Installing a Shower Pan Base | Tub to Shower

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

bathroomremodeling.teachable.com/p/3-day-shower-course

[@RobHaren]

My only comment is that when Ido drains I always put a rag in the drain so that I don’t accidentally drop something down the drain. Great video! Rob

[@branchandfoundry560]

Yep, I like an inflatable ball plug because it stays put when I shop vac debris out.

[@lindsey.buuuug]

I discovered this channel while broadening my understanding of construction and craftsmanship, determined not to accept my current situation blindly. I'm dedicated to expanding my knowledge of construction and proper installation techniques. Your channel allows me to confidently question whether these techniques were properly executed in a project. The default solution of filling gaps with sealant, up to a quarter inch, often prompts an eye roll from me. I even joked about whether sealant could save someone's life from a gaping wound in an emergency situation? Nonetheless, your videos are invaluable, and as a former educator, I deeply appreciate your dedication and expertise in educating your audience.

[@carloslarosa5654]

The guy remodeling my bathroom had the pan unleveled, I called him and no answer, I left him many voicemails but he won’t return my calls . Thanks to this awesome video I did it myself and came out perfect! THANKS FOR THE VIDEO !!!!!! 🏆

[@charcW8850]

I have watched 2 dozen videos all leaving me with more questions. You my friend have explained each step thoroughly and given such clarity I feel like I know what to do now, THANK YOU! Best video on youtube

[@Major_with_AbbyGail]

Good Job. Looks great! One suggestion, If you don't mind. I've run into, a few dozen times, a job where installing a safety hand bar was required. These are usually for handicap or elderly customers. In doing so, I have run into, several times, where there is not adequate blocking or stud spacing for optimal installation. I have opened walls (through Sheetrock) on opposite side of wall and added 2x4 blocking, then patched wall. So, when I do remodel and install new shower walls, with either fiberglass inserts or hardy-back for tile, i always add horizontal blocking in both walls (skipping, of course the shower plumbing wall), at the optimal height for bar installation. Hardy-back/Tile walls are probably strong enough to hold a bar on their own, but i feel better if there's some strength behind there, just in case a heavy person would try to arrest their fall and grab that handle. Safety first. I find that the cost and time to do this is very minimal and explaining to the customer that this was done for future reference, is always appreciated. Anyway, just a suggestion. Keep up the great work. Ty

[@brotherperry2363]

I always do that as well, also when install a closet, I add blocking for the cloth bracket.

[@frankclements1431]

I had a contractor remodel my bathroom. I specifically told him to add blocking to support hand bars. He failed to do as required. I pulled the hand bar away and had to install it again myself with really long screws. I don't know what I caught but I thought I was going to screw into my refrigerator in the kitchen.@@brotherperry2363

[@MkmeOrg]

An absolute pleasure to watch a master of his craft. The clear explanations throughout are perfect. Learned more skills from 1 video than 50 others. Cheers

[@jamespatterson1433]

Im in a pickel. In my walkin shower I put baby chicks in there just until I got their other place ready. The heat lamp fell in the night and landed face down and burned a hole through the shower floor. Im renting this home really sucks. If you dont think a Bath Fitter cover base then I'll be putting in a new floor I guess. Thank you I'll be watching all your videoes for sure.

[@weeblo5460]

As a diehard DIY'er my expertise and experience is easily explained as, knowing a little about a lot. Taking pride in doing it myself never stops me from tackling the next big project, and i'm happy with the outcome as long as it doesn't look like an amateur job. This video is fantastic and carefully explains each step to avoid the amateur pitfalls. Thanks for sharing this project with us and I can't wait to see the next.

[@jeffkezerian4169]

Sir, Your videos and teachings are always so so helpful, and hands down professional and thorough.

[@colebarnette5231]

Bro! That wheeler REX is too cool. Great vid keep up the great work fellas

[@magncity1817]

Great video, thx! Is there a shower pan product that one can just insert without mortar underneath, and, can accept tile? Thanks in advance.

