How to Install a Shower Pan Base | PLAN LEARN BUILD

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

Enroll in course, I’ll guide you step-by-step 😊 bathroomremodeling.teachable.com/p/tub-to-shower-course

[@RadhadaniteBabylonian]

I had made arrangements with two separate contractors to replace my tub/shower setup with a walk-in shower and both ended up being ragbags. So I decided to do this myself and what I found extremely useful was to not focus on the "Big Picture" of the project but to break it down into individual steps, like removing the old tub/shower first and so on.....I found approaching the project this way a huge confidence builder because as I go through numerous DIY videos for each step of said project, I find there are a slew of valuable tips and tricks that each video has to offer and this one is no exception. I've learned to take my time, pick out the right products and have the proper tools on hand and to ALWAYS measure twice so I only cut once, LOL. Thank you Sir for taking the time and effort to put out this video for newbies like me so I have a greater experience doing this project and never regretting kicking those contractors to the curb.

[@TC-tw5zk]

So how did your project turn out? I'm in the same boat too

[@jaycecounts1212]

Lol I always put a rag in the pipe so I don’t have to deal with my clumsy self loosing things down the drain….just make sure you don’t loose the rag!!! Not knit picking just helpful suggestion to other clumsies like myself, great work!😊

[@scooterrockets7815]

I always put a bead of rtv silicone under the drain opening of the shower pan before the rubber gasket to account for unevenness of the drain opening. ALSO, in my world there is no such as a "caulkless shower drain." Inject that entire space with clear silicone before inserting the rubber spud seal. It will push I nice big bead of silicone out the bottom of the drain around the pipe and creates a second barrier.

[@Jessedog11]

structo-litet works great- its easier to set into. been doing so for 35 plus years and the bases stay solid.

[@holcombfamily3978]

Exactly what I needed for my drain situation, thank you! Also, thanks for leaving the parts in where you dropped the tool in the drain (both times). That was priceless!

[@Bultacobob62]

I always shim corners (as needed) before laying the sand/cement mix, that way once the pan reaches the "positioned and secured shims" I know it's level and don't have to adjust. Remember the cement mix will not rebound once displaced. I use a small hammer drill to settle the pan to the shims and to remove deflection as needed. Sand/cement mix must be very stiff when when using vibration! I also weight the pan around the edge never in the bottom as that would displace the cement and allow for movement once the bond is broken. Allow to cure for a minimum of 72 hours and double that if you covered the plywood floor with plastic.

[@jamesjames5715]

why would you covered the floor with plastic ??? than cement would not bond it needs to bond to plywood

[@alanburris463]

Great job. That looks nice. I loaned my inside cutter to a coworker the other day and he dropped them down a floor drain. It fell off the drill. Thank goodness for my tape measure with a magnet on the end

[@LKemp-lr1ky]

Treat underflooring with copper arsenate. That way if and when moisture gets loose (always seems to at some point) you won't have ruined sub.! Done several houses and I love the stuff. I'm 85--and female.

[@stilly1364]

I subscribed strictly because you did not cut out the part when the tool fell down the pipe.

[@randyriggs5463]

I sure would like to do that in my bathroom. In Florida, we have slab houses so if you want to do that, you have to bust up your concrete floor. Good installation.

[@sevendust07660]

Love your videos man. They’re just real.

[@Vin3Man]

Prefect timing this is the exact bathroom I need to renovate in my house. My shower/tub opening is 64 inches, so now I have to figure out how to compensate for this size. Argh never easy.... thanks for the great video.

[@micuzzu]

Same with me!

[@Vin3Man]

Me too what did you end up doing?

[@ARandomTrex]

You fir out the wall. You would need to build it out to fit with pans like this loosing 4 inches.

[@davidpruett7894]

This something I want to do once I finish with my other projects. But, I plan on moving where the current head is now. Fun times ahead.

[@OTPLAYLIST]

Does the mud bed mix anchor the shower pan or just to level it. Thanks.

[@Sucherrie]

When I’m ready, I’ll definitely enroll. It’s worth every dollar💯. I subscribe to both your Instagram and KZbin. Thank you for teaching us 🙏🏾💯

[@raymondorevillo9630]

I’m truly impressed by this guys widespread knowledge and know how in all aspects of construction. I’m a plumber and I gotta admit he has the theory and practice down to a tee

[@davidmerkrebs9967]

you do great work . what do you think about leveling the shower pan, screwing it to the studs and then filling the bottom with spray foam

[@davidh8928]

Thanks for your instruction. I'm about to purchase the pan using your amazon link. Got a few other things to help with the commission. It's the least I can do based on the info you've shared with me over the last couple years.

