How to Install Tile Redi Shower Pan --- Moving Drain Pipe in Concrete Foundation

Tile Redi pans eliminate the vulnerable failure points of other shower pan systems like Schluter Kerdi, Wedi, Hydroblock and Redgard. In those systems, the pan and wall connection is at or below the waterline of the shower and are often just connected in the field with sealant or thinset. Also, the drain is a separate piece and has to be secured to the pan with thinset or sealant. Installer error is common with these systems leading to catastrophic water and structural damage.
Tile Redi pans are one piece, pre-sloped, and have the drain integrated into the pan through the injection molding process. The integrated splash walls and curb make it so there are no connection points in the field at the vulnerable waterline.
For more info on Tile Redi products, select the links below:
Redi Trench: tileredi.co/3ZXQp0p
Redi Base: tileredi.co/45AznGK
Custom Shower Pans: tileredi.co/3tHpGJu
Wall Solutions: tileredi.co/3tD8K6G

[@stevenjerauld2352]

We put in two of these pans in 2015 and 17. Both are rock solid and have been problem free. I remember working up a similar sweat as we set the pans.

[@tommcmillan3143]

My son and I put in a Tile Redi pan about that same size in his house. Both of us are just shipboard pipe fitters, not plumbers or tile experts and we were able to do it and it turned out great. After seeing all your videos with issues with Schluter and similar style designs I was convinced it was going to have to be a mud bed until I discovered the Tile Redi product What I really liked was the second day when you come back after the mortar has cured, the tile base is super solid, absolutely bullet proof! This is going to be one of those 100 year bathrooms! My son and I had the same feeling you had when everything was set and level, priceless!!! Great job and we really like your videos!

[@firemedic2572]

We put one in 2 years ago when we remodeled our master bath. So glad Issac is on board with them. I watched so many of his videos before the project.

[@TodayIWorkOn]

Fun... right! Above the substrate tile redi installs are the toughest! You did well TileCoach. Glad TileRedi got you on board. Years ago there was nothing out there on tileredi, you're the 2nd person to start going over how they work! That pvc connection is so stressful. 😅 PS- People will say you are not supposed to step on the base after you install them, but it's fine.

[@michaelm3255]

A silver sharpie will show up very well on ABS pipe, even in a dark hole. Great video!

[@ryanperry9838]

Lead and copper pans the best , old school

[@rongilpin9376]

Nice job guys! I just installed my custom 66x46.5 Tile redi pan last week. The thing about the custom pan is it was a completely solid unit so the bottom was flat and the install called for modified mortar with 1/2 trowel. Still a bit tricky getting mortar down and gluing the drain with a large pan and extremely tight fit, but I came up with a method that made it super easy. I cut two 1/2” strips from a 2x4 and put one at each end of pan so the pan would sit on them like a rail above the mortar, then set the glue and slid the pan in place, lifted the pan slightly at each end and pulled the strips out and the pan seated perfectly on the drain and mortar.

[@TravelAdventuresUSA]

Good Idea.. doing this next week

[@fbatista1]

Nice Suggestion in the temporary shims.

[@javigarciayt]

So glad you did a tile redi I used and loved it

[@coreyneuhold2084]

I appreciate the transparency of the video, with minimal cuts and the talk through thought processes.

[@fun0537]

It's nice to see you making videos on these. Commented about them on one of your videos almost a year ago. After watching a lot of your videos, I realized it was worth every penny compared to the risks of the other systems I watched you put in.

[@javigarciayt]

THE BEST SYSTEM. No more failures.

[@davids6075]

Awesome job as always guys 24:28

[@TR4Ajim]

I’ve been hoping you’d do one of these “tile-ready” pans. Not having to worry about joint failures is a big plus. It would be interesting after you complete this series of videos, if you would compare time/material versus Schluter or dry pack shower installs.👍

[@JohnChuprun]

That's pretty smart. I'm glad you filmed your first time doing it - as that's the most realistic experience DIYers will have rather than filming it after you've done it a bunch of times. It's like the fool proof protection of an ugly fiberglass tub/shower, but allow you to make a custom tiled shower. Thanks!

[@TC-tw5zk]

I've always used a silver sharpie...on abs..works great

[@robdgonz]

haha I waited and waited for some of the "KZbin Tile Guys" to do a Tile Redi pat till I couldn't wait anymore. I just installed one myself about 3 weeks ago. Went well as far as I can tell. Happy to see you try one of these though. I liked it.

