Marianne Martinez
A shower pan liner is a waterproof mat that you install under shower tiles to prevent water damage to the floorboards. Before installing a shower pan liner, you must prepare the subfloor, install a drain base, and measure and cut the pan liner. The process involves folding the liner, draping it over the mortar bed and drain base, cutting out holes for bolts and the drain, and securing the liner with a clamping ring. It is important to ensure the liner is centred and that the weep holes are clear of any debris. The use of adhesives and nails or staples to secure the liner is optional but can provide additional security. After installing the liner, a flood test is recommended to check for leaks.
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the shower pan liner kit
Oatey's shower pan liner kits come with one liner and two corner dams in a universal design for right or left corner installations. The kits offer either CPE or PVC sheet material in a range of thicknesses and dimensions.
Before you begin, ensure you have the right tools for the job. You will need:
- A wrench
- Mortar
- Oatey Perfect Slope (optional)
- Silicone caulk
- Marker
- Measuring tape
- Utility knife
- Staple gun or hammer and nails
- Oatey Weld Bonding Adhesive (only for use with CPE liners)
- Oatey X-15 LO-VOC Bonding Adhesive (only for use with PVC liners)
If you are installing the shower pan liner on a plywood subfloor, begin by cutting a hole in the centre of the shower floor for the drain assembly. Start with a small hole, as you can always cut away more material with a utility knife if needed. Place the drain base in the hole and screw the flange to the subfloor. If your drain is pre-assembled, loosen the bolts connecting the clamping ring to the flange and remove the clamping ring, but leave the drain plug in place.
If you are using mortar to prepare the slope, pour it onto the subfloor at 1/4 inch per foot, sloping inward from the wall framing to the top of the drain base. Leave the mortar bed to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions.
If you are using Oatey's Perfect Slope, simply trim it to your shower dimensions and place it flat with the printed side facing upwards, without using adhesives.
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Measure and cut the pan liner
When measuring and cutting a pan liner, it is important to be precise and accurate. First, measure the length and width/depth of the area you want to cover with the pan liner. Use a soft tape measure to get the most accurate measurements, and note dimensions to the quarter inch. It is helpful to record your measurements consistently, for example, always recording the length first if you plan to cut it first. This will help avoid confusion.
Next, roll out the liner with the smooth side up and align the edges with a cutting mat. If needed, trim off the edge to start with a clean, straight line as the manufactured edge can sometimes be crooked. When cutting, use scissors and follow the ridges as a guide to cut the liner to fit the width/depth of the space. Small pen tick marks can be easily rubbed off with a finger, so there is no need to worry about markings staying on the liner once you’ve finished cutting.
After cutting the liner to size, you can begin to install it. Remove the test plug from the drain and drape the liner over both the mortar bed and the drain base, ensuring the wall-facing edges are folded according to the length of the application height. It is important to make sure the pan liner is centered before locating the drain plug. Cut X shapes over the four bolts that the clamping ring screws into and cut out a hole over the drain hole.
Finally, fold the pan liner halfway over to expose the drain base and apply silicone caulk around the surface of the inner flange. Fold the liner back over, push the bolts through the X shapes, and screw the clamping ring down over the bolts. Tighten the bolts until the ring has a snug fit against the liner and put the test plug back into place.
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Install the pan liner
To install a shower pan liner, you will first need to prepare the slope. You can do this using either mortar or Oatey's Perfect Slope.
If using mortar, pour it onto the subfloor at 1/4 inch per foot, sloping inward from the wall framing to the top of the drain base. Leave the mortar bed to cure according to the mortar instructions.
If you are using Oatey's Perfect Slope, simply trim it to your shower dimensions and place it flat with the printed side facing upwards, without using adhesives.
