HOW TO INSTALL A SHOWER TRAY - Plumbing Tips

A quick look at the installation of a shower tray and the associated waste. We show you how to check floor level, shower level, cut holes for the trap and waste, how to level and glue the shower down. Not a really in depth video but enough for you guys to get a good idea about how to do it. Any questions, just comment below!
🚀 LEARN PLUMBING ONLINE IN MY STRUCTURED COURSE (50% Before March): www.learnplumbi...
🛠 AMAZON TOOL STORE: www.amazon.co.u...
🥾 10% Off my workboots + workwear Use Plumberparts10: www.bigboots.c...
👓 10% Off Safestyle Sunglasses Use PLUMBER10: safestyle.com....
Learn Plumbing Online is perfect for future apprentices, homeowners who want to understand and tackle more plumbing jobs in the home, handymen who keep turning down the odd plumbing job and more. With practical follow along video lessons and discussion board you can boost your knowledge in my amazing trade. Sign up now: wwwlearnplumbin...
**VISIT OUR SPONSORS**
www.traderadiat... | www.stuart-tur...

[@plumberparts]

*Links to the tools I USE EVERYDAY in the description above!* Still uploading helpful video today! Plus Follow my Vlog, TimesWithJames kzbin.info

[@TwistedTiara]

I'm in a caravan and want rid of the tray and door to make it a walk in wet room. I have the ceramic tiles so where do I go from here? You wanna come over and do it for me? Lol. Fab vids.

[@bomtombadilo]

As a new plumber in the uk, can honestly say, dude your vids have been invaluable. Dude, do a skill-share-vid if you havent already. Your stuff is is on point and you've got the presentation skills 100%. I cant thank you enough for taking the time to making these sort of vids, Thank you, truly, thank you.

[@taighmikey180]

Extremely helpful video again mate!! Bravo 👏🏼

[@plumberparts]

Cheers man!

[@larrysullivan6536]

Brilliant job and well explained cheers Jack

[@wrenlfc]

finally got a placement to do my nvq level 2 it's going to cost me 1000 but it be worth it in the end! all big firms require the qualification and i won't be limited like i am at the moment with the basic tech cert level 2. I can't wait to get qualified and become a plumber properly. i love your videos they will help me achieve my on site qualifications.

[@JaferSabir]

'Sometimes it's just the only way', very well summed up at the end there and great video, thank you!

[@RL_Physco1]

Thanks James, after watching this many times it gave me the confidence to do mine. I’m not a professional plumber by trader but feel more than a have a go one. Please with my efforts thanks for showing a video like this

[@Fickle-Gamer]

Great video. Just one thing 90% of shower trays bought in the UK require a sand and cement base. The CT1 you use can flex if the middle of the tray is not flat on the floor (not your fault if it's not flat, just the way the tray is made) and the tray could crack. People read the instructions for your type of tray before you install it. If the tray cracks and is not installed as per the instructions you will not be covered under the guarantee.

[@jamieavis1591]

I was literally just thinking the same. Ive never seen a tray fitted without a sand and cement mix and never ever with just glue?

[@fef777777]

@@jamieavis1591 ye no a lot of trays get layed with just silicone u just dont see it lol

[@johnridley1038]

I thought that as well, it only needs the floor to be 1mm out over that lenth of tray and it would be a bugger to tile, a sand and cement base would have easily solved that for less than £3.00 worth of materials. Another little tip.. I would have taken the plastic film off around the edge before the lay, so that it can be sealed, that film is a pest to get out between the wall and the tray after its down. other than that, a helpful video for a novice.

[@nigelchapman7097]

Had to reinstall a tray this week as it was moving and the seal between tray and tile had split. Took the tray out telling the customer it was a problem with the floor only to find it was fitted on silicone.

[@koffibanan3099]

Thanks for taking us along, always very enjoyable and interesting!

[@plumberparts]

No worries!

[@deano7077]

Great video and always very easy to follow,would love to see how you go about fitting a tray onto a solid floor

[@joematthewson1424]

Might seem boring to some this video, but it's really helped me on my first every bathroom installment (not even close to DIY savvy)

[@nayerkodsy8328]

Hi shower tray should be put down with weeak sand cement mix so it can be levelled, or flex rapid set adhesive

[@johnyw5781]

On a screed floor sand cement mix not on weyrock flooring it will dry out Sticks like shit turbo is the answer

[@chapman9230]

I prefer knauf aquapanel rather than plasterboard. On the walls 12 mm and also on the floor 6 mm. I am surprised you did not have to bed on sand and cement. What did the tray maker say to do? Also I use a tape upstand on the tray periphery.

