Shower Pan Liner Installation: Everything You Need to Know

Installation of a shower pan liner is not an easy task. More so, it can be quite difficult.

Beginner DIY enthusiasts will find it a difficult project to complete. However, DIY enthusiasts with more advanced knowledge in construction and plumbing will enjoy sinking their teeth into this robust home improvement project.

What is a Shower Pan Liner?

A shower pan liner is a waterproof mat that you install under shower tiles and also keeps water from damaging the floorboards underneath the shower.

What Will it Take to Install a Shower Pan Liner?

This project is not for every DIYer as it requires more than a beginner’s knowledge and experience with construction and plumbing.

In addition, you should set aside 1/2 a day for a complete installation of your shower pan liner.

To install your shower pan liner, you’ll need the following materials:

• Shower pan
• Shower pan liner
• Portland Sand/cement mixture
• Silicone caulk
• Shower drain
• CPE
• Dam covers

The installation process is quite a few steps. Therefore, make sure you are able to follow them closely. In addition, make sure you give yourself enough time to complete this project as it may take longer than expected if you’ve never completed a shower pan liner installation before.

Shower Pan Liner Installation: 14 Steps

1. Cut a 4.5″ diameter hole in the center of the shower floor where the tile shower drain would normally be positioned.
2. Disassemble the tile shower drain and lay the tile shower drain base in the opening so the flange of the drain base rests on top of the subfloor.
3. Solvent-weld the drain base to the drainpipe using the appropriate solvent cement.
4. Cover the drain base opening with duct tape to keep debris from entering the drain.
5. Apply Portland Sand/ Cement mixture mortar bed over the subfloor at 1/4″ per foot slope from the wall framing to the top of, but not over, the drain base. After this step, the sloped mortar bed should be flush with the top surface of the drain base.
6. After the sloped mortar bed has cured, the pan liner dimensions need to be determined. Pan liner dimensions should be sufficient to completely cover the floor, turn up all sidewalls at least 2″ above the finished curb height, and adequately cover the curb. Lay the pan liner on a clean floor surface, measure, and cut to the appropriate dimensions. Note: Seaming may be required in larger showers. Follow instructions on bonding adhesive.
7. Before installing the pan liner remove the tape from the drain base and apply a 1/4″-3/8″ bead of 100% silicone caulk around the upper surface of the drain base approximately 1″ in from the outside edge. This will provide a seal between the underside of the pan liner and the drain base surface. Screw the clamping ring bolts into the drain base to 2-3 thread depth. Before the caulk dries lay the pre-measured pan liner on the floor and over the drain body. At the top of each bolt slit an “X” so the pan liner slides over the bolts and down to the drain base surface. Press the pan liner firmly into place to ensure a seal between the drain base and the bottom surface of the pan liner.
8. Work the pan material from the drain body to the sidewall framing and curb threshold so it lays flat on the floor surface. If desired an adhesive can be used to bond pan liner to the floor and curb. Prior to the use of adhesive, make sure the adhesive is compatible with the pan liner. Fold corners and nail or staple pan liner to the sidewall framing or wall studs 1/2″ below the upper edge of the material to hold it in place. Nail or staple the remainder of the pan liner to the sidewall framing or wall studs 1/2″ below the upper edge of the material.
9. For outside corners or curbs where it’s necessary to cut the pan liner use a dam corner to cover the cut area. To bond dam corners in the cut area, use X-15 for PVC liner installations or Oateyweld for CPE liner installations.
10. Locate where the drain hole is on the drain base and cut out the pan liner material to the dimension of the drain hole on the drain base. Place clamping ring over the bolts and slide the ring counterclockwise so it’s locked in place. Tighten the bolts so they’re snug. Make sure the weep holes are clear of any residual pan liner material or silicone. Note: The clamping ring can increase the height of the finished shower floor by approximately 3/4″. You will see the extension if you turn the ring upside down. Simply tighten it to the drain base the way you normally would, only inverted.
11. Water-test the installation by closing off the drainpipe opening with a pneumatic or mechanical test plug. Fill the shower floor with water just below the top of the curb and let it sit for four (4) hours. Observe for leaks and repair if necessary. Retest the installation. Repeat until the installation is leak-free.
12. A reinforcement bed of mortar needs to be applied over the membrane (see step 11). Before doing so, nail water-impervious drywall to the wall studs to approximately 1″ above the pan liner surface. Note: The use of mortar vs. drywall for the curb should be considered. It can keep you from using nails as you construct this part of your installation.
13. The clamping ring has an inner thread pattern that will accept the drain barrel and strainer assembly. Once you determine the finished height of the shower thread the drain barrel into the inside clamping ring thread so the finished floor will be flush with the top of the drain barrel. As mentioned in step 7 you can increase the shower drain height by inverting the clamping ring.
14. Before the final mortar application place some pea gravel over the weep holes so the mortar doesn’t completely cover them. Now lay the minimum 11/2″ reinforcement mortar bed of concrete over the pan liner from the wall to the drain barrel, leaving enough room for the final thin-set and tile application.

Resources

Here’s a good video on how to install a shower pan liner.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, installing a shower pan liner can be a difficult project to complete if you’ve never done it before. We’d be happy to help if you find that you’re having trouble completing this project.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Overall, don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need bathroom plumbing repairs. 

1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.