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

Thank you 😊

[@davidh8928]

Your very welcome @@BathroomRemodelingTeacher

[@mikec915er]

Very good video and nice finished product. Thanks for sharing

[@Sylvainhomeimprove]

Thank you, helps me with work

[@Corey-b5l9u]

nice video thanks .How did you conceal the screws that you drilled through the sides ? .you did not show that part

[@ostapenkooleksandr6580]

Good joob,I'm bigger,your video is wery useful it helps me alot

[@RICARDO-bn7kc]

Good job man

[@briansegall1084]

My shower pan came with a felt liner. Are those any good compared to a mortar bed? I'll be installing onto a level concrete floor.

[@mslfire]

I had the metal locking bracket fall into the drain just like you 😂. Thanks for the videos.

[@lafos4914]

WOW, thank you!! I now have confidence to install my own shower pan.. My plumber may not be thrilled, but need to save money wherever we can on this remodel we were stuck with bc prior owner's bathroom remodel tile guy messed up the shower pretty bad and had a leak 1st time i took a shower in it. we were not planning on having to do a bath remodel. ;-/

[@LKemp-lr1ky]

My parents never hired anyone for anything. If someone can do a thing I can do it. Met an old plumber at hardware store once and he introduced us to PEX! Great life saver. . .

[@Emily-kx2iw]

How did your installation go? We are in the same boat- bought a house and first day there’s a leak in the bathroom. Contractors are currently out of our budget but we need the room fixed asap!

[@lafos4914]

@@Emily-kx2iw after watching professionals’ videos of their own shower failures, I decided that as we continue to age - we are in our mid and late 50s, that I cannot take the risk of having a failure as an amateur and keep having to do this kind of physical labor as I age. So we went with a fiberglass type shower through Lyons at Menards here in the Midwest. And then I did decorative tile around the shower wall panels. It looks amazing. Wish I could share pictures with you here. we set it’s pan in a bed of mortar to ensure the bottom doesn’t crack & fall out from under us down the road; which is precisely what’s happened with the basement bath tub/shower, a crack started in February, and got to the point where we could no longer shower in it until this master bathroom remodel is finished. I was trying to preserve our guest bathroom and not use it because I put slate tile for it’s floor with a charcoal gray grout and didn’t want it exposed to lotion, splotches, etc. etc. But the master is not done yet, so I have put puppy potty pads all over the floor to protect it, while we shower in the guest bathroom.. 😅

[@thejourneymen7722]

The more water you add to your mortar mix the more shrinkage there’s going to be in the drying process leaving a gap between the mortar bed In the shower pan you always want to make your mortar mix as dry as possible when installing a acrylic or fiberglass shower pan.

[@helives2630]

Thanks for the tip

[@gandl2123]

Cool vid. Putting pan in trailer w caulk less drain. I want to set drain in pan w silicone as you have directed. Then just place gasket on 20" downpipe, insert from top and lock in. Going under home later and creating pee trap to drain/vent. Will that work out ?

[@bucky5063]

Wow great job thanks, learned a lot

[@katdimsmith7134]

Use aluminum or stainless screws for you base not galvanized. They want last nearly as long

[@jonathandavis9167]

Great Video. You did goboard after the base install and ran it to the base. Did this cause an issue with the lip of the base pushing out the goboard?

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

Consecutive videos highlight that process 👍 also have a course showing every step of process bit.ly/3ZFSCgV

[@tonyd4346]

Great video! What Im concerned about are the shark bite supply line fittings. How comfortable are you enclosing them inside walls and between floors? I’ve encountered shark bite failures before. Have you experienced any issues?

[@teradyne]

I never trust sharkbite. I choose compression

[@geraldblackburn4883]

That is Insane, that is crzy beautiful, can we hire you ?

[@Mannyarruda-d6i]

Great job , but would a liner installed first not be a bad idea ??

[@rideauviewconstruction717]

Excellent video. Learnt a lot. FYI take his advice on those knee pads he wears. Bought a pair and love them.

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

They are a life saver. Some contractor mentioned them to me about 5-6 yrs ago. Said he’d outlast everyone else ge knew by using them. It’s true. I wish I would of started out with them, maybe then my knees wouldn’t hurt after each job

[@MandoFettOG]

@@BathroomRemodelingTeacher what's the brand? Is it in your affiliate links?