[@martinranson4262]

At last someone who knows how to fit a shower tray

[@mmm091000]

Window sucker definitely a must just got one will buy another soon 👍

[@gym-convict6644]

love these vids could literally watch em all day and they actually motivate me for work on Monday

[@plumberparts]

Ha! Cheers Stuart!

[@jamesbiggs527]

Do you have to use a U-trap on a shower? noticed you didn't. Thanks. Love the Vids!

[@fionagregory7936]

My son likes your videos after watching This Woodwork, Matthias Wandel and Espares.

[@kennyvegas855]

well done bro, veri motivate me to upgrade my bathroom, thx

[@cbing4036]

Does the ceiling belowhave to come down to fit a low profile tray ?

[@bravofoxtrotuniform7747]

Maximum whole diameter is a 1/4 of the joist depth and holes must be drilled to the center line of the joist that waste starts very high

[@Danny.A665]

Is there a second part to this vid showing sealing / finishing etc ?

[@stevenblack9644]

Makita 36v angle drill extension bar

[@stewart9476]

Just a tip, if you need larger hole, use one of the diamond core drills you've got, tgey go through wood to.

[@geoff2671]

Hi love your channel.when you say CT1 is that sealant and adhesive .cheers

[@Billy_Bull_Sheeter]

Hi. Just a quick question.. Is it better to tile the walls first so the tiles sit behind the tray, or is it better to put the shower tray down first then tile so the tiles sit on top of the tray. Thanks in advance.

[@abelharuta1007]

Hi. It’s better to do as he did it, first the shower on place and then the tiles will be on top. I was thinking to put a “classi seal flexible waterproof “ called like this here in Ireland, so it’s more secure but seems will be ok without it as well. The grout will do his part after Hopefully helps

[@Billy_Bull_Sheeter]

@abelharuta1007 yes it makes sense. Thnx

[@andrewlee6610]

Good video pal. Reckon your better off cementing the tray down though.

[@kyliechambers9335]

Hi james i habe a new shower cabin the hole in the base for the trap is 86 instead of 90 any ideas?

[@hopdjandy]

Ct1 if fine if your floor is compleatley level each way otherwise i use fast set tile adhisive or normal set but make sure its a flexible adhisive

[@AliceTheContentCoach]

Hi thanks for this. Quick question. I see you havent put anything under the tray. Asking because I want to take a bath out and put a shower tray in same place. Underneath the bath its on boards like yours, so do i need to seal that floor with anything? Also can I use same hole and pipes that bath used for shower? So do I just buy the tray, that glue, shower seal ring and trap? We are looking to do it ourselves thas why Im asking?

[@LewisLittle]

bro, i love your channel, i'm a youtuber and plumber myself, id love to be able to do both one day if i have my own business, great channel man!

[@plumberparts]

Cheers dude!

[@Danny.A665]

James, did you ever post part 2 to this video ?

[@najhussain9752]

Hi mate. Loving the plumbing tips and tricks. Appreciate the time your taking out in aiding the trade. Can you please advise on which bath glue you use to seal the trap joints. Thanks

[@kathyrowe415]

really enjoyed his video... we have a clear vision know... thank you

[@chrischurchill1054]

Great video, but regarding the holes in the joists, don't building regs say they have to be 1/4 joist size drilled at the center line? Understandably, as you mentioned, have given a fall, but how did you get around the building regs specs for the center line? Also, how did the chippies reinforce the notch for the waste trap? (BR specs say this has to be 1/8th joist depth)

[@plumberparts]

I guess sometimes you have to balance what building regs say (and why certain figures are....to put it honestly....dreamt up!) and the reality of the situation. If BR's where conformed to in their absolute strictness... nothing would ever get built! Saying that, I always get BCntrl round and explain why I've done certain things and they're always happy with it. Reminds me of my OFTEC audit when they said 99% of tanks where non-compliant and to ignore the regs on them!

[@duncansluman8606]

I thought the same. 1/8th of joist was max you can remove? That’s not a 12” joist??

