to fix it fast.

      The Best Shower Drain Cover Reviews

      Now let’s explore our favorite units so you can decide on the perfect choice for your situation.

      Our #1 Rated Pick: Westbrass Brass Snap-In Shower Strainer Grid, Polished Chrome, D316-26

      This is the best “conventional” cover most showers will feature. This flat-style drain cover has a polished chrome finish fits a 4” drain. Connect the cover to the drain using two snap-in prongs. The cover contains 10 – 14 comparatively large openings in an attractive pattern that capture hair to a limited degree using hooks.

      Pros

      • Made from durable brass
      • Easy 2 prong snap-in installation
      • Variety of finishes

      Cons

      • Hair strainer not included
      • No instructions
      • Drain sizing issues

      Our #2 Rated Pick: Replacement Shower Strainer, 4.25 in., White

      This cost-effective white plastic snap in shower strainer installs easily on 4.25” shower drains by fitting on top of the drain (no plumbers putty required). It’s great for a simple replacement or a temporary solution. 

      Pros

      • Inexpensive
      • Easy to install
      • Standard size

      Cons

      • Does not fit into drain 
      • White color can get dirty
      • Plastic material

      Our #3 Rated Pick: Westbrass 4-1/4″ OD Casper Brass Snap-In Shower Strainer Grid, Matte Black, D319-62

      This long-lasting brass snap in shower strainer comes in an attractive matte black finish (multiple other finishes available). Works with a standard 4.25” shower drain with prongs a distance of 2 ⅞” apart from each other. 

      Pros

      • Attractive 
      • Multiple finishes
      • Long-lasting brass construction

      Cons

      • More expensive
      • Not adjustable
      • Large compared to some other models

      Our #4 Rated Pick: 4 1/4” Snap-in Shower Drain Grate – Matte Black – Replacement Cover

      This stainless steel cover with a chip-proof matte black finish has been tested to last over 10 years, and it’s 1.2mm thick so that you won’t bend it if you step on it. Install in one simple step thanks to the easy snaps. No additional materials are required for installation.

      Pros

      • Thick 
      • Tested up to 10 years
      • Easy installation

      Cons

       

      • Chemicals can dull the finish
      • No other finish options
      • Not adjustable

      Our #5 Rated Pick: Moen 102763ORB 4-Inch Screw-In Shower Strainer Drain Cover, Oil Rubbed Bronze

      Secure this cover into place with the included screws .375” long designed to fit into a ⅜” screw hole center. The product is made from brass and comes in a variety of different finishes, including oil-rubbed bronze. It has 30 drain holes ¼” in diameter.

      Pros

      • Small drain holes
      • Secure installation (screws included)
      • Multiple finish options

      Cons

      • Sealant required
      • Screws must fit drain 
      • Difficult to remove
      •  

      Final Thoughts On Buying a Shower Drain Hair Catcher

      A good defense is the best offense when it comes to caring for your drain pipes. A shower drain cover, especially when combined with a proper drain stopper and flange, can prevent a clogged drain. 

      It can also prevent items from washing down your drain such as shampoo bottle caps and large pieces of soap. After you consider the size and shape of your drain, the right cover will install easily while still staying in place. It will also be easy to use when you have to remove the shower drain cover for cleaning access.

      If you do have a drain clog, use a drain cleaner appropriate for your pipes to handle the clog before you install the new cover.

      FAQs for Shower Drain Covers / Hair Strainers

      What can I use to cover the shower drain?

      Cover your shower drain with a shower drain cover or a drain stopper made to fit your opening size.

      Can you replace shower drain cover?

      You can replace a shower drain cover easily whether you have a snap in cover or a screw in cover. 

      Do shower drains need covers?

      Shower drains don’t necessarily need covers as part of the residential code, especially if you have a proper drain already in place. However, shower drains do help prevent clogged drains by catching hair.

      How do you measure a shower drain strainer?

      You measure a drain strainer by the size of the shower drain as well as the prong distance (for snap in covers). 

      How do you install a Haircatcher in a shower drain?

      To install a hair catcher in a shower drain, you will snap it into place or screw it into place.

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      About Plumbing Navigator

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      We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.

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