To install a shower pan correctly you need some experience, expertise, and the right tools. This is one job you don’t want to get wrong because the consequences can be costly.

If you need to install a new shower pan in your bathroom, give the experienced pros at your local Mr. Handyman a call! Our team of skilled professionals has the expertise and tools to ensure the job gets done right the first time—whether it’s a prefabricated pan or a custom fiberglass shower pan.

What is a Shower Pan & Why is It Important?

Water needs somewhere to go before it heads down your shower drain. Shower pans, shower pan liners, and shower bases collect water, stopping it from going into places it doesn’t belong. The kind of shower base or shower pan you need will depend on the type of shower floor you want and your budget.

A leaking shower pan will cause water damage to the bathroom and possibly the room(s) below it. Fixing a leaking shower pan requires considerable time and effort. First, you must remove of the entire shower base, which is why you want an experienced shower pan installation service you can trust.

Signs That You Need a New Shower Pan

There are a number of signs that indicate you need a shower pan replacement. Here are some of the indicators:

  • Water damage on a ceiling below the bathroom.
  • Water leaking into the room or space below the shower. Mold growth or missing grout near the base of the shower.
  • Movement in the shower pan, that causes new or unusual cracks or sloping in the shower floor.

The age of your shower could be another sign that you are due for a replacement. However, shower pans, specifically those made of durable materials like fiberglass or porcelain, have a longer lifespan. Most shower pans are functional for at least ten years, with some lasting as long as 45 years.

Types of Shower Pans We Install

Whether your home calls for a prefabricated shower pan or a custom one, Mr. Handyman has the right skills and materials to get the job done. Our experts have experience installing shower pans of all types, including porcelain, acrylic, vinyl, and fiberglass.

When it comes to custom shower pans, we’ll take care of all the necessary measurements and prep work to ensure the shower pan fits perfectly into your custom shower—and it’s watertight!

Shower Pan Liner Installation

A shower pan liner provides a waterproof membrane to capture water that seeps past tile or grout. Proper installation is crucial since water leaks aren’t always obvious until it’s too late. Once our experts install the shower pan liner, our tile installation service can complete the job so you have a shower floor that looks great and won’t leak.

Shower Base Installation

A shower base is an affordable alternative to a tiled shower floor. Sometimes called a “shower tray,” or “shower receptor,” these pre-formed trays are a ready-to-install option for shower bottom replacement. They are sometimes sold with the doors and installation hardware included so everything fits correctly. Whether you want a shower base or a tiled shower floor, our experts can help you decide which is best for you based on your budget and the size of shower you want.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Shower Pan

When it comes to selecting a shower pan, there are many variables to consider, and no two showers are alike! Standard square or rectangular shower pans are usually between 32 x 32 inches to 60 inches in size. However, not all showers are the same! Some showers will need a custom-sized shower pan replacement, why experience and expertise are so important to obtaining a perfect fit.

When installing a new shower pan, the type of shower drain must also be considered. Is there one in place or will your shower pan and drain installation happen at the same time? You also need to consider what style works with your existing bathroom decor. Shower pans can vary in price, depending on the size, style, and brand. Our pros will help guide you through the shower pan installation process and provide options based on your budget and needs.

Why Choose Mr. Handyman for Your Shower Pan Installation Needs

When the structural integrity of your bathroom is on the line, you want a professional shower pan installation service you can trust. The team at your local Mr. Handyman has years of experience and is trusted by homeowners nationwide. If needed, we can also fix small plumbing leaks, install a bathroom fan or install tile in your shower.! We’re truly your one-stop shop for home repair and installation services.

With over 1 million satisfied customers and nearly 200 locations across the United States and Canada, you’ll be happy that you picked Mr. Handyman for your home improvement needs. Find Mr. Handyman near you right now!

When you choose Mr. Handyman, all our work is backed by our Neighborly Done Right Promise™. If you’re ready to schedule your new shower pan installation, contact us today!

All Mr. Handyman franchises are locally owned and operated and may offer fewer or more services than those listed here. To learn more about Bathroom Shower Pan Installation Services offered in your area, contact your local Mr. Handyman for details or a customized on-site assessment.

FAQs

Mr. Handyman has been helping homeowners repair, maintain, and enhance their spaces for over 25 years! We are the one-stop solution for everything on your to-do list. This includes answering your questions about home repairs, maintenance, and improvements. Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about bathroom shower pan installation.

What layers need to go under a shower pan?

A proper shower pan installation requires specific layers beneath it. At the very bottom, you’ll want to install a subfloor followed by a pre-slope mortar bed. Next comes a shower pan liner installation. You’ll then install a final mortar bed before installing the shower pan. These layers are necessary to create a fully waterproof shower floor.

Can you install a shower pan over an existing floor?

Yes, a shower pan can often be installed over an existing floor, but it depends on the condition and type of flooring. The surface must be level, clean, and structurally sound to ensure the shower pan sits properly and drains correctly. For uneven floors, a layer of mortar or a self-leveling compound may be required to create a stable base. If the existing flooring material, such as old tile, is damaged or not water-resistant, it may need to be removed or repaired before installing the shower pan.

What is the difference between a shower pan and a shower base?

The terms “shower pan” and “shower base” are often used interchangeably, but there are important differences between them. A shower pan is a waterproof liner that keeps water from seeping into the floor beneath the shower. A shower base is the complete finished structure that you stand on when you take a shower. In other words, a shower pan is part of the shower base, which also includes the pre-sloped mortar bed, waterproof liner, and drain assembly.

Why do you put mortar under a shower pan?

Mortar is an extremely important shower pan installation detail. It creates a solid foundation for your shower pan and prevents it from flexing and moving. It eliminates bouncing or cracking and makes it easier for your installer to level the shower pan so that it drains correctly. It fills hollow spaces under the pan, stopping echoing or other sounds from beneath the shower pan. One of its other important duties is to spread the weight of the user evenly across the subfloor when they shower. This prevents stress points from building up in the flooring. Many shower pan warranties require a mortar bed in order to remain valid.

What is the best material for a shower pan?

The best material for a shower pan depends on your budget, design preferences, and durability needs. Acrylic and fiberglass are popular for their affordability, lightweight construction, and ease of installation, though they may scratch or fade over time. Tile offers a customizable, high-end look but requires more maintenance to prevent grout issues. Cast iron and solid surface materials are highly durable and long-lasting, though they can be more expensive. Choose a material that balances aesthetics, maintenance, and cost for your specific needs.

Mr. Handyman has been helping homeowners repair, maintain, and enhance their spaces for over 25 years! We are the one-stop solution for everything on your to-do list. This includes answering your questions about home repairs, maintenance, and improvements. Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about Bathroom Shower Pan Installation.