Shower Pan Liner Installation Help

How to install shower pan liners is the critical skill for building a trouble-free shower. You do have several options for installing a shower pan. Read on to learn the basics of shower liner installation and some of the different options for building a long-lasting shower.

The Traditional Way

If you want a ceramic shower, the traditional way is still the most common way to build a shower pan. The traditional way is masonry construction. A masonry base is built and the ceramic tile is set in place over the masonry base. This method requires some skill and even art. But if you understand the basics, a handy person can install a shower that works right on the first try.

Over a sold sub-floor you build two layers of mortar and then set the tile over the top layer. The drain is a special drain with two layers of drain holes. The first mortar layer is poured and sloped to the bottom drain holes. After that first layer dries, a waterproof vinyl sheet is installed on top of the first layer. This sheet is the real key to waterproofing the floor. The sheet is run up the shower walls and glued to the shower drain base. Over the waterproof membrane goes the top mortar layer. The tile is installed over this layer and grouted in place.

The vinyl membrane is necessary because ceramic tile and grout are not waterproof. The grout especially soaks up water and doesn’t stop water at all.

One big plus of traditional construction is that any size or custom layout for your shower is possible.

Fiberglass or Acrylic Liners

Your local building supply store stocks shower liners ready to install. These pans are easy to install and can be used with matching walls or with tile walls. Choose fiberglass or acrylic materials for different looks and quality. The advantage of these shower floors is ease of installation and ease of cleaning. But custom sizes are much more expensive and may not be available in the layout you need. Fiberglass shower floors also are easy to scratch and damage and do wear over time. Ceramic tile cannot be installed over standard fiberglass or acrylic shower pans.

Tile Ready Shower Pans

If you want a traditional looking ceramic tile shower without the construction of the traditional shower pan, choose one of the tile ready shower systems. And these are systems. Most include wall and ceiling component liners as well as floor liners. Most tile ready shower pans include a vinyl pan with a built in drain. The pans are built over a masonry base or over foam support.

The advantage of these systems is the ease of installing. The skill level is less than the traditional construction. Plus installation is faster since no waiting is required between layers. The downside is cost. The kit often costs as much as a completed traditional installation. Manufacturers of tile ready systems are Tile Redi, Schluter and Wedi. Check your area for installers.

Hi, I’m cleaning my shower liner in the washing machine and I was wondering how much bleach do I use and do I use laundry soap, too? A mix? Thanks in advance.

My shower curtain has 2 layers, the pretty outside one and like the white plastic liner that is inside. I have only had the inside one for 2 months and it’s already MOLDY! I tried scrubbing it off but it like re-mold-ified in a few days. My mom said to stop making such a big deal and she said she doesn’t want to buy another one yet because it’s "fine" and the mold/mildew whatever gross crap is harmless. It’s SO nasty though and everytime I take a shower I freak when it touches me because it’s nasty and slimy! Can I spray the mildew remover junk on it? Or will I ruin the plastic? My mom said it could eat holes in the plastic and if I ruin it, I have to buy a new one. I tested a corner and it was ok but I dunno if it will be ok on the whole thing.

Seriously this is gross and nobody in my family seems to care besides me…I am 13 and don’t want to spend my allowance on a shower curtain, especially if it’s just going to be nasty in two months anyway! Is there anything I can do to un-mold the curtain now? If I buy a new one how can I keep this nasty stuff from growing on it? Am I being dumb, or is this super gross? My old shower had doors so I never had a curtain, does this happen to all shower curtains? Is there a such thing as a non-mildew curtain? Is there a spray or something I can use to clean plastic? Can mold or shower mildew make me sick or give me pimples or harm me in any other way besides looking gross? Thanks in advance, I know this is probably a silly fear.

We are remodeling our bathroom and have and old cast iron tub. We want to put in a tub and shower liner, but aren’t sure what to go with 1 piece or 3? Of course the companies tell you their’s is the best and prices and warranties are very close. Who do you go believe? I think the 1 piece unit is best. I would appreciate any input to help me decide. The companies are Bath fitters and Home Depot’s ReBath.

89 Mustang GT, every time I touch the liner I get showered with dust…I’d like to replace it. Is there any site where I can order a replacement that is for the Fox Body Mustang….

I have a shower door that needs a rubber liner replaced on the bottom. When I went to remove the metal sheeting, the screws are frozen in place with rust/water carbon. How can I remove the screws? I have looked online to see if tapping them out with a drill would work — but that seems a bit hash on the drill bit. Any suggestions?

When I am not on my period I wear panty liners. I put one on in the morning and check it throuout the day to see if I got my period. I usually never change it until I get in the shower at night.
Is this bad?

Gross

We just did a complete remodel of our bathroom and now it requires an L-shaped shower rod. I am wondering about the shower liner and shower curtain for such a shower rod. It doesn’t seem like a standard size would fit, but I haven’t seen any curtains online that specifically go with the L-shaped rod. Any ideas? Do stores sell standard and larger sizes and I just never noticed? Thanks!