[@wilcoxtactical3716]

Yes. Get any of the solid shower pans.

[@valvestroke1]

Work horse...you break a sweat every day. Appericiate and learn from your content. Thank you again! I have been using expanding foam under my tub and shower pans, works great, is light ,and provides sturdy support.

[@RoyVoth-df1fb]

That's a great idea,Im remolding a bathroom with a stand up shower surround,for a elderly couple,and I was wonder about putting something beneath the the stand up pan.

[@cpoul]

How much foam does it tale?

[@leftcoast9939]

THANK YOU for the awesome video,, NOW I FEEL READY TO TACKLE THE TASK BECAUSE OF THIS VIDEO

[@jquesadar1525]

how did it go?

[@ryeisenman]

I like the Oatey 102 solvent weld style better than the version you show (which has a nut that you tighten from bottom and a rubber compression washer that you tighten from top ). The solvent weld is probably a bit harder to dry fit. But if theres any future issues, theres nothing you would ever need to tighten from bottom; you do everything from the top. Especially if there is no easy maintenance access to bottom, I'd rather do solvent weld style. (I had a lot of trouble with the style shown in video; seal between pan and drain failed in a number of fiberglass pans in a dormitory and ended up replacing with the solvent weld style...)

[@jefffree6990]

Excellent! my acrylic fiberglass pan has those same rings on the bottom. But the instructions were completely vague and suggested that 1/4 bag would be enough mortar. That just seemed completely inadquate. Especially when there is so much space underneath. A whole bag makes a lot more sense

[@Niaz.I]

Thank you for your good work, what kind of false wall did you use to cover the walls before tiling? Is it ordinary wood or a special type that is insulated and anti-moisture?

[@dubsdollars2462]

Awesome video Bro! I've been doing bathrooms for like 15yrs now and every shower drain I've seen like that has leaked for some reason or another, but you've restored my confidence and I look forward to my next one

[@redbloodedbutterfly]

What type of shower drain is less likely to leak in your experience?

[@MrRainbowrooster]

Best video on the subject I've seen and I've seen alot.

[@eddiefromcali]

Amazing how much of a difference/improvement it makes when you sit a pan/tub on a mortar bed. Sounds solid and feels nice and sturdy.

[@guidosarducci8850]

My shower enclosure is really noisy. It pops and creaks when I'm using it, and keeps popping after use when it's cooling down. I think I might have to remove it and start fresh. Darn it!

[@aznative_]

@@guidosarducci8850 if you could drill holes in the face and put spray from in there you might be able to fix that problem.

[@esjb86]

Thanks! Exactly what I need ; I’m almost down demo’n and cleaning out all the debris- now I need to selecta base pan

[@Macky4941]

I nice trick i picked up is to use expansion foam instead of doing a mortar bed. Only downside is you have to watch it and keep it level as it expands, i used two big buckets of water and worked perfectly, just checked it every 5 minutes or so checking the leveling. Bonus is that it won't creak causing the base to crack eventually like it would with mortar.

[@jamesjoslin7586]

YIKES

[@noahpenjweny9352]

Thank you very much ,very well explained , thorough and detailed very well done

[@sethdublin508]

Best videos ever. No joke, really grateful for the videos. Thank you!

[@abelgarcia6992]

Awesome video. Thanks!😊

[@RisingAloha]

You are the best youtuber on bathroom stuff. I have watched 100+ hours. You go through all of it. You repeat common actions that most people leave out like teflon 4 to 5 times. I've heard you say some stuff over and over so it is trained in my brain. I'm installing a new rough in valve that is a replacement to another model and has a separate hand sprayer so an extra port. We shall see. I wanna be lazy and jerry rig the new one where old one was. Whoever did it used Delta with the pipes holding it up. The new one is too heavy. Dude I didn't even know what a 2x4 was when I started. Every single thing I have to watch 20 videos for just to use a tool. Never used any of my saws yet. So everything is tedious for me. Thank you!

