Tiffany Haney
Shower pans are an essential component of any shower installation, ensuring a watertight seal to prevent leaks and mould issues. While standard shower bases are enticingly priced, their fixed drain locations may not match your existing drain hole, requiring careful consideration before purchase. This dilemma has sparked interest in shower pans without drain holes, which offer flexibility in drain placement. PSC America, for instance, offers pan shower kits without drains, allowing customisation of the drain position. However, some manufacturers provide guidelines for adapting their products to existing drain locations. This involves cutting holes in the subfloor and relocating the P-trap for the shower drain pipe. Customisable shower bases, such as expanded polystyrene tile-ready bases, also offer an alternative, allowing you to position the drain anywhere.
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What You'll Learn
Shower pan installation
Although it is possible to create a shower floor using a pan liner and tile, a ready-made shower pan is a more straightforward installation option. Ready-made shower pans are typically made of acrylic, fiberglass, or composites and come in various sizes and styles.
If you are installing a new shower or upgrading your current one, a shower pan will ensure that your shower is water-tight. Before installing a shower pan, it is important to prepare the floor. Check that the subfloor is completely flat and level. If it is not, apply a self-leveling compound following the manufacturer's instructions.
Next, dry-fit the shower pan in the opening and draw a line on the subfloor along the edge of the shower pan. Drill 3/16-inch holes in the flange at each stud location. Check if the shower drain hole aligns with the existing shower drain. If it does not, trace the hole location onto the substrate and remove the shower pan. Cut a hole in the subfloor for the shower drain pipe using a jigsaw or circular saw. The hole should not exceed 5 inches, but always check the manufacturer's specifications. Relocate the P-trap for the shower drain and pipe as necessary.
Once the shower pan is dry-fitted and the drain hole is aligned, screw the shower pan rim into the wall studs using exterior-grade screws through the pre-drilled holes. Place the rubber drainpipe gasket over the drainpipe and thread the gasket setscrew over it, tightening it with a screwdriver until secure. Screw or snap the shower drain screen into place over the flange so that it sits flush with the shower pan base. Allow the thinset mortar or adhesive to dry fully, following the manufacturer's instructions.
After installing the shower pan, test the pan and shower drain connection for leaks. Once you have confirmed that there are no leaks, you can proceed with installing the shower walls.
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Custom shower pans
If you're looking to install a shower pan without changing the drain location, there are a few options available. One option is to use a glass-reinforced shower base former, which can be rotated or cut to accommodate an existing drain hole. Another option is to use an expanded polystyrene tile-ready shower base, which can be made in any shape and is lightweight and easy to install.
When installing a custom shower pan, it's important to ensure that the shower drain hole lines up with the existing shower drain. If the hole does not align, you may need to cut a new hole in the subfloor for the shower drain pipe and relocate the P-trap for the shower drain and pipe. It's also important to test the pan and shower drain connection for leaks before installing the shower walls.
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Shower pan kits without a drain
Remodelling a shower can be challenging when you want to keep the existing drain location. Standard shower bases are enticing price-wise, but their non-changeable drain locations may not match your existing drain hole.
If you are looking for a shower pan kit without a drain, there are several options available. Firstly, PSC America offers pan shower kits without a drain. These kits include a variety of accessories such as shower curbs, soap dishes, spacers, tile levelling systems, waterproofing accessories, and more. They also offer free or reduced ground shipping to some destinations.
Another option is to create a custom shower pan that fits your unique drain location. This may involve using a combination of a Schluter shower base and a mortar base. You can cut the Schluter shower base to align with your drain and fill in any remaining gaps with a mortar base. This allows you to create a custom-sized shower pan without the need for a costly oversized base.
Additionally, you can explore the use of an expanded polystyrene tile-ready shower base. This type of base is lightweight, can be made in any shape, and is easy to install. It can be thin-set to a subfloor, and you can choose to include a step-over curb or opt for a barrier-free entry. This option provides flexibility in designing your shower space, including the ability to incorporate features like a curved glass block shower.
If you are looking for a more straightforward solution, Goof Proof Showers offers all-in-one kits for constructing shower floor bases. While these kits typically include centred shower drain compartments, they also provide extended and extra stick kits for larger showers. Moreover, their standard shower conversion kits enable you to remove a bathtub and install a shower without needing to relocate the drain to the centre of the floor.
