How To Put In A Shower Base

Allow the mortar bed to dry completely and cure before installing the shower base.

How to put in a shower base. If you have access to the space below the shower observe it from beneath the floor to check for leaks. Set the shower base onto the mortar and level it carefully. Along the studs mark the top edge of the base on all three sides.

Select a shower base that has the drain located at one end right or left chosen to match your old tub drain. Screw the flanges of the shower pan into the wall studs using at least 1 1 2 inch wood screws. Attach the membrane starting in one corner flatten the membrane against the bottom of the space and push it tight against the bottom of the form board.

Attach the membrane to the studs with large head nails at least 8 from the bottom of the form. Carefully place the shower base into the alcove. Test the drain by pouring water into the shower base.

Press the shower pan base into the mortar adjusting it until the entire base is level. Use a thin coat of caulk about the thickness of a piece of masking tape spread over each penetration location. Place the shower pan onto the mortar making sure the pre drilled holes on its rim line up with the wall studs.

Use just enough to coat and seal where nails or screws are used to attach the pan to the studs. This is usually 24 to 48 hours. Place cardboard or another material into the shower pan base to protect its surface.

Some shower bases come with screws and brackets to attach the base to the wall studs. Drill pilot holes into the flange that are slightly smaller than the size of the screws if. Since the drain position roughly matches the tub drain you may not have to add a separate vent cut out and patch the floor or reroute the drain line.