DIY Network

Install Shower Pan and Drain A bigger shower needs a bigger base. From "Bathroom Renovations" episode DBTR-505

Nothing's as cramped as a tiny shower, and this bathroom remodel frees up trapped space for a massive new shower cabinet. Host Amy Matthews shows how to prepare the subfloor and install the new shower pan.

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Materials:

extra-large shower pan jigsaw marker safety glasses gloves jigsaw PVC saw file plywood

construction adhesive caulking gun impact driver screws drill hole saw bit PVC pipe PVC fittings PVC cleaner and cement

	Figure A
	Figure B

Install Shower Pan and Drain

• Position the shower pan in the roughed-in space and use a marker to mark the position of the pan's drain hole on the subfloor below.

• Wearing safety glasses, use a jigsaw to cut a hole in the subfloor around the mark (figure A). Drill one or two large holes in the subfloor to get the saw started. The hole should be enough to reach into with a PVC saw to cut the old drain pipe. If possible, have a helper watch from the floor below to make sure the saw doesn't cut through any pipes or conduits.

  Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses and use caution when working with a jigsaw, drill or other power tools. The helper watching from below also needs to wear eye protection to guard against falling sawdust and debris.

• Use a PVC pipe saw to cut the existing drain pipe (figure B).

• Amy needed to add a sheet of plywood to build up the subfloor and bring it level with the rest of the bathroom floor. To do this, cut a sheet of plywood to size and dry-fit it in the space. Secure it with construction adhesive and screws; Amy used an impact driver to install the screws.

  Safety Alert: Make sure to wear safety glasses and use caution when working with an impact driver.

• Set the new shower pan in place and mark the location of the new drain hole.
  

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

  Figure E

• Wearing safety glasses, use a drill with a hole saw bit to make the cutout for the new drain (figure C).

• Position the shower pan and put the rubber gasket in place (figure D).

• Cut the PVC pipe to length and de-burr the cut end with a file. Dry-fit the PVC fittings for the new drain.

• Once all of the PVC components fit properly, apply PVC cleaner to the surfaces being connected (figure E). Follow this up with PVC cement, then slip the pieces into place. Hold the pieces in position for a few moments while the PVC cleaner and cement react; this will keep the reaction from forcing the pieces apart. Attach the new drain cover.

RESOURCES :
Shower Pan
E. L. Mustee & Sons Inc.
Website: www.mustee.com