How To Fit A Ceramic Shower Base

Test fit the drain flange also known as the drain basket or drain body to ensure it fits flush with the shower base.

How to fit a ceramic shower base.

Before you start setting tile take some measurements and see how the tiles will all lay out image 1. While prefabricated pans are faster and easier to install if you want to use tile instead of an acrylic or fiberglass enclosure you need this tailor made option. This video shows how to install a quadrant shower tray onto a chipboard floor using a mortar base. The shower in this project will be flush with the side of the whirlpool bath so the frame needed to extend under the tub overhang.

Basic directions for how to complete the drain hookup for the new shower stall base are to cut the tailpiece and cement it at the right height. Get a professional plumber to rough in the shower drain before starting the concrete installation. On the ceiling and floor of the shower we used 2 x 2 tiles and on shower walls 2 x 4 tiles. Save time by setting several tiles at once.

The drainpipe in the floor should extend about 1 4 inch above the floor in order to fit with the flange. Normally the prefabricated base is embedded in a thin layer of mortar for stability but unlike custom tile shower pans leaking almost never happens with prefabricated shower pans. Made of fiberglass or acrylic they have an expanded polystyrene eps. This is necessary for durability style and so the pan is the exact size and shape for your new shower.

Acrylic or fiberglass shower pans have some flexibility and will not crack if there is a small amount of flex to the subfloor. This custom built pan provides the necessary base over which to lay tile. The ratio for the mortar mix was 5 sand to 1 cement. Also make sure your floor is pre sloped before installing the rubber liner in the following steps to prevent.

We show you how to check floor level shower level cut holes for the trap and wa. In our project we set the tile for the wall opposite the shower door first. Prefabricated shower bases are often used when remodeling a bathroom.