Shower pan replacement generally happens after a water leak becomes readily apparent. Sure there are several patch up methods to slow the leaks, but getting deep into the shower is really the only way to a permanent fix. That also includes damage containment and repair too, sadly enough. Here’s where to start.

1. Tear Out The Rough Spots To Start Afresh

Getting the old shower base out lets you see what has happened and why the leak progressed. Clearly failure of the shower pan liner happened if water got out of the shower. That’s because a properly built shower pan will keep the water in a position to move down the drain no matter what. Otherwise, there really is a major problem with the pan.

Getting out the damaged parts is crucial for building back. That means putting

2. Judging What To Leave In And What To Take Out

It takes some experience to know where to stop when tearing out the damaged parts. Letting everything dry helps to make that call. Sometimes walls may need to come out and sometimes floors must too. Those decisions are easier after everything has a chance to dry. Then you can really tell which water damage is just superficial or cosmetic and what really represents a problem, whether it’s structural or potential mold troubles.

3. No Shaky Starts Allowed Or Cracks Result

No matter what type of shower goes back in, the sub-floor and the foundation for the shower must be put back to be stable and not shaky. That often means more bracing and possible replacing deteriorated members too. Movement of the base or sub-floor under the shower does not always lead to cracks in the floor. But most likely it will. That’s why a stable floor is a must to make sure the base lasts and remains water tight.

4. What Kind Of Shower Base Is Best?

More than one kind of shower base will work for a replacement. Tile ready shower pans eliminate much of the skilled mortar work. But often tile ready pans cost so much that you could pay an installer to build you a traditional mortar shower for the cost of the pan alone. Maybe you choose to forget the tile and replace with an acrylic shower.

Building a tile shower pan goes together just like a new one once you have the damage control behind you.

5. The Waterproof Layers

Building a waterproof tile shower goes together layer by layer. Key components are the liner membrane as well as a special tile shower drain. These components do the hidden work of catching all the water that makes it through the floor itself. Get these right and you get a shower with the water in the right places for many years.

It takes judgement to decide when to quit on repairs. Once the damaged areas are dried, it becomes easier to know what must come out and what can stay. Shower pan replacement goes together just like a new installation after you get the old parts out and the damage contained.

Author Bio: Our site includes a free shower pan installation article series with much more detail. Check out our article for tips on tile shower projects of all kinds.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: shower pan replacement