"How To Install Shower Pan ... Like A Pro!"

When I noticed a wet spot on the bedroom floor next to the shower, I knew I was in trouble. The grout had deteriorated at the bottom of the shower. A trip under the house confirmed the leaks and damage to the floor under the shower.

Then I learned that the few tile guys in our area are all very busy, so you wait for help. I paid close attention when Mr. Davis finally got there, because it looked like "how to build a shower pan" would be an interesting do-it yourself project.

After watching the whole job, I see that a handy person can learn how to build a shower pan.

Here's how to install shower pan.

Fix the damage.

If you have damage it is usually to the sub floor below and around the shower pan. Remove and replace any rotted material. Maybe easier said than done, right? If water has damaged walls or ceilings in floors below, you could be looking at big repair bills. Avoiding these problems is why installing a shower pan is such a critical job.

Install the drain base.

Tile floors are not water-proof. The mortar that's exposed to water absorbs some water. If you don't mix the mortar properly, it will crumble and fail. Install the drain properly so whatever water weeps into the mortar finds the drain.

Now rough in the drain base.

Build a sloped mortar base.

Build your slope in here. The slope moves all the water to the drain preventing standing water. Build a two inch thick base that slopes to the drain. Let this bed cure before the next step.

Installing shower pan liner membrane and drain top.

A flexible, waterproof membrane goes over the mortar base. The membrane is a rubber-like material that's waterproof. The membrane goes up the sides of the wall a few inches. One of the tricks is properly folding the liner in the corners.

Install the top mortar bed.

A second mortar bed is installed over the liner and reinforced with wire.

Build the threshold.

Build your threshold forms and pour mortar mix to establish the correct shape.

Install tile.

After the second coat of mortar cures, install a coat of thinset. Then install tile. Let thinset cure, then grout.

Shower floor pan tricks:

There are several places to make mistakes as you learn how to install shower pan and many questions can come up.

Like:

1. How do I build a threshold?
2. How do I build the fall in the floor?
3. How is the pan attached to the drain?
4. What kind of mud is best and how do I mix it?
5. How do I get the liner in the corners?
6. How do I run the pan up the walls?

To get your hands on videos that answer every question you have about how to install shower pan, here's the link you need. These videos are by a real tile guy who shows you how to do every tricky step.

Visit: How To Install Shower Pan Video!