Shower Pan Installation

READ this entire installation guide before beginning your installation. The manufacturer is not responsible and will not be held liable for project failures if installation guidelines are not followed.

Be sure that the installation surface is flat, level and solid and will be able to support the total weight of the shower base. Also ensure that all framing around the base is square. Please note that irregular installation surface level or improper angle of side walls could result in serious problems for your installation.

If the sub floor is not flat and level, we recommend you put down a self-leveling mortar bed where the base will be positioned.

Please inspect packages for damaged or missing pieces. Read instructions carefully prior to installation. Please call Customer Service at 1-800-434-3750 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Shower Pan Installation PDF

Tools and supplies needed:

  • Protective eye wear
  • Caulk gun
  • Drill
  • Tape measure
  • Level

Installation:

Before beginning the installation of the shower pan, make sure the sub floor and stud walls are square and plumb. Cut a 5″ x 5″ opening in the sub floor to allow room for the drain. Follow the assembly instructions provided with the shower drain and ensure that the 2″ drain waste pipe extends above the surface of the sub floor and the height of the shower base.

Ensure the sub floor is clear of debris and completely flat and level. The entire bottom of the base must be in contact with a flat, level surface. Sub floor should be less than 1/8″ of 6′ (see drawing below). The shower pan will not drain properly if the sub floor surface is not level.

Dry fit the shower base over the drain location by temporarily placing the shower base into position. the drain hole should align with the drain pipe and the shower base should fir right against the studs of each wall.

Place a level on the curb and nailing flanges of the shower base to ensure the base is level before gluing the base to the sub floor. Do not use shims to level the shower base. If the sub floor is not level, use a self-leveling mortar and wait for it to completely dry before installing the shower pan.

Apply approximately 1/4″ bead of adhesive to the underside of the shower base in an X-shaped pattern (see yellow over photo). Apply enough adhesive to support the entire bottom of the pan to add stability and prevent the pan from shifting position. This can be accomplished with 1 tube.

NOTE: Sometimes, despite following the preceding directions, you may encounter a minor bow in the shower pan itself, or an imperfection in the flatness of the floor. To secure the front of the pan to the sub floor, screw in 4 drywall screws (2-1/2″ or 3: long) into the front of the base, one on each side of the handles (without the curb) at a 45 degree angle.

Lay a sheet of cardboard (supplied with shipping materials) on the shower pan to protect the pan’s surface while working on the rest of the installation. Note that your body weight will help ensure a tight fit while securing the flange to the studs.

Pre-drill holes using a 1/8″ drill bit.

If the alcove is larger than base, use shims between base and studs to create a tight fit

.

Then apply a small amount of silicone to the pilot holes and use the 1-1/2″ stainless steel screws to secure the shower pan to the studs. Be careful not to over tighten the screws as this can crack the nailing flange.

Add more silicone if needed.

Apply 100% silicone along the vertical seams in each inside corner. See detail below.

There are Multiple Options for Curb Installation

The option you choose is dependent on your wall installation approach.

Option A – Installing curb after walls are finished

install water board and finished wall first. This is the preferred method when using PVC shower panels. The curb is installed as the last step. You will need to trim the curb for it to fit against the finished wall.

Water board and PVC shower wall panels installed prior to curb installation.

Option B – Installing curb after water board is installed

Install water board first, the trim the curb to fit against the water board. This also can be a good option for traditional tile or other products. Note, with this option you will need to trim the curb to fit tight against the water board. Your finished wall would then go around the curb.

Water board installed prior to curb installation.

Option C – installing curb before starting walls

Install curb first and build water board and finished wall around the curb. For this option, the curb will not need to be trimmed. This option may be preferable when using traditional glass or ceramic tiles.

Installing curb before starting walls. With this option the curb does not need to be cut to fit.

Adhesive Application to Curb

Trim the curb if needed to fit tight against both the left and right walls. Use a chop saw or table saw for trimming the curb.

Add 100% silicone on the underside where it contacts the floor and inside lip of the curb that contacts the shower pan prior to installing.
Install the curb.

Sealing the Finished Wall During Install

There are many material options to finish your shower wall.

Regardless of the finished wall material used, you will need to bring it all the way down to the surface of the shower pan.
Run painter’s tape along the pan surface where it meets the wall material as an even guide to apply silicone sealant.
Apply silicone sealant along the tape line.
Remove tape after wall has been set in sealant. If desired, apply additional sealant to ensure a watertight, long-lasting seal.

Drain Installation

Be sure to check all local plumbing codes before beginning any plumbing installation.

Disassemble drain completely. Unscrew and remove outer locknut, friction and sealing washers, remove strainer and internal wrench, unscrew compression nut and remove compression gasket from drain.

Before the shower base is set in the floor, attach the drain to the shower base. Apply a thick bead of 100% silicone sealant around the underside of the drain top flange. Install the drain body through the hole in the top-side of the shower base. Push and hold drain body against the shower module floor.

From the bottom side of the shower base, place the black rubber sealing washer, then friction washer, up over the threaded drain body. Be sure there are no obstructions and that the sealing washer makes clean, even contact with the bottom of the shower base. holding the drain body in place, engage the outer locknut and tighten up against the two washers.

NOTE: The poly friction washer is intended to protect the rubber washer from damage while the bottom portion is threaded on and tightened up.

Wipe away excess silicone that has squeezed out from the top-side of the shower base.

Measure and cut the drain pipe stub-up such that when the shower base and drain assembly is in place the top of the pipe is between 1/2″ and 3/4″ below the top of the drain body. Set the base and drain assembly in place according to the base manufacturer’s instructions. Position and lower the assembly over the drain pipe so that the pipe comes up through the drain body.

Once the base is lowered, adjust the pipe or base so that the pipe is centered within the drain body. Confirm the top of the pipe is between 1/2″ and 3/4 ” below the top of the drain body.

From the top side of the shower base, push the compression gasket over the pipe with the taper side up. Slide the gasket down over the pipe into the drain body until the bottom of the gasket sets against the bottom of the drain body. The top of the gasket should be flush with the top of the drain pipe, or slightly lower.

Place the compression nut over the pipe and, using the internal wrench, thread the compression nut into the drain body over the gasket. NOTE: Take care not to cross thread. Tighten the compression nut completely to form a tight seal between the gasket and the pipe. Carefully remove the wrench and keep it for any necessary re-tightening.

Allow 24 hours for silicone to cure. Then check for leaks. Turn water on in shower and from below shower floor (if accessible). check the drain area for leaks concentrating on 1) the area between pipe and compression gasket and 2) between shower base and sealing washer. If a leak occurs in area 1), use the internal wrench to tighten the compression nut. If a leak occurs in area 2), tighten the outer locknut.

When installation is complete, remove the adhesive cover from the strainer and install into drain.

Care and Cleaning

We recommend you clean your shower pan with mild detergents. Use a terry cloth towel, soft cloth or sponge. Avoid using abrasive scrubbing pads, steel wool or sponges. After cleaning, thoroughly rinse with water.

Avoid using abrasive or gritty cleaners which may damage the surface of the shower pan. Use of these agents will also void the warranty.