[@punderific444]

I just did a 36x66 pan. First time doing a shower. So far GOOD!!

[@bdobrzensky]

Oh I remember the squeak of the pan on the studs when trying to set my pan. Was terrified that it would always squeak. Came back the next day and rock solid so squeaks. 8 months of use and perfection.

[@patrickcowan8701]

These are great. No need to flood test and it will never leak unless you screw up the drain connection.

[@edgarsantana5395]

Great video Isac

[@controlledchaos2000]

Tile Redi pans are all I install these days.

[@yeti7520]

I've been waiting for this demo. I appreciate your work, and the matter-of-fact way you describe the steps. We have one of these to do in about a month. Looking for more content, if you can get it!

[@IceCat143]

We are very happy with TileRedi. Getting the mortar right took 3 tries but it was solidly even in our third attempt. First two failed because we couldn’t “shimmy” it enough to distribute the mortar evenly underneath. On our final attempt, we shook it vigorously and it all evened out. We could tell it was very solid when we stepped on it. Had no hollow spots. No problems since the install which was in 2017. Got the bench too. Tiling was a breeze. Didn’t have to worry about waterproofing and it came with all the flashing pieces and epoxy thinset for convenience. Inspector skipped the stack/fill test for the shower because we used TileRedi. Overall it was a no headache DIY job.

[@DudeTastic13]

I did 2 showers using these pans. Absolutely 0 problems with them. And I did it solo, and before Isaac came out with this video. These pans are absolute savers. They aren't cheap, but they are worth the money because you can guarantee no leaks. Aside from being good with the measurements, dry fitting, having 2 guys during this process is absolutely critical because that ABS glue from the pan to the drain dries very fast.

[@DavidKirtley]

I (well, actually the plumbers) installed one of these in my bathroom. I had the issue of it not filling up under the pan. From watching you, the mortar was probably not wet enough and possibly not deep enough. It was the first time for all of us. One thing to watch for besides level is to make sure that the pan didn't bow up in the center. That is what happened to mine. I did some "forbidden modifications" to the pan to save the installation. Even with that problem, I feel better than if I had gone with one of the other systems. I will buy another Tile Redi when I get ready to do the other bathroom.

[@BOHICA_]

@3:31 - Great tip about making the pencil line when using lasers!

[@markploof]

I’ve known you for about 3yrs now picking up great tips on shower pans. My first molded pan I used was tile redi’s, 10yrs or more.I love them. 99% of my showers are curbless so most of the drains are centered and tiles are cut in the envelope pattern. I’m in Michigan and tile redi has a hub in Indiana, i can get pans fairly quickly if the pan is a standard size. My problem now is 90% of my showers are not standard sizes. Tile redi can do custom sizes but the cost and time to manufacture is extremely time consuming and expensive. Here is when I found you. I’ll use RSS shower pans with the flo fx drains, love them. I cut 6” strips 1/2” kirdi board and glue them with rapid set (non sag waterproof and adhesive) to the shower pan so I have that side wall all the way around. Then I use the white Laticrete ban fabric and infuse it with hydro ban with 3 coats or so to seal the floor and wall transition. I use drywall on all my shower walls and waterproof it with kirdi paper. Seamless. I kind of make my own tile redi pans this way. Most of my bathroom floors are heated also so detra heat membrane goes down and I’ll thinset one or two pucks around the edge to the wall nice and flat so I can hydro ban that transition to the wall so the theory is the shower pan (rss) will never get wet. If I’m not heating the floor it’s the regular detra membrane.

[@NoboruWateya]

I believe a pvc liner s/b used to allow the foam pan to absorb maximum moisture from the mortar underlay. Essentially, the foam turns into a concrete/mortar structure. Great videos as always-peace!

[@RyanHarveyphoto]

Great vid - thank. Also, I like the frame rate of the camera from above - looks like 24 frames vs 30 on your other cam!