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

@@MandoFettOG it’s the Dreamline slimline 👍 amzn.to/3xmcpnv

[@MandoFettOG]

@@BathroomRemodelingTeacher sorry I meant the kneepads

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

@@MandoFettOG amzn.to/39mR5Gv 👍

[@shantor100]

Love how that one shut off us facing the interior

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

Right so hard to turn off that way 😆 simply press down

[@shantor100]

@@BathroomRemodelingTeacher then again most new shower diverted have a shut off screw

[@michaeltwiz8477]

That tub is going to come up. You're suppose to put down tar paper first. The wood is going to absorb the moisture and cause the mud to crack when it dries out.

[@tonyd4346]

Maybe he moistened the sub floor first. I don’t know.

[@michaeltwiz8477]

@@tonyd4346 It doesn't matter if he did. It's still going to come up

[@benjaminbunny99]

You don’t have to worry about your saw falling out of your drill because all (good) drills have a locking mechanism in the chuck. You simply tighten it all the way, then back off until it clicks. Will be less than a quarter turn. This was a game changer when I learned about it.

[@moemanm1202]

Can i use a shower liner like oatey pvc shower liner underneath the pan for added waterproofing. Or will the pan rip the liner

[@ScottyLo]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Note to self. Make sure you have a telescoping magnet on hand.

[@mikelopez4148]

Where you get the shower glass door !?

[@mariojackson5155]

Good job friend

[@kelsycunningham8452]

The one time, one bloody time I didn't close the sink drain and I dropped the new light fixture mounting nut in the sink 🤣. I have the same magnetic pick up.

[@jhamp81]

Good call on the shark bite ball valves with bleeders buried in the wall 😂 Your show should be called Amateur Hour

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

😆 thanks. Yeah there’s a beautiful access panel in closet to get to it, plus I had nothing to do with it (existing) Thanks for your time in commenting 👍

[@arturomolina7136]

Maestro!👍

[@davidselders4670]

Great video, thank you. I have almost the same setup but with a two sided threshold. My issue is the corner off the walls in the bathroom is almost 1/2 inch up and there is movement. Recommendations for securing? Was going to try shims, but wanted to check first as you seemed to have the same issue on this video.

[@tedmcdonald3377]

Thanks 😎🛠️😎🛠️😎

[@daze023]

Thanks for tips I'd like some of those full shin knee pads. Where do you find them, please?

[@chadc.3228]

Did you use any over glue? I didn’t see any when you set shower pan

[@matthewhazen7824]

Another great video. Taking the time to really level stuff off is how its done! Always checking your measurements. Might be a good idea for another video to go into a little detail on what the “acceptable tolerances” are when measuring, cutting and leveling. Keep up the great work dude.

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

Good point, Yeah I should of had my wife zoom in on level. Didn’t realize we didn’t capture that 👍

[@matthewhazen7824]

No worries. Yeah, I just thought I’d make the suggestion that a future video discussing when a measurement or whatever is “good enough “ might be very beneficial for your students. Because in construction work, it’s essential for a skilled guy to know the difference when something is good enough or not enough.

[@larrbearh2624]

Thxs that was very helpful

[@TurdFerg117]

How high do I cut the drain pipe? No videos show this do I cut it level with the subfloor or the pan?

[@michaelm2686]

If the floor was concrete would you follow a similar process?

[@balamala2647]

You are so knowledgeable! Question. Which license is required to remodel bathrooms? Is just a tile license sufficient or do you need different types of licenses? If so which licenses are required?

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

Really depends on your on municipality. Most require a licensed plumber & electrician to do that part of project. General contractors also have to be licensed in some areas too. All comes down to your local big brother 😆

[@balamala2647]

@@BathroomRemodelingTeacher So I'm probably looking at 3 or 4 different licenses. I'm in Nevada but I think most states require the same.

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

@@balamala2647 yep, just 3 or 4 lifetimes to have nice things legally 😆 sounds about right

[@Lilfabo124]

Will the tile be going under the pan or at the side of it

[@salab3291]

Good job 👍

[@craig2535]

If the floor is perfectly level that the shower pan is going to sit on does a person need to put down mortar?

[@retiredperson4054]

Have you installed an American Standard "Ovation Curved Shower Kit" ? We are looking at that in a 48 by 30 inch deep for a bathroom remodel. As we read the reviews there are a bit of negative reviews (of course, every thing gets negative comments) but if you have done one of the Curved Base and Curved Door Ovation Kits sold by Home Depot for American Standard, we would love to hear your feedback... Thanks! Retired Person

[@AlexAbba]

Nice job. What did you use to seal bud joints? Regular compound or a special paste or perhaps a thinset? Do you recommend using red guard to waterproof the backer board?

[@joebinion1]

When you install a membrane on the shower walls do you typically use backer board or can you use drywall??

