QA

Question: How To Lay A Shower Pan

What do you put under shower base?

Mortar is recommended to use under all shower pans. Mortar reduces the risk of your pan slipping or cracking from an uneven surface.

Do you have to put mortar under a shower pan?

If the shower base installation floor is not level, there are two options. The second is to add mortar to the floor to even it out. If sliding shims under the base does not work, opt to install the mortar bed. This is usually a good idea when floors are badly sloped or the use of shims is simply not practical.

What do I put under my shower pan to level?

Place wood shims up underneath the shower pan in the corresponding areas for shimmed installations. The shims are held in place by the weight of the pan. The pan is also screwed onto the wall studs through the flanges of the pan.

Do you need to waterproof under a shower base?

DON’T ignore the importance of waterproofing when installing an acrylic shower base. The walls and the area around the top of the acrylic base along the wall are very important for proper waterproofing and it is essential that it be done correctly. In a bathroom, proper waterproofing is non-negotiable.

Do plumbers install shower pans?

Plumbers generally install the shower liner, new drain trap and strainer. In the old days, when lead and copper were used, you wouldn’t expect the tile person to install the pan Shower liners here are part of the rough plumbing inspection, I would not want the tile person to be responsible for my work.

How much mortar do I need for a shower pan?

To set the base, mix up about half a 60-lb. bag of mortar with water to a creamy consistency. Avoid concrete mix; stones in the mix will hold the base away from the floor. Spread the mortar over the floor under the base, about 1 in. or so thick.

Can I use quikrete for shower pan?

The best concrete mix for shower pans is made by Quikrete. They make two products, the first is called Floor Mud, the 2nd is their Sand/Topping mix. Both work great for building a shower pan. Just like other types of concrete mix, there are DIY options.

Does Thinset stick to shower pan liner?

No. Thinset or tile glue (adhesive) should never be applied directly to the shower pan liner.

How do you mortar under a shower pan?

Related Articles Check the levelness of the floor prior to the installation of the pan, using a carpenter’s level. Dry-fit the shower pan into place and mark the outline of the pan onto the floor, using a pencil. Mix thinset mortar with the drill and paddle. Apply thinset mortar to the floor within your pencil lines.

What if the shower pan is not level?

Make sure you level the top edge of the first course of tile by cutting them to fit. Otherwise the out of level base will cause problems up the wall. Make sure you level the top edge of the first course of tile by cutting them to fit. Otherwise the out of level base will cause problems up the wall.

Should I grout shower tray and tile?

Make sure you have silicone sealant and not normal grout. Grout isn’t suitable for sealing around your bathtub or shower tray as it’s not flexible and will crack as soon as any weight is placed on the tub or tray. Stick masking tape above and below where you’re going to seal. This is where the sealant will go.

How do I fix my shower pan from flexing?

In severe cases—especially if the flexing has caused the shower pan itself to crack—the only solution is to remove the base to make the necessary repairs. This can involve better shimming for the support ribs beneath the pan or laying a mortar bed to support the pan over its entire surface.

Can I use expanding foam under a shower tray?

Only a minimal-expanding foam should be used under a shower pan. The reason for this is that when foam expands it exerts pressure against opposing forces. And so, you could end up with bowing or even cracking of your shower pan.

How much space should be between tile and shower tray?

Leave a 2-3mm gap (the same as the gap between your tiles) between the tub or shower tray when tiling so that the thickness of your seal matches the gap between the rest of your tiles.

How thick should a shower pan subfloor be?

Wood Floors The subfloor needs to be a minimum of two layers of 3/4-inch exterior grade plywood before you can move to actually putting down the concrete layer of deck mud that provides the slope and the base for the shower pan tile.

Can you put shower pan liner on plywood?

With a little patience and planning, a shower can be constructed on a plywood floor that will stand the test of time by using a rubber shower liner and a two-step process to pouring the shower floor.

How thick should my shower pan be?

The shower pan base mortar layer should be about an inch thick. The shower floor already has a pre-slope, so just apply a base mortar layer that is even thickness throughout the shower floor area.

What is the difference between a shower pan and a shower base?

What Do They Do? While a shower pan and a shower base both channel water into the drain, there’s one key difference: “Shower pan” is the actual shower floor that you step on, whereas “shower base” refers to the structure underneath the shower itself.

How much does it cost to put in a shower pan?

According to Porch.com, the average cost to install a shower pan is about $1,550 for both labor and materials. Typical costs can range from about $1,000 to $2,000, depending on where you live and the type of shower pan you choose.

How many years does a shower pan last?

Under normal conditions, it is safe to say an acrylic shower pan will lasts several years at the minimum and possibly up to 10 years or more. Acrylic is very durable, and it is completely corrosion resistant.