[@pianoman22407]

Nice work. 👊🏽👍🏽

[@bluearcherx]

my favorite part about these are you can order them to custom spec for any shower.. my wife is an interior designer and it also gives her a lot of flexibility for her clients

[@sv.crypto5435]

AWESOME!!! Do you believe I went to nearly all TB games at Michigan? After the 97 season I was hooked and going to FB games regularly as I was getting my degree in the midwest - now a home owner in cali. Fun fact: after losing the first 2 games in 98 with TB at the helm the atmosphere in the big house was that of a riot/pissed. Also they did lose to Donovan McNabb in that second game. Have a good one!!!! ✌

[@Indus2020]

My man - you finally did it. About a year ago, when you were struggling with schluter, and I installed one of these, I wrote to you asking “why” you do not use a Redi Shower base. I guess better late than never. I have used one of these in two different bathroom settings - in both, replacing a bath tub. (The following is for people who may not be able to find help in undertaking this task in their endeavors to make improvements to their bathrooms.) I “alone” did it without any help. I strapped it in two different places ( opposite ends) and held it up/ lowered it in place using a pulley suspended from the ceiling! Also, looking at what you did for the floor, I’m sure one of us got it wrong. While you followed directions and reduced the depth of the floor mortar / cement / thinset, by a 1/2” keeping the mortar / thinset flat, I actually understood it to mean that the 1/2” was to be consistent through the length of the Redi Base, with having provided “tapering”, in the lay of the mortar, being thinnest near the drain and thickest at the far end. I’m likely to give you the benefit of the doubt, as you likely talked to Redi Base makers and acquired correct information. Having said that, mine also is flat or “ level “, along the 4 sides.

[@kylepeterson0]

I also read it as that too 👀 They a pre sloped pans.. so it makes sense to me that you would go even mortar across the full floor Unless this one wasn’t pre sloped?

[@briankowald6465]

Surprised you didn’t put that coffee can back in to maintain the circle. Great video!

[@joefowler3106]

Hey Issac, a silver metallic sharpie works great on dark material (marking thise pipes)

[@lindisease2617]

I still need to finish my bathroom😅 I let you diy channels talks me into gutting it and now I need to rebuild. 😂😂

[@lindisease2617]

Actually it was my wallets fault.

[@jensvincent4702]

Shingled prefab pan/wall systems are fool proof. Glad a tillable version is out now. There’s no reason to use any system but this.

[@AaronTheHarris]

How did you work to avoid the post tension cables when drilling into the concrete?

[@fbatista1]

This video is what I’ve been waiting for. The cement slab stub out for a redi pan is exactly what I was hoping to see in a video. You rock! This content is legit. I was sold on a Schluter but I want a worry free install like this shower pan. Have you experimented with the stainless steel tile redi pans?

[@BiggMo]

1:16 For us older guys (pre technology) we just set string lines

[@deweytarver8985]

Getting ready to set one in place today. It’s 72x37. Guess I had better go pick up some more thin set. Didn’t realize how much of that stuff is needed. I don’t have to go that thick though. My deepest rib is 3/4 inch.

[@fredrod6876]

First I want to thank you for all the tips when it comes to remodele a bathroom , and I have a question , what can you tell me about Hardie backer whit Hidrodefence?

[@Trainman0401]

I was going to use the same tray but decided against it because it needs to be glued to the drain. If the glue dries before you adjusted it then you are stuck! Instead I decided to install a base that allows you to use a compression drain that can be installed anytime after leveling the base. However, you can’t place tile over it but it gave me more flexibility and less stress installing it.

[@BZ1340]

Make your install easier. I use suction cups as handles to move the pans around or even bathtubs for that matter. Grabo or similar

[@travisk5589]

I was hoping the headlamp would make an appearance today

[@paulvieth2906]

Have you used denshield on the walls with the redi tile pan, and the redi tile flashing, make it super easy using standard deck screws

[@jordanseverydaydiy4373]

Great video coach. You said you used about 4 bars of mortar. Were they 40 lb, 50 lb, or 80 lb bags.

[@jimreitenbach6023]

I used a Corian shower base. No need to tile it. A place in Madison WI. Ventura.

[@Trainman0401]

Before laying the mortar bed should you wet the floor or place a plastic over it so the water in the mix isn’t absorbed into the flooring?

[@PNW_DAVE]

Nice man I'm doing a 36x50 tile redi pan soon. What size is the one in the video?

[@marcusdollard7330]

I’m retired did most of my work in NYC as a GC I would charge extra to use that thing we never had problems with leaks lead pan even looks easier than that thing

[@MrTooTechnical]

Nice vid. How come u didn’t use megalite below the pan?

[@ohokayofficial]

Is it possible to use GoBoard for shower wall prep and then a prefloat + pan liner and float? Or is cement board / a membrane + waterproofing the best way to go for shower walls and time?

