How to Install Shower Pans

Shower pans must be installed properly to prevent leaks.

One part of many bathroom remodeling or construction projects is installing a new shower. When you're building a shower, it's important that the shower is properly installed and well-sealed in order to prevent leaks that can create water damage in other areas of your home. One area that can cause leaks due to poor installation is the shower pan, which is the tray at the bottom of the shower that you stand on when using the shower.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Shower liner
• Utility knife
• Hammer
• Roofing nails
• Marker
• Sealant
• PVC drain pipes
• Screwdriver
• Staple gun
• Vacuum
• Level
• Shims
• Drill
• Galvanized screws
• PVC primer
• PVC cement
• Rubber compression gasket
• Wooden block
• Rubber mallet
• Screen

Instructions

1. Measure and cut the shower liner, making it 6 inches longer and wider than the shower pan.

2. Place the liner on the concrete bed in the shower and center it. Fold over the excess material in each corner and nail it to the framing with a roofing nail.

3. Attach the liner to each stud around the perimeter of the shower by driving a roofing nail through the edge of the liner. Do not stretch or tear the liner.

4. Locate the bolts for the drain assembly in the concrete bed and cut small holes in the liner over the bolts. Slide the bolts through the liner.

5. Cut a circle in the liner over the drain hole --- between the bolts --- and remove the small circular section.

6. Apply sealant to the bottom of the liner in the area around the drain hole and the top of the plastic plate for the drain. Slide the plastic plate into position over the hole and tighten the bolts.

7. Fold the liner around the edge of the shower over the framing, and staple it to the framing. Again, take care not to stretch or tear the liner.

8. Vacuum the surface of the liner.

9. Place the shower pan in position on top of the liner. Check it for level, adding shims underneath if necessary.

10. Drill pilot holes through the lip of the shower pan and into the studs, and then attach the shower pan to the framing with galvanized screws.

11. Dry-fit the PVC trap to the drainpipe to ensure a proper fit. Disassemble the trap and pipe, and then add PVC primer to the surfaces of the trap and drainpipe that will come in contact. Allow the primer to cure, and then add PVC cement to the surfaces. Fit the PVC trap and drainpipe together again.

12. Slide a rubber compression gasket over the drainpipe.

13. Place a wooden block on top of the drainpipe and tap down on the block with a rubber mallet until the drainpipe is even with the drain pan.

14. Install the screen on the drain hole.

References

• This Old House.; How to Replace a Shower Pan; Richard Trethewey
• Mr. Tile: Installing a Leak Proof Shower Pan