By considering these options, you can find a suitable shower pan kit without a drain that aligns with your specific requirements and drain location.
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Relocating the drain
Relocating a shower drain can be a challenging task, and it is recommended to seek the help of a professional plumber. However, if you are confident in your DIY skills, here is a step-by-step guide on how to relocate your shower drain to accommodate a new shower pan:
First, it is important to understand the principles of shower drain relocation. Schluter shower trays, for example, require a maximum 5-inch hole in the subfloor to fit the KERDI-DRAIN underneath. The KERDI-DRAIN has a 2-inch hub, so it needs a 2-inch riser pipe and P-Trap. If your riser pipe is 1-1/2 inches, you may need to find a reducer fitting that goes from 1-1/2 inches to 2 inches.
Next, you will need to plan the new drain location. Use a template or the new shower pan to mark the desired drain location on the floor. Cut a piece of cardboard larger than the drain hole and tape it over the hole. Mark the new drain location on the cardboard with a sharpie, then cut out the hole.
Now, you can start the relocation process:
- Remove the existing shower pan or template.
- Using a jigsaw or circular saw, cut a hole in the subfloor for the new shower drain pipe. Ensure the hole does not exceed 5 inches and check the shower pan manufacturer's specifications.
- Relocate the P-trap for the shower drain and pipe as necessary. The waste pipe should extend approximately 1 3/4 inches above the subfloor, as specified in the manufacturer's instructions. It is recommended to have a helper for this step.
- Ensure that the subfloor is completely flat and level. If it is not, apply a self-leveling compound following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Dry-fit the new shower pan in the opening to check if the new drain location aligns with the shower pan drain hole.
- Screw the shower pan rim into the wall studs using exterior-grade screws through the pre-drilled holes.
- Place the rubber drainpipe gasket over the drainpipe and thread the gasket setscrew over it. Tighten it securely with a screwdriver.
- Screw or snap the shower drain screen into place over the flange, ensuring it sits flush with the shower pan base.
- Allow the adhesive to dry fully, then test the pan and shower drain connection for leaks. Get an inspection if needed.
By following these steps, you can successfully relocate your shower drain to accommodate a new shower pan. However, it is important to carefully plan and measure to ensure a precise fit and avoid any leaks.
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Waterproofing the shower
Waterproofing your shower is essential to prevent water damage and mould growth. While ceramic and porcelain tiles are virtually waterproof, the grout between them is not. Over time, the grout will absorb water, causing damage to the underlying structure.
Membrane Technology
Today, contractors tend to favour waterproof membrane technology over the traditional rubber or copper shower pan liner. There are four main types of waterproofing membranes:
- Sheet Membranes: These are made from blends of plastic compounds and attached directly to the tile backer board and shower surface. Sheet membranes are easy to install, often featuring a "peel and stick" application.
- Liquid Membranes: This type of membrane is like a waterproof paint for your shower, applied with a simple paint roller. Once dry, it forms a flexible elastomeric layer.
- Foam Wallboards: These are installed directly onto the wall studs.
- Foam Shower Bases: Similar to foam wallboards, but for the shower floor.
Other Methods
In addition to using waterproofing membranes, there are other methods to ensure a watertight shower:
- Use a ready-made shower pan: These are typically made of acrylic, fibreglass, or composites and are designed to be water-tight.
- Customise your shower base: If you're set on a particular shower base that doesn't align with your existing drain hole, you may need to chip into the concrete and move the drain. Alternatively, you can use an expanded polystyrene tile-ready shower base, which allows you to place the drain anywhere.
Tips for Membrane Application
When applying a waterproofing membrane, follow these steps:
- Tape all corners and seams with mesh tape and thinset.
- Apply the membrane with a paint roller or "peel and stick" application, depending on the type of membrane.
- If using a liquid membrane like RedGard, apply three coats for best results.
- Ensure the membrane is fully cured before proceeding with any further installation.
Remember, always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific guidelines and precautions.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy shower pans without a drain hole. These are typically known as 'pan shower kits' and are available from suppliers such as PSC America.
You may want to buy a shower pan without a pre-drilled hole if you have a non-standard drain setup and want to avoid the cost of plumbing work.
You could either buy a custom shower pan, or chip into the concrete and move the drain.
Custom shower pans can be made to fit your desired specifications, including the location of the drain hole.
Custom shower pans may be more expensive than off-the-shelf options, and you may need to pay extra for a custom cut.