[@seahunterinca]

Been around long enough to say, I love your work. Installing the same pan, the same installation with the same conditions tomorrow. I purchased slow blow PVC cement to give me some time on the pan drop. I'll let you know how it goes. My question is when adding a shower door system to this pan are there any special requirements when drilling for fasteners? I'm a big Sika fan, been using it for 30+ years, but I'm concerned whether or not the fasteners are going to tighten into the mortar below or should I go all the way to the concrete floor, fill the hole with Sika then fasten the the fasteners/brackets?

[@snak_dog]

Digging the TB12 t-shirt 👍

[@WGS1111]

I noticed you didn't add a vapor barrier or any plastic down before pouring the mortar onto the slab. Is this ok because the region you're in? Or is s vapor barrier not needed for this type of installation. Would be to prevent moisture from coming up thru the slab I believe. Thank you for making these videos. Great job!

[@Jamax99Jetfan]

Its concrete base, and your installing a shower pan. Its best to set it right on concrete. No vapor barrier needed at all, if wood yes.

[@user-em7lp1sb4k]

Before chipping or cutting the slab, ensure there are no post tension cables nearby.

[@KingSobieski]

The linear drains that use the 3 piece drain system ;)

[@Tinman-dm4cx]

I would like to get your input on the curb less pan they make, Please and Thank you.

[@JFabric500]

I wish they would offer an option for a heated Redi tile base. Basically choose the option and it come with a cable already in it.

[@tonycopelyn8730]

What type of mortar did you use for setting the pan…A product list would be great

[@craiglemp1618]

Hi Isaac. Thanks for another great video. I purchased one of these pans after watching you install one. Question. Do you have to use their wall system? Or can I use duro rock or other hardi backer material. When I bought my pan they sent me metal flashing is that necessary. Thanks again for your videos

[@remodz6385]

I would use their matching wall system, but you can use any wall system honestly. Ive used kerdi and cement board with this same pan. This pan I’ve been using for about 2 years now and it’s totally changed how I do showers now. I e done about 8-10 of them.

[@craiglemp1618]

Thank you for your response @remodz6385. I really appreciate it. I’ve done quite a few using old methods floating walls etc. it’s funny I put redi shower pan I’m my notes two years ago I was doing a remodel and was looking for other options. I never pulled the trigger. I wish I had. I am excited to use this. I’m retired now and remodeling my own home I had bought wonder board for the walls before I bought this pan. I am going to take your advice and purchase their system. Thank you again for your input

[@ottawapop]

Bit of a stressful install with the quickset for me. I’d just take my time, self level it and use regular thin set and bill accordingly. Great job though.

[@rexclark7821]

Plz tell me what kinda mortar you used??

[@libertyman3729]

What about a plumb line from the ceiling on center with the shower drain pipe ?

[@tonycopelyn8730]

If you use the walls with this kit, would you still apply Redguard or Hydoband?

[@tonycopelyn8730]

If you are setting pan on a concrete slab (which you did) do I need to lay some kind of barrier before laying the mortar (which you did not) but most of my inquiries are recommending placing some kind of barrier between mortar and concrete slab???

[@gavin_hill]

Do you have any experience laying porcelain tile made in China. Any problems with it or is the quality okay? Thank you!

[@Astros-dz4bx]

would you say tile redi is the easiest DIY for homeowners out of all the methods?

[@TileCoach]

Not sure about the easiest, but definitely the least likely to fail.

[@retiredperson4054]

OK Tile Coach... have you any experience with VIM Products Inc .... The Original Level Entry Shower System™ ?

[@davetaylor2449]

My pan from opposite the drain fluted depth is two inches, then as you check the depth , as it goes towards the drain, it shrinks down to 1 inch, so do you slope your motor bed?

[@a.m.phaneuf6164]

Pitch slab to drain, w/ mud; tar-felt paper hot-mop, over pitched dry mud, covering weep-holes w/ pea gravel or tile chips; dry-pack (pitch dry-pack to drain)…you want water to go thru grout joints, thru dry-pack, then water will flow down pitched hot-mop waterproof layer, thru gravel, into weep (drain) holes and so into drainpipe. Majority of water goes thru floor drain screen, but u want all other moisture & water to filter thru cement & sand grout joints/cement & sand thin-set/and your porous cement & sand dry-pack.

[@jgeisler]

A cardboard template could also help if you have only one laser or none at all.

[@danbartstow9829]

Hello Mr.O…I’m looking for a job in the Sacramento area..I have all my tools and have over 30 years experience…I worked for Reliable Tile and was his top setter before he moved out of state to Arkansas to retire….Let me know..Thank you! My experience is comparable to yours…

[@k00k]

Is there video of the Tile Redi wall board installation?

