Acrylic Shower Base Installation

bathroom with white fixtures and glass shower doors
  • 3-8 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 0-500
What You'll Need
Measuring tape
Plywood strips
Drill Machine
Hammer
Chisel
Cloth
Level Reader
Shims
Screws
Alcohol
What You'll Need
Measuring tape
Plywood strips
Drill Machine
Hammer
Chisel
Cloth
Level Reader
Shims
Screws
Alcohol

An acrylic shower base or pan consists of a finished area on the floor where the shower is installed. It includes the sloped floor that directs water to the drain hole. It also includes the threshold, also known as the entrance, to the shower that prevents the water from running onto the bathroom floor. You can follow the below mentioned installation process.

Step 1 - Measure and Shop

Measure the floor where the shower pan needs to go and shop for the appropriate equipment from a well-equipped store.

Step 2 - Check Studs

Place the newly bought acrylic shower pan on the floor. Check to see that it fits against the studs. To avoid any obstructions, build the studs with plywood strips.

Step 3 - Add Drain Hole

shower pan during install

Mark the position on the sub-floor where the shower pan’s drain hole will go. This should be according to the template that came along with the shower base. If it is not at the proper position, the drain hole will need to be relocated. The size of the drain hole in the sub floor must be bigger than the drain pipe size leading from the shower base. The larger opening makes room for the assembling of the drain which would extend to the lower part of the pan. If the pan overlaps the floor tile, cut out the tile which falls outside the pan with the help of a hammer and a chisel. Do this after removing the shower pan. Put the strainer on top of the drain hole.

Step 4 - Clean

Clean the subfloor of all mud and grime. Any protrusions and debris should be removed. The shower pan needs to be installed over a level floor. It is very important to ensure that the subfloor is level.

Step 5 - Use Shims

Use a level reader to check the floor. Check all the sides very carefully. Use shims made of thin wood to equalize the level of the shower pan in the case that the sub floor level is uneven. If it is very much out of level, a thin set of self-leveling can be poured. This should be allowed to dry before going ahead. Now, set the shower pan on top of the leveled sub-floor and check the level again.

Step 6 - Secure Studs

After boring pilot holes, tighten the shower pan with rust-resistant and galvanized screws.

Step 7 - Fit Trap to Drainpipe

Fit the new PVC trap to the drainpipe in the shower base. Wipe the drain opening with rubbing alcohol. Dust and grime needs to be removed from the pan’s drain area. Clean the surface and the interiors of the drain with a cloth. Apply 100 percent silicone bead around all the sides of the drain opening.

Mix all the PVC parts with cement and primer. With the help of the gasket, attach the drainpipe to the shower pan's strainer. Use a hammer and soft mallet to ensure the gasket has fit in properly. Make sure you don’t over-tighten it. Also, make sure the excess silicone is cleaned.

Step 8 - Install Shower Base

In the drain hole, place the screen on top of the strainer. Don’t use the shower pan before 48 hours. This is to allow the silicone to dry up. Finish the installation by installing the wallboards, panels, and tiles.