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

😆 thanks, I sometimes repeat myself too much, but then again remodeling bathrooms become repetitive 😆

[@gnarlybark]

Sawz-All... greatest tool ever made!

[@pedrotheplumber]

wow that wheel tool is amazing.

[@TLSupplies]

Why are you using pvc pipe for drain ?in canada we use ABS for drain . Also if you joint the P trap to the shower drain from bottom ( cut the ceiling ) might be another option . Last thing aren’t all base pan already sloped toward the drain ? Also as far as I am concerned the rubber and plastic don’t bond with cement so the legs of the pan stick to the cement ? You did great job these are just what I thought need to tell you

[@willylopez1941]

Nice video I am doing my own walk-in shower this real was educational thanks brother

[@TLSupplies]

I also want to ask if I want to install a shower glass , where would it go on the pan or it has to go outside and I have to make a curb for it ? Thanks

[@davidphu7403]

Thanks for video. Learned a lot of tips. Just wondering what brand / model of shower pan did you used for this project. Any particular brand/model I should go with or avoid?

[@Physicsnerd1]

So, when using the REX tool, it pays to cut your rough drain pipe a few inches higher so you have something to grab onto while setting and cutting. Nice tool to have!

[@xungngo]

Thanks for the video. Wonder why you didn't cut the drain pipe first before setting it in stone.

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

Less likely to mess up the correct distance with a no caulk drain. Just cut to depth needed after setting pan 👍

[@mings7337]

what is the benefit of using a no caulk drain? @@BathroomRemodelingTeacher

[@Bschertzing2]

@@mings7337 i suspect its because he doesn't have access to the underside?

[@gingertrodglen1963]

I was wondering that also

[@xungngo]

After having done it now I am in agreement with BathroomRemodelingTeacher.

[@antoniopadilla4784]

can i use this same method on an upstairs walk-in shower?

[@leondgreat1]

Does adding tubing for the drain affect draining? Looks like it's more distance to travel and it's got a curb right at the drain on the pan. Asking cause a company redid my bathrooms, tub to shower and now they drain very slowly. I can't use those big shower heads cause then it almost overflows. So I installed low flow shower heads but even then my basement shower still drains slow. Didn't have that problem when i had a tub in there!

[@daewoo818]

Could I use morter under a pan in a mobile home, or will this add too much weight?

[@311hitwall]

Seems like those dreamline bases create a more difficult installation due to those rings?? Is the white on the base a bright white? Trying to match up the white on the base with white porcelain for the walls and I am afraid a white base will look weird with the white tile if the shades are different.

[@marydaley7862]

Can you recommend a shower pan brand ? (like the one used in this video?) Thanks for being REAL!

[@Mr-Ames]

What are the safety glasses on your head for?

[@RicardoPerez-ww6yo]

The pvc down the drain wiggles does that mean the seal is done?

[@ricos4700]

Nice job, but one question. You don't glue the drain assembly into the pipe, it's a compression type connection?

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

Compression type fitting 👍

[@ricos4700]

@@BathroomRemodelingTeacher Thank you.

[@1cgreiner]

Super helpful!! Thank you!! Stupid they say ‘no caulk’ shower drain, eh?

[@DPL30276]

Since removing the old shower with vent, does this new shower not require a vent? TIA

[@antoniodivita4600]

Any reason to not cut the pvc drain pipe before setting the pan in mortar?

[@omarvazquez4085]

How did you know where to put the drain? It lined up perfectly with the drain hole.

[@bighatstephens]

We would like to do a tub to shower conversion on our mobile home. The surround was already tiled. Is it possible to simply remove the tub, install a shower pan, then continue the tile to the pan?