[@sarge9733]

@@plumberparts This is what worries me the most. I've got to run a 40mm pipe through 4 joists. Although it's within the tolerance of hole size, I'll need to maintain a fall towards the stack. I told the customer it will be fine, but I'm crapping myself a bit now after already finding that very same reference diagram you flashed up mid-video. I feel I want to keep them all centered (and will have to piece together with couplings as you did), but really need that fall, and don't want to create bounce to the floor I need to tile! That's why I came on here, then I saw you do exactly what I was worried about doing... But I'm not sure if it's made me feel better about it or not! 😬

[@eugeneeugene8252]

That waste pipe should have been dropped just under the joists and run along.After all boarded would be a little box - so no compromising regs and good enough of a look for a utility room.

[@Overworkt]

@@eugeneeugene8252 I would never do this, it looks horrendous. There's a reason we build houses with more than one joist 😅

[@petertowns9218]

How do I fit waste on shower concrete floors

[@darren19521]

Hi mate can I lay and fix my shower tray to Hardie backer board? Or shall I but the Hardie backer boards up to the shower tray? Cheers Great vids mate helped me loads

[@mikee2773]

Is there another video showing the tanking ?

[@Guide504]

WR plaster board? No tanking ? No taped seams and fixing points? No flexible bonded tray seal under tiles?

[@simony2801]

That’s what I thought, isn’t plasterboard a no no nowadays and you have to use backer board for regs.

[@Chris-uu6dg]

Thanks for your excellent video. Is the flooring tiles then stuck down after the shower tray is fitted so that the shower tray profile is shallower in relation to the floor height? Many thanks Chris.

[@BigCheese85]

Yep you won't see tiles laid under the tray and be a waste of money ;)

[@ArcanePath360]

Not heard of CT1 before. I generally use door and frame sealant on everything

[@plumberparts]

Mate, check it out....its ledge!

[@ArcanePath360]

Damn that's expensive stuff. They also don't stock it in Toolstation or Screwfix so I prob won't get it unless I really need something to hold my house up.

[@seanjay886]

ArcanePath360 it's amazing stuff. Well worth the money. I've sealed gutters with it while water is pouring out. Never had a leak with it and been using it years

[@ArcanePath360]

That does sound pretty amazing

[@nickcollins7568]

One does not always have the luxury of not always having the ceiling fitted yet. I have fitted trays where one has to fit the trap first to the pipe , then stick and lower tray to floor and thread in the top part of the shower trap!

[@plumberparts]

Mate, I'll get a job like this, they come round every few weeks!

[@sarge9733]

All of my tray installations are like that. Flexi waste connectors are a Godsend!

[@mje_coc6190]

Great video James 🔧🔧

[@plumberparts]

Cheers mate!

[@DominicMuir]

Urgent help needed please - what do you do if the floor isn't quite level when using CT1. Is there anyway to level out the shower tray?

[@glenwoodjc]

Can i drop a sink wast into a shower wast pipe runing in the same direction.

[@plumberparts]

By the way guys, the plasterboard is pre-treated waterproof Knauf.....that doesn't mean to say we are't going to be backing it to proof further and seal later in a video. I hope you enjoy!

[@Goodwithwood69]

Waterproof?

[@MrBclarkwhittle]

Thanks for the great video. Where do i buy the red trap tightener that you used(UK)

[@bradscott-james8737]

Has anyone ever experienced fitting a shallow shower tray where the water does not disapate very quickly and builds up and floods the room. Is there a certain amount of pipe length and run of that is needed for these trays? I fitted one in Spain which was a total nightmare. The pipework is 1.1/2 diameter that flows into 1/2 inch stump. Your asking of 5 litres of water to be pushed through a small diameter. Any suggestions

[@chrismason6393]

Hi anyone know what the name is of the green boards used to board out the shower and are damp resistant.

[@bobbyladd]

Great video as always.

[@plumberparts]

Cheers dude!

[@thedonnyman1]

hi wat is the past type stuff you put on the plastic wast pipe before you pushed it into a connector? thx mark..great vid..

[@stum8374]

Hi James used ur vids for years,I've cemented the tray onto the wood flooring so I would need to put drain thru tray and floor then sandwich the two together ! Do u think that way would give me a good seal ? Thanks s

[@LycariGaming]

So as you dont need to tank this?

[@taterbapple9847]

Enjoyed that. Nice presentation style. High five.

[@peachyyy7728]

You look like the sniper on American sniper, love your videos btw, so useful.