[@TileRedi_US]

Yes, the wall board installation video can be found here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4nYmHudZZt1qbcsi=1c7yo8rP1Mtdb2Az

[@Ramennoodlekilla]

Does it matter how deep the 6 inch hole is? It looks like maybe 4-6 inches here, right?

[@larrys5733]

😂 i don't think Tile-Redi is going to include coffee with their pans. Jk I learned something today.... Yay

[@johnsmind]

Yeah, The Pan and drain with the mortar IS the hardest part, getting the drain in and NOT having the pan ROCK is challenging with NO help. I just had to cut out my drain and start over from forgetting to put the mortar in first then glue the thing. DUH. I was tired. Help matters.

[@andrewstevenson2721]

Hey hope someone can help me I have a shower valve that needs to be flushed with the tile I'm using a half inch trowel for a 12 x 24 tile I'm wondering will it still be a half inch thickness after I install tile or will that compress down

[@michaeldepow6663]

It will compress

[@michaelmoreau1329]

It’s a great product but I wish they had the option to order with ABS plumbing instead of PVC.

[@Ramennoodlekilla]

What size abs pipe did you use?

[@TileCoach]

2”

[@Ramennoodlekilla]

@@TileCoach thanks!

[@davetaylor2449]

There is one thing that I won’t understand. They want the floor to be solid with concrete, under base. But the shower curb they do not care if it is solid. And this is the only place on the pan where you are going to have penetrations, and a need for a good solid base to attach , in my case sliding door tracks. Why not turn unit upside down fill the curb so it i the same dept as the rest of the voids?

[@jt5747]

That's a stressful install.

[@weekendwarrior3420]

Those rocks can REALLy screw this up!

[@jhmyersii]

Tile Redi also sells a metal flashing that sits on top of the shower pan edge and gets attached to all three sides. I'm just not sure that it's needed. Any thoughts?

[@TileRedi_US]

It's an option, you can use the Redi Flash or you can use a polymer sealant on the splash wall where the board sits along with taping for a watertight seal.

[@TheAxecutioner]

make a template with cardboard or something so you dont need a laser

[@fly4fun24]

THIS CO. SHOULD NOT EXIST.... ... Hey ISAC, I am a big fan, and you have to do big part of my success. I never heard of this tile Redi Untill Yesterday when I watched you do your first installation. I decided to give a shot and try to use the product. Tile Redi has the worst customer support I have ever experienced.. They were RUDE on the Phone, they don't answer anything, they Force you to communicate via email in a situation that is time sensitive, I can't rely on emails. I ORDERED a 32" complete kit Walls, seals.etc. by mistake Late afternoon. next morning, I called to ratify the order to a 34" pan instead. They said I couldn't... if i do that I will have to pay 20% the entire purchase of Restocking fee.. So I canceled th order all together and I will not accept. delivery. Now researching better, I found out I am not alone, that is why they Reviews is at 3.6

[@ronaldwoody9440]

I called to ask a few questions before ordering and the individual I spoke with was very pleasant and helpful.

[@xxxdpgxxxx1389]

Paint pen come on tile coach

[@handsupbud]

NO THANK YOU on me ever thinking about a job like that. I was nervous watching you put that pan down and trying to get that drain lined up. I would be cussing because I would have screwed that drain up.

[@Obshowersyndicate]

A customer wanted to use one of these pans. What a piece of chit is was .never again

[@TileCoach]

What was it you didn't like about it? Ive never heard of anyone complaining about the quality. Seemed like the highest quality pan that I have used.

[@Obshowersyndicate]

@@TileCoach first off they required epoxy thinset and that alone is enough to not get one. The one I got the curbs were different by 1/29k". The slope was not good going into the drain. For what it cost it seemed like a pos

[@TileRedi_US]

@@Obshowersyndicate Our pans no longer need epoxy to adhere the tiles onto the surface. We made the change back in 2021 to simplify the installation process. You'll be happy to know that you can choose from thinsets/mortars that are available at your local big box stores and listed on our installation instructions.

[@robottrainer]

xyz axis.

[@AdrenalineRushMX]

i use my drunk laser and sell the house after

[@AdrenalineRushMX]

and i sure did alot of money because shower is not on the real house prob

[@weekendwarrior3420]

Linear drain is the dumbest idea ever. It's unsanitary and hard to install right. It worse even than "open shelves".