[@kaitlynraw4899]

Yes it is actually. We had a horrible plastic/ acrylic, or whatever tub in our, at the time, brand new 1995 manufactured home. Over time, that plastic tub turned yellow and made horrible crackling sounds when anyone stood in it. I had removed the tub surround years before, and finally had somebody come in and tile it, since I was afraid to tackle the tile in those days. They tiled down to the edge of the old ugly bathtub. And then years later I asked my cousin, the handyman, to remove the tub, put in a shower pan and tile down to the shower pan. He didn't want to do it. He thought it was a silly job apparently. But after it was done, it was absolutely perfect. And he even thought it was great. LOL. We just used plain white 4-inch tiles, easy to do. But I'm sure you could get creative with coordinating or contrasting tiles. That would be cool.

[@KT-xd9yt]

I watch these videos not because I want to learn how to do it but to understand how it's done

[@patriotrep2093]

That’s the same thing.

[@vettepwr23]

Hi. Any issues with buying a 30x60 porcelain coated steel shower base like from Boots instead? There design doesn't require mortar but does require a level base.

[@kazakhi_v_canade]

Thanks a lot for this video. It was a very good lesson for me

[@ZachJoyce-g4j]

Do these no calk drains when tightened push the tub up a little bit?

[@tim8172]

If the pipe coming up through drain isn’t perfectly level will it still be ok when all said and done?

[@hycinth5371]

Very informative. Thank you!

[@billlloyd9755]

Can you find or order different size floor pans? ?

[@taylorthompson6685]

Where did you buy the 60x35 shower base? Having a hard time finding one.

[@salelpuma1541]

Good job l like the toll used for cut the pipe drawing thank u for the video,,,.

[@JorgeOcampo22]

Thank you very much! I have watched this video two times... Just in case.

[@TheDoogman]

can you use plumbers putty instead of silicone on the drain?

[@greggmiller5688]

I have the same question as the Oatey instructions say to use putty not silicone, but I am not a Pro or have the skills and experience that Bathroom Remodeling Teacher has!

[@DannySilguero]

Great vid Steve. Can you please show how to install a double threshold shower pan with a glass surrounding. Thanks for all the knowledge!

[@DannySilguero]

So is that a yes on the double threshold shower 🤞🏼🤞🏼? I’ll definitely buy that course 😁

[@meto5125]

What type of screw head did you use when you screwd in the pan to the studs?

[@ronaldwoodruff4676]

What do I do if a joist lays cross the base directly where the drain is? The joists goes across the base front to back.

[@mikelopez4148]

I’m a newbie so I start from the pan up ? For example pan first then tile ???

[@baddad5781]

Thanks for sharing your no how with us. Our shower need done to

[@robinhood50295]

Excellent I learned something new today.

[@perropulgoso3351]

Nice job.

[@hops2x]

Just a quote to replace my tub with a walk in shower....$18000! Guess i will do myself.

[@mcgovski]

would this course apply to a pan installed on concrete? I would assume so, but thought I'd ask

[@HowToDoitright]

You don’t need to put any water proof liner before the pan? I see other people doing it in other videos

[@johnnyb362]

Adding a Rex internal pipe cutter to my list of tools I want but have no use for.

[@charltonheston969]

I wish I would've found this video sooner 🤦‍♂️I pull my hair out figuring out the drain. One thing I'm going to do is run a little tube on the floor going to the drain so I can snake a borescope to check for leaks after I set base in mortar

[@MichaelWilliams-sr2ix]

i’m doing the plastic walls also, no tiles do I still need to put drywall up or just the studs?

[@HowToDoitright]

Can I use any kind of plastic to prevent plywood absorbing that moisture?

[@fragil7251]

I just watch a bunch of other video but let me tell ya you’re the first to impress me. Just one question would a DIYer needs a permit for this job, It’s so tempting I gotta be honest.

[@robsinclair1001]

Do you tile the floor then the curb and wall last on a tile shower? Thanks

[@travissmith9119]

i couldn't tell but when the 1 1/2 tub drain got cut out , its important to note that by code a 2 inch trap and drain is required. it looked like same 1 1/2 went back? i clicked on this to watch a guy make a pan , but was not exactly as i thought. But I would always recommend people look up the code and learn why and why it is, or even build better then code.

