A shower pan is a mortar bed that slopes into a drain. Shower pans collect the water, and provide a firm base on which to stand. They are normally made of acrylic or fiberglass, and may be provided with non-slip surfaces.
A waterproof “pan” placed beneath the floor tiles or concrete base of a shower that prevents leaking. Here are some steps to install the shower pan in the correct manner.
Install the drain base. Under the tiled floor surface, lies about 2 inches of cement mortar. When using the shower, this mortar becomes saturated with water. Small “weep holes” at the base of the drain fixture allow the water to move down the drain pipe. Still, over time the water infiltration can cause damage to the grout, causing loose tiles and crumbling grout lines. Shower liners beneath the mortar are what protect the sub floor from deteriorating in the same way.
Spread a layer of latex- modified mortar to form the slope floor. Start by measuring from the center of the drain to each wall. The slope should be at least 1/4 inch for each foot.
Set a clamp ring drain at the sub floor and nail 3/4-inch float strips around the edge of the shower floor. Next, cover the sub floor with the roofing felt, followed by a layer of galvanized expanded wire lath held flat with staples.
Trowel out the latex-modified mortar. To shape the slope, ride over the float strips and the drain flange with a wood float and compact the mortar by tamping it with the float. Let the sloped mortar bed harden overnight before installing the shower pan membrane.
Install the shower pan liner. Use chlorinated polyethylene sheet membrane for shower pan liners. Install blocking between the studs around the entire perimeter of the pan area, making sure the blocking extends at least one inch above the upturned sides of the pan. Unroll the membrane and cut it to the right size, crease the corners, fold up the membrane and place it on the shower floor for a trial fit.
When you are sure the fit is right, remove the membrane, loosely screw the membrane clamping bolts into the lower half of the drain and run a bead of rubber sealant around the lower drain flange. Put the membrane over the shower floor and lower it into place. Where the upturned membrane meets the shower curb, install prefabricated dam corners, available from the membrane manufacturer. Test the shower pan. Plug the drain with an expansion-type stopper and fill the pan with water up to the top of the curb. Now drain the water and install the mortar floor.
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