Step-by-Step Flood Testing a Shower Pan

A flood test is the crucial step to confirm that your waterproofing membrane has been installed properly before installing tile. This test may be required as part of your remodel inspection, but even if it isn't, it is a free and simple way to gain peace of mind. Doing a touch up to the waterproofing membrane is still possible at this stage if your pan leaks. The flood test is required if your install is with traditional PVC sheet membrane or a modern surface waterproofing membrane. Using a panel design like Schluter kerdiboard, a sheet membrane, or a liquid applied membrane like Redgard or Laticrete Hydro Ban or Hydro Barrier are DIY friendly but create lots of opportunities for leaks at corners and seams.
We used this pneumatic drain plug in our project: amzn.to/40xKnDZ
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[@F.J._Claes]

Would you recommend the same test for a leaking shower where the tile is already installed and grout has been applied?

[@practicalhomeprojects]

Hey there. This test could be used at any point to determine if the shower is completely watertight. If you already know the shower is leaking, then it might not tell you much unless you just want to measure how fast the water is draining out.

[@F.J._Claes]

@practicalhomeprojects It's leaking, but we're trying to find out if it's the pan or the walls. Thanks for your answer. I just didn't know if it would be wise to fill up the pan when it already has been tiled and grouted because I was thinking the excess water may cause the tile to become loose.

[@practicalhomeprojects]

If filling the pan with water causes tile to become loose, you'll want to know sooner rather than later. If installed properly, the tiles should never come loose. The vertical surfaces are rarely the source of leaks because water follows the path of least resistance straight down. Leaks usually occur at seams where water can settle.

[@michaeldalessio4038]

Im installing a fiberglass shower pan so I'm only going to add enough water to cover drain test plug. Advice ?

[@practicalhomeprojects]

The flood test would really just be testing the drain assembly, so I suppose you wouldn't need to fill it up all of the way. It wouldn't hurt though. Good luck on your project.