Once the slope is prepared, you can install the pan liner. Start by laying the liner on a flat surface and measuring and marking the total length and width of the mortar bed. Cut the liner according to your markings. Remove the test plug from the drain and drape the liner over the mortar bed and drain base, ensuring that the wall-facing edges are folded correctly. Cut X shapes over the four bolts that the clamping ring screws into and fold the liner halfway over to expose the drain base. Apply silicone caulk around the surface of the inner flange, then fold the liner back and screw the clamping ring down over the bolts, tightening them until the ring has a snug fit.
Finally, put the test plug back into place and let the adhesives cure overnight. To test if your shower pan liner application is waterproof, pour water into the shower bed at a height equal to that of the curb and let it sit for at least two hours. If there are no leaks, the water level will not have dropped, and the surrounding area will be dry.
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Assemble the drain base
To assemble the drain base, start by placing your drain base into a pre-made hole (a 4-inch hole is recommended for tile shower drains) and screw the flange to the subfloor. If your drain is pre-assembled, loosen the bolts connecting the clamping ring to the flange and remove the clamping ring, but leave the drain plug in place in the middle of the drain. If you don’t have a drain plug, you can use duct tape to cover the drain hole temporarily.
Next, apply a 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch bead of 100% silicone caulk around the upper surface of the drain base, approximately 1 inch in from the outside edge. This will create a seal between the underside of the pan liner and the drain base surface. Screw the clamping ring bolts into the drain base to a depth of 2-3 threads. Before the caulk dries, lay the pre-measured pan liner on the floor and over the drain body. Cut an "X" at the top of each bolt slit so that 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. Work the pan material from the drain body outwards so that it lays flat on the floor surface. If desired, an adhesive can be used to bond the pan liner to the floor and curb.
After this, you can install the rubber drainpipe gasket and gasket setscrew, tightening it with the included tool and 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 according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Finally, test the pan and shower drain connection for leaks. Get an inspection if needed. Once you’ve installed the shower pan and made sure there are no leaks, you can move on to installing the shower walls.
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Test the installation
Testing the installation of a shower pan liner is a critical step to ensure that your shower is watertight and functional. Here are the detailed steps to test the installation:
- Let the adhesives cure overnight: After completing the initial installation, it is crucial to allow the adhesives and mortar bed to cure. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended curing time, but generally, letting it cure overnight is a good practice.
- Secure the test plug: Ensure that the test plug is securely in place. This plug will be used to fill the shower bed with water for the test.
- Flood test: Perform a flood test, also known as a water test, by pouring water into the shower bed. Fill it to a height equal to the curb or slightly below it. The recommended water level should be just below the top of the curb.
- Let the water sit: Once the shower bed is filled with water, let it sit for an extended period. Oatey, a reputable manufacturer, recommends a minimum testing time of four hours. During this time, the water level should remain constant.
- Check for leaks: After the specified time, carefully inspect the installation for any signs of leaks. Check if the water level has dropped, if the surrounding area is wet, or if there are any signs of water leakage from the ceiling (if the shower is on an upper floor).
- Repair and retest if necessary: If you discover any leaks or issues, repair the installation accordingly. This may involve adjusting the liner, sealing any gaps, or ensuring proper drainage. After making the necessary repairs, repeat the flood test to ensure that the installation is now watertight.
It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for testing and adhere to local code jurisdiction requirements. Additionally, be cautious not to apply mortar or thinset to the weep holes, as this can affect drainage and the functionality of the shower pan liner.
While installing a shower pan liner can be a challenging task, taking the time to test the installation thoroughly will ensure a successful and watertight shower installation.
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Frequently asked questions
A shower pan liner is a waterproof mat that is installed under shower tiles to prevent water from seeping through to the floorboards underneath.
You will need a shower pan liner kit, which includes a liner and corner dams, as well as a pre-slope or mortar bed, silicone caulk, and screws or staples. You may also need an adhesive to bond the liner to the floor and curb.
First, prepare the subfloor by installing a pre-slope or mortar bed. Then, cut and drape the pan liner over the mortar bed and drain base, ensuring it is centred and folded at the correct heights. Secure the liner by nailing or stapling it to the wall studs and framing. Finally, perform a water test to ensure the installation is waterproof.