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

I usually use a foam board. On this one I used go board. If there was a shortage, my second option would be drywall and a Schluter type membrane 👍

[@imx152]

Can't believe it's taken me this long to find your channel haha, been wondering what happened to you on home repair tutor's channel.

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

Glad you found it 👍 😆 KZbin takes awhile to start suggesting videos.

[@debbiemarshman1398]

Hi. Dreamline says not to screw the pan to studs. Can you explain why you did?

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

It simply does not have specs for screwing into place 👍

[@Vastanden]

I came here for this comment. According to the Q&As for the shower base, screwing the flanges into the studs completely voids the warranty. Was this overlooked or am I missing something?

[@robmtz2354]

Do you need mortar even if the floor is even?

[@gav3379]

Hi, would it be ok to put some plastic sheeting down on the sub floor before putting the leveling mortar to prevent the sub floor from absorbing the water from the mortar?

[@PrettyGoodLookin]

Do some research on it.

[@ladyluck5248]

Use a waterproof membrane like Kurdi or something that won’t corrode.

[@truth6600]

I wet the subfloor.

[@fredpanaro562]

Use plastic under the mortar and on top. You don’t want the mortar to stick to the pan during future removal. In addition the strainer should be tightened a bit more than hand tight.

[@JesusSanchez-xu2is]

NO!!! You could you stucco netting paper... nail it down to the subfloor.

[@absinthecarolinas]

Does your BathroomRemodel course include tutelage on how to set a tile floor (vs a pan), and how to set the drain into a tile floor? The webpage doesn't seem clear about that.

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

The diy geek membership (one time payment, bundle of all courses) has many tiled shower pans 👍 bathroomremodeling.teachable.com/p/diy-bathroom-geek

[@micuzzu]

Just bought the course!

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

Thank you 👍 let me know if you need anything

[@dtingue]

which flat head screws did you use

[@ggtaruc2578]

Good video. Except you didn't show how you installed the GoBoard. I would have been interested to see how you butted the board to the shower base.

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

Go in description to view videos associated or buy into course where you get the full thing with no ads or interruptions bathroomremodeling.teachable.com/p/3-day-shower-course

[@markhernandez9216]

How do u check of there is no leak on the drain under nea.?

[@splanzza]

Great vid BRT. Off subject question, what kind of boots are those, are they steel toe? I am looking for some with outer rubber toe protection but not inside steel/carbon cap. 🧐

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

Keens. Ever since I bought them, haven’t tried anything else. Steel toe 👍 amzn.to/3GRk8hU

[@jackfender5074]

Great video - out of interest could you have completed the dry lining / other fitments first before fitting the pan base - what advantageous did laying this first offer?

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

That’s a great question… I’ll have to do more research on that one. I personally see no issue laying mortar over plywood like this. Especially when it’s only for support But I agree a vapor barrier of some sort would be better. I just don’t think it’s worth spending $50 for a full roll of tarpaper to do. But I agree it should be done for mud bed shower pans and tile floor installations. 👍

[@markwaugh2613]

Whenever I set a pan mortar always doesn’t squish down and holds pan high up

[@Miguel.Garcia]

Anyway to make this a curbless if you recess the floor joists and put this shower base in it?

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

I’ve been wanting to look into acrylic curbless showers. My biggest issue would be properly waterproofing it. This model base would require quite a recess to make curbless

[@MandoFettOG]

Interesting idea. The transition to flooring would be challenging. If you were slab on grade and could inset the base into the slab you could make that work

[@vicO1323]

You still have a curb with the acrylic pan. A true curbless shower pan is done with a mud job with tile floors both in and out of the pan.

[@micuzzu]

Thank you!!!!

[@jimdeignan2957]

Base not Level. Purchased the DreamLine SlimLine 32 x 60 shower base. Out of the box the base did not sit level on the floor. Not sure if this is common and can the flange screws can hold it level. Any suggestions on how to proceed. Thanks

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

Set in mortar like this demonstration and make it level 👍

[@SocalGates]

can you put the wet mortar straight on plywood? wouldnt it rot from moisture? dont i need a hardie becker floor board? also do the purple wall drywall replace hardie becker for walls?

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

Yes, no problem with mortar directly over plywood. No moisture will get to it since this is only a setting material for shower pan. And no, purple board is not a replacement for a tile backer board. It’s moisture resistant and if used as a backer board, you’ll need a waterproof membrane over top

[@SocalGates]

@@BathroomRemodelingTeacher so what's the purpose of the purple drywall sheets?

[@Winterborne204]

​@@SocalGatesToo help protect studs and to probley build it out, as you want your wonder board to overlap that lip on the shower pan.

