How to Hook Up a Solid Shower Pan Drain

The shower base pan and drain are an integral part of the overall shower system. A solid base pan is one that is installed as a single piece and has no flex to it, such as a marble base pan. Since the unit is so heavy and rigid, it only requires a level floor and not the traditional mortar bed. The drain for the shower connects the pan to the main system drain in the floor. You can hook up the shower pan to the drain in less than an hour with supplies from many hardware and home-improvement stores.

Shower base pan
Brass drain assembly
Rubbing alcohol
Clean rag
Silicone caulk
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare the floor for the new pan and drain. Clean it completely, so there is no loose debris. If the pan is set on an untidy floor, it can be damaged and the drain may not seal properly. This is also the time to check the wall studs and replace any that are damaged.
- 2
  Inspect the drain connection in the floor. Look for damaged threads and loose connections. This is the time to fix any of these problems if they exist.
- 3
  Set the shower pan on a raised surface, such as blocks of wood or sawhorses. You need to be able to easily reach under the shower pan to install the pan drain. Clean the drain area with the rubbing alcohol and take apart the drain assembly.
- 4
  Lay a bead of silicone around the opening on the top of the shower pan. There is usually a recessed lip for the silicone. Place the brass body of the drain into the hole and seat it firmly on the silicone. Wipe away any excess.
- 5
  From underneath the pan, place the rubber gasket and washer over the tail of the drain. Lock this assembly into place with the lock nut. Get the nut hand tight. The pan is now ready to install.
- 6
  Line up the drain in the pan with the drain pipe in the floor. Be careful not to drag the pan, as the skirt can be