By Paul Bianchina
Q: I will be tiling a new bathroom that includes a stall shower. I had a plumber install the drain and membrane, and while I am comfortable with installing tile, I have never poured a sloped shower pan. Can you refer me to some guidelines? -Bill M.
A: Quite honestly, the sloped mortar that is required for a properly constructed shower pan is difficult to do correctly. I know that you're interested in doing this yourself, but I would strongly recommend that you leave this project to an experienced tile setter - at least the pan portion.
If you do intend to tackle this on your own, there are a number of good books on tile setting available at most bookstores and libraries, or check online. Look for a book that has step-by-step illustrations on how the sloping screed boards are made and installed, how the mortar is mixed and placed, and how the bed is finished out so that you have both a consistent slope and also end up at the proper height for the tile to meet the drain.
Two very important words of caution: First, test the shower pan membrane prior to installing the mortar base by filling the pan with water and waiting at least 24 hours to see if any leaks develop. Second, when installing the mortar make certain that the weep holes in the drain are protected so that they don't become clogged.
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