[@Si_Mee144]

I subscribed can you please lmk about if I wanted to build a shower pan using your outline can it be done and if so how different is it

[@GuthrieBoys]

What does a project like this cost? Thanks.

[@mannypack6983]

Great job!! It seems easy.

[@4runner1019]

Great step by step video thanks

[@nikogto]

So it's better to use silicone vs plumbers putty to install the drain to shower pan? I'm getting ready to tear out the 1 piece tub/shower today and install shower only kit. So the drain pipe needs to be an inch below the top of the drain, could I also just measure and cut it, fit it before laying down the pan?

[@MrTheBigNoze]

According to the delta acrylic pan instructions, you should only use silicone and no plumbers putty

[@nikogto]

@@MrTheBigNoze That's what I thought, just makes more sense as I've had to replace drains that were installed with puddy and failed.

[@georgebishop6745]

Putty.@@nikogto

[@sdowning533]

Don't mind buying your program, am I able to get live help to make sure I have it correct for what I am trying to do?

[@chrisdgg30]

Wouldn't the U-pipe cause drainage issues?

[@Chef.Maurizio]

What is the name of that pipe cutter? Can it be purchased at Home Depot?

[@altagirl02]

what did you do with the copper pipe??

[@HowToDoitright]

What brand shower base did you use?

[@denvershelton8631]

which brand shower pan did you use?

[@catfish24]

How big can u get those shower pans i need one like 36 x 60 inches where i am taking out a big Jacuzzi tub and want to put in a walk in shower ?

[@jamesdalton122]

Nice job !

[@EEJosh8]

Doesn't low expansion spray foam work just as good as mortar for setting the pan/tub? Thanks!

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

I really can’t see how it could be better than mortar? But they are making better foams and things these days. I don’t know of a manufacturer that recommends that yet

[@psychonaut513]

The instructions for that shower pan he's installing actually tells u to silicone the bottom no mortar

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

@@psychonaut513 no, no it does not

[@psychonaut513]

The one I did was identical but hell who needs instructions..lol

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

@@psychonaut513 I’m sure there are different methods of installing, if it worked for you good for you 😆

[@HsingSun]

Thank you for your video. Question: Can I just install only shower pan onto the old ceramic tiles (without tear off the old tiles)?

[@bkdesignconcepts]

I am installing a synthetic marble shower pan on a concrete floor. What would you recommend to put under the pan or does it need anything?

[@Si_Mee144]

Made it very easy thank you

[@marcosreyes7662]

Is true I have to tear down the whole shower to replace shower pan?

[@fkingride.5500]

So i fit the tray before tiling the floor

[@jbone412]

What do you do if you have an odd ball size bath. I am measuring 57.75 wide and 46.5 deep. I can not find anything close to that

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

Rough framing measurement?

[@samuelguzman-bb4ys]

Thanks good information 😊

[@jayesh-yb1po]

How can I learn online ur course sir

[@peters9943]

great video.

[@JTTTTx]

If you step in it before the cement cures, you have negated the leveling by compressing the wet concrete. Lastly you don’t raise the base once you set it in place- see above explanation.

[@Gear_Banger]

I’m assuming he waited for it to cure before

[@mattstacy1652]

His base was solid level before also

[@nate5381]

Can you install one of these without cement underneath?

[@thle8972]

@@nate5381No. The cement acts as support for the pan hollow frame.

[@wg1408]

​@@nate5381the fiberglass rings are what support the pan. The mortar just seems stupid if you ask me. Once it's secured to studs, it won't go anywhere. PL3 each ring and drop her in. Or use a wax ring on each circle. Not a builder

[@10594812]

Very well-articulated

[@dienekes4364]

I'm planning on doing this in my master bathroom. I see no reason to have a bathtub in there. It's very cramped as it is. Once I get the shower pan in, I'm going to use Stone Coat to build epoxy walls to make it look like full sheets of marble. WAY cheaper and easier than putting tile up and guaranteed to never leak.