[@combok660]

Missed you threading the pipe through the joists

[@thomasDSoundDesign]

What do you do if the floor is not level?

[@srmurray4441]

Hi james, what is your thoughts on fitting shower trays with upstands?, Are they better in providing a water tight seal or not?. Thanks Steve

[@emiliatirado6295]

that's the best video i never seened

[@MrPovey75]

Just been trying to get hold of ct1 from all my supporters. They've all heard of it but don't stock it yet not even grahams .Just ordered a few tubs from amazon .

[@KdeB]

thanks for this video, really great. Is that moisture plasterbord? I am reading that a lot of plumbers favour "elements board" over plasterboard? Or does it matter? Would you lay OSB over the floor joists or ply?

[@astansfield9360]

what gap would you suggest leaving around the shower tray when tiling the wall?

[@johnyw5781]

6mm

[@raychambers3646]

Is there levelling adjustment when using ct1 as opposed to cement base ?

[@samjohnson5649]

I wouldn’t of thought so

[@cliver8881]

Hi, Can you advise how to replace a shower tray waste in situ in a ground floor flat with a concrete floor? Particularly if it was siliconed in by the installer.

[@Jmjmchacha123]

No classi seal?

[@BestAccessDoors]

Fantastic plumbing explanation! Will you be doing more videos like this soon?

[@joekicker9188]

What would u cover/protect the shower tray from the plaster and tilers thanks love the videos

[@stevethomas5849]

James Ive got this issue with loft on-suite. Due to confined space you get with lofts the joist are 150mm with a 2 metre span. I need to go through 3 joists and a trimmer at 16" centres to reach the stack. The shower tray is low to the floor with a Wirquin slim extra flat low profile trap. I am trying achieve a fall but with building regs 1 1/2 (40mm) waste is exceding the max a 37.5mm. Can I use 32mm instead to get through the joist and then go up to 40mm to connect to the stack. Also reinforce around holes. Steve the spark.

[@etk201]

Thanks for the video, I'm installing a bathroom myself but I don't see where the "vent" fits into this system? Is the soil stack the only vent? When is a separate vent for each P bend necessary?

[@Listermintsluesh]

Silly question does the tray flow the waste water automatically if it's level, or does one create a slight fall when laying the tray cheers

[@martinedwardfleet]

The tray is moulded with a fall in it. You fit it level

[@zedman442]

What kind of pipe is th grey pipe? Looks like a crimp type I've seen around in commercial buildings?

[@plumberparts]

Buteline mate....doing a vid on it in a week I think!

[@fatflint6636]

great vid as always ... what make is tray can you recommend a good make im doing mine shortly

[@plumberparts]

Dunno! Customer bought it!

[@levrone0075]

Quick question, do you use ct1 for sealing the tray to the tiles too? Instead of a regular silicone sealant? Thanks and great channel! 👍

[@websurfer1585]

I thought regs dictate that all joist hole drilling has to be in the dead centre of the joist, with longer waste runs that won't be the case?

[@Danny.A665]

I've seen some vids were they use a upstand product stuck all around the shower tray touching the wall or a shower tray with upstand built in, do you use these at all, are they any good ?

[@K-carbon]

dalessandrelli I'm VERY surprises he not using an up stand weather it the classic seal or the up stand build into the tray.I wouldn't put a tray in with out an upstand .its total peace of mind to be leak free around the edge. 95% of the time that's where the tray will leak with out an up stand especially up stairs on stud work walls

[@plumberparts]

Wait for the video on sealing.....you'll love it!

[@leonperry123]

I'm laying on concrete floor so I need to make a raised platform. So i better to make concrete base or wood? Taking into account I need space for the pipe.

[@martinedwardfleet]

You can buy trays with sets of adjustable legs to do this

[@chazbarnett3231]

mate I am literally in bed with a cup of tea...psychic!

[@plumberparts]

Ha!

[@anthonysalisbury6945]

what waste do you normally use on shower tray installs....great video

[@plumberparts]

The one featured in the video....they're really common!

[@smartiemnx]

if you were installing wetwall, would you fit this first? or do the wetwall and then the tray?

[@phil3332]

wet wall first

[@neilbrice449]

Good vid James just wanted to know how you worked out were to drill hole through rafters for waste pipe thanks

[@plumberparts]

Hi Neil, it had to be there!

