How to Install a Shower Mud Pan

Proper mud bed installation is essential for good drainage and preventing leaks in a shower. If the shower does leak, it can ruin more than just the shower itself as water is one of the most damaging elements a home interior can be exposed to. Getting it right the first time is essential. This article will discuss the proper installation technique for a shower mud bed.

Things You'll Need

• Shower liner Shower pitch kit Rag Razor knife Tile mortar Bucket Water Mixing drill Concrete float Silicone

Instructions

1. Assuming that the shower has been framed and the drain installed, place liner into the bottom of the shower cutting around the drain so that the liner lies flush with the drain sticking up through it. Be sure that there is at least 1-foot of liner sticking up on all sides of the shower.

2. Silicone around around the drain under the liner so that there will be no leaks. This is very important.

3. Plug the drain with a rag. Place pitch kit into shower floor around the drain so that the pitch of the shower declines toward the drain to ensure proper drainage.

4. Mix the mortar and water in a bucket with a mixing drill according to manufacturer's instructions.

5. Pour the mortar into the shower floor avoiding the drain.

6. Smooth the mortar to a smooth grade following the slope of the pitch kit.

7. Let the mud bed dry and remove the rag from the drain. Once dry, the shower is ready for the installation of tile.

Tips & Warnings

• Mixing the mortar a little drier than recommended makes it easier to work with when following the pitch of the floor. If the mortar is mixed too wet, it is impossible to get any pitch in the shower. This will cause bad drainage.

• Be sure to plug the drain to avoid getting any mortar inside of it. This could prevent drainage.