[@cirodiosdado4875]

Hi there can someone tell me how much to charge for epoxy Grout or how much is the price in market I’m in Illinois

[@First426]

Shouldn’t it be a angled towards the drain or does the pan comes a little slant?

[@theaveragejoe6854]

Comes with a fall. The outside needs to be level so the tiles sit flush

[@allenliu6249]

Hello Sir, can I put the shower pan on tile directly? or should I put the sand on tile first?

[@j.w.r.i2910]

Was the drain finished? Whats the next step ?

[@davidpruett7894]

Wouldn't it have been a lot easier to measure that drain pipe, and cut, before you put the base in place?

[@Bqt178]

What’s material is the pan made out of. Can’t I drill steel pan coated with porcelain?

[@corky5928]

I just bought an 'Elegant' shower pan and the instructions call for thinset as a base. Should I use thinset or mortar?

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

That’s interesting Most thinsets can only go 3/4” thick. If your floor is level, I’d say no problem. But if your building it up to level things, I’d go with Mortar 👍

[@justaguynamedme8337]

You put the shutoff valves behind the drywall. Why? I always keep mine accessible in case I need to quickly shut the water off.

[@intheshell35ify]

Why doesn't the mortar break up over time?

[@kurtlajoie7703]

Wouldn't that rubber seal serve a better purpose on the top side. I don't see it sealing anything where it is. 🤔

[@mirapeters8895]

Why did you put the mud without a liner to protect the wood base?

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

You can. It’s really not necessary though. This is just for support. No moisture will penetrate to cause any issues. But not a bad idea to put plastic down 👍

[@gary24752]

Why didn't you use a 30 lb. felt slip sheet under the mortar? Shouldn't the holes to attach it to the studs be elongated to all some movement to help eleminated cracking in the shower base? The mortar seemed a little too stiff to conform to the shower base by standing on the shower. Shouldn't it be about what you would use for bricks?

[@BH-ip6ds]

Great Video. Is there any reason you use silicone instead of plumbers putty? I have the brass drain that I used with the putty. Seems to work okay. Also, I'm not sure but it looked like you put the drain over the protective plastic. It's easy to do because it's invisible - I did it too and went back and removed drain to peel plastic off.

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

Yes, 😆 that’s the third time I’ve left that plastic on too, 😆 haven’t had any issues. From it. But yeah super easy to forget about. And I just trust silicone more. Had an issue years ago with putty and always used silicone since 👍

[@YT-User1013]

Crap, I just installed a pan and I installed the drain without removing the plastic. I caulked around the flange to floor pan just in case! I’m afraid to try and lift the pan once it’s grouted in. Contemplating…🤔

[@supermaple1919]

I see some of the people who commented on your work. Asked you a few questions and I don't see any response from you. Am I going through the right procedure to see your answers?

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

If it’s on the short content, I simply don’t have the time. I spend my time answering questions in course 👍 bathroomremodeling.teachable.com/p/diy-bathroom-geek

[@supermaple1919]

@@BathroomRemodelingTeacher okay thank you many. I love your content and I will share your videos with as many people as I can

[@bamaboy7489]

Why did you need to put mortar underneath pan?

[@bmcginnis6543]

FYI !!!! You are NOT supposed to use screws in Dreamline pans. It can end up creating cracks in the pan later on.

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

Never seen or heard that. It doesn’t indicate to not to do that. Embed in mortar and your good to go 👍

[@andrey162000]

Only time I didn’t screw down a shower base was with a koni marble solid man made concrete base, the weight alone was more then enough to have it stay put, I don’t think sand mix adheres to this base, so it would have more chances of moving about without screws?

[@johnnymarkson1499]

Anyone know what tool he used on the drill when cutting the pipe?

[@kml990]

inside pipe cutter

[@andrey162000]

Pipe shooter by lyncar, 1 year later…

[@geraldblackburn4883]

I would not even try this, how did you learn all of this or acquire all of this ? ? ? this is what ? not shown anywhere else ?

[@amberdills5360]

What screws do you use ?

[@pavlokraievskyi2391]

GRK cabinet are what’s recommended

[@rainmaker3700]

I had a Dream Line pan start to de-laminate/bubble on me. The textured surface layer was not bonded properly to the underlayers, anyone else have this problem?

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

Oh man, really? That’s terrible. First I’ve heard of this

[@andrey162000]

Don’t walk on it wet, your literally squeezing out the mix from below and making a gap

[@chuckadams195]

If you attempt this I strongly recommend not caulking your shower drain in.Use a good putty and do it the correct way this guy is just setting his self up for a nightmare down the road or some poor soul.

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

Is that right 😆 okay 👍

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

Our shower base is not level - so we have to fiddle with a squeegee to get all the water down the drain