[@stevenb007]

Hi James thanks for the great videos. Just one question if you don't mind for my DIY project. Is it ok to have the waste pipe going through so close to the top of the joists rather than in the middle? Thanks and keep up the good work.

[@plumberparts]

Makes no difference but always check with building control!

[@stepbackandthink]

@@plumberparts It makes a huge difference. You shouldn’t give advice like that if you don’t actually know.

[@mountainleopard5370]

@@stepbackandthinkmakes no difference

[@stepbackandthink]

@@mountainleopard5370 See above about posting when you know nothing.

[@mountainleopard5370]

@@stepbackandthink see my above comment

[@ratchriat1716]

great video james realy enjoyed.

[@plumberparts]

Cheers mate!

[@Engineer9736]

The video gets to the point at 2:20

[@davidthompson9132]

does anyone know what make of shower tray that is..ie...the manufacturer

[@noelleonsaoirse]

What do you do if the floor is way off level and walls are not square?

[@K-carbon]

noelleonsaoirse set it down in mortor or bonding coat and you get it spot on level.I allways do this

[@atommachine]

Ideally square the wall or pack out the wall with feathers.

[@BDogSupreme]

Hi, thanks for the great video's pal. About to take on my first bathroom reno and fit a new larger shower. However all pipes run above ground and I'm wondering if you had any advice on riser kit vs wooden frame for the new tray? If using a wooden frame, how would you suggest levelling it? Biscuits? Cement? Magic?

[@plumberparts]

All of the above! Seriously though, what are you laying the tray on mate?

[@BDogSupreme]

Do you recommend rich tea or digestive? Again in all seriousness though, the floor appears to be standard wooden flooring underneath the current tiles.

[@marcdinning2249]

On silicone 😳 timbers move over the seasons that tray will crack. Should be on cement bed like the other comment says. Glad your not fitting my tray 😜

[@dermotbrennan5738]

Silicone is flexible it will move. Plus if it moves with tile adhesive it will also crack. Odds is the difference

[@stanmarr4488]

@marcdinning2249 Are you American?

[@dotties123]

@@dermotbrennan5738that tray can be fitted on legs so no difference if lay flat and levelled properly and use silicone, every tray we’ve been too that’s cracked or leaked has been on bed of sand cement mix

[@dermotbrennan5738]

@@dotties123i dont fit mines with sand and cement. I use tile adhesive bonded both sides and butterbacked tray.

[@lincslegend6936]

I was just about to ask that question as the tray im buying says to lay on a cement bed.

[@logicallogic9960]

I don't get the drop measurement? Is the first joist down 5mm then the second is down 10 mm then the 3rd joist down 15mm or is it just simply each joist is dropped down 5 mm with respect to the first?

[@dellboyryan]

Hold tight no classi seal Great video all the same

[@raldo7677]

Could you show us some first fixing measurements of appliances how high and where they need to be placed. and great videos by the way

[@duffgen62]

8.41....the little tool. I need one. Do they have a name and where can I find one please. Thank you in advance.

[@ub10011]

a 3" bolster fits perfectly I've found. perfect for job.

[@kylevirginmedia7692]

Nice! you using a 1200w Titan Wet/Dry/Blow vac - good little machines them!

[@plumberparts]

Yeah, it was sitting around on site....

[@timwyld573]

Top video as always

[@toheedmohammed6622]

Could you record a video when you install the Unvented cylinder.

[@plumberparts]

We will do!

[@dsslimone]

Hi, I like your channel subscribed to get more content.I'm looking to install a 1600 x 800 shower tray. Do you recommend any , or are they any I should stay well clear of.

[@BB-nv6dw]

Fantastic 👍

[@stoocheesey8392]

really hoping the rest of these bathroom fit videos are up before 12th june haha...first attempt at a refit/rejig aaaaggghhhhh.

[@plumberparts]

Ha! I'll try!

[@briandjordjevic9969]

Great videos like always 🤙🏽

[@plumberparts]

Cheers dude! Hope it helped!

[@vitaliyg3516]

Thanks

[@johnk815]

Is it common in UK to have a shower tray with no tile lip? I would like to buy a Porcelanosa tray and it has no lip around the edges and I’m concerned about using it.

[@MB-st7be]

Yes most UK trays have no lip. God knows why.

[@atommachine]

You have to prep the waste to fit perfectly if you can not access it so pre test and enough movement to take up tray bedding thickness.