What is a shower pan?

Your shower pan is the part of your shower that makes up the floor and directs the water down your drain. Each shower pan is installed with a slight slope—allowing all of your excess shower water to roll off of it and go down your drain. Think of your shower pan like a funnel.

What is the difference between shower base and shower pan?

What Do They Do? While a shower pan and a shower base both channel water into the drain, there's one key difference: “Shower pan” is the actual shower floor that you step on, whereas “shower base” refers to the structure underneath the shower itself.

What is under a shower pan?

A shower base is a structural base underneath the shower pan. This typically references the layer of mortar and liner sitting on top of your subfloor, beneath the shower pan. Having a liner or sealant put down before the mortar will ensure your subfloor doesn't get wet.

Do you tile over a shower pan?

You cannot tile over standard polymer or fiberglass shower pans because they flex too much and will eventually crack the tile grout and possibly even the tile itself.

What is a shower pan under tile?

The shower pan is a waterproof barrier made of either lead or vinyl that is formed into the shape of a pan. It's placed under the tile floor of a shower. The purpose of the pan is to catch any water that may seep through the tile and grout and direct it to the drain.

Top 5 Best Shower Pans in 2021

Do all showers need a shower pan?

If you plan to install a tile floor in your shower, a shower pan is crucial because it provides a waterproof surface to lay the tile on. Even if you don't plan to use tile, a shower pan is important for protecting your floor and subfloor from any leaks that may get through.

Do I need both a shower base and a shower pan?

A solid base is a necessity in any shower installation, so whether the shower includes a pan or is simply tile, the shower base is part of the design.

What types of shower pans are there?

Shower pans are typically made out of four different types of materials: acrylic, fiberglass, custom tile and composite.

Do you install shower tray before tiling floor?

Adjustable height shower trays

We always advise fitting the shower tray before tiling the walls or installing wall panels as this ensures a more watertight seal around the sides of the tray.

Where does the water in the shower pan go?

A shower pan, also called a shower base, is simply the floor of your shower. The pans are covered with a waterproof liner to protect the surrounding areas — and underlying structures — from damage. Shower pans are designed to collect all the water from your shower head and move it down the drain.

How much does it cost to install a shower pan?

According to Porch.com, the average cost to install a shower pan is about $1,550 for both labor and materials. Typical costs can range from about $1,000 to $2,000, depending on where you live and the type of shower pan you choose.

Can a shower pan leak?

The shower pan is the last line of defense between your shower and your home's foundation. There are many reasons a shower pan can leak, but they usually revolve around lousy installation or a very old shower pan. If the shower pan is not installed correctly or is punctured, typically with a screw, leaks will happen.

Are shower pans good?

Easier Maintenance. Once a shower pan is installed, it can be easier to maintain. Traditional showers typically have a supportive substructure underneath to help channel water into the drain, preventing any water that might seep through the grout from leaking into the floor.

How long does a shower pan last?

Most times, you can expect your shower pan to last between five and ten years. Like a shower's base, its pan also needs to be replaced every so often, depending on how much you use it.

What is the best base for a walk in shower?

Do plumbers install shower pans?

Some areas require the plumber to install it by code. That still doesn't excuse the pan from being sloped. This is covered in SEVERAL places, including the IRC (International Residential Code), The Universal Plumbers Code, as well as ANSI Specs governing the construction of a tile shower pan.

Which type of shower pan is best?

Can you replace shower pan without removing tile?

You can't remove the pan without damaging the surrounding walls or tile, so make sure you're prepared to patch or redo your shower walls.

How do you install a shower pan on concrete?

What do you put under shower base?

bag of mortar with water to a creamy consistency. Avoid concrete mix; stones in the mix will hold the base away from the floor. Spread the mortar over the floor under the base, about 1 in. or so thick.

What is the floor of the shower called?

A shower pan is a prefabricated piece of material that makes up the floor of the shower. A shower pan is also called a shower base, shower receptacle or shower floor.

Do you need to waterproof under shower base?

Waterproof Standards for Bathrooms

The Building Code of Australia and Australian Standards (AS 3740-1994) set out the minimum requirements of waterproofing a bathroom. All bathrooms in Australia must comply with these standards, as follows: The entire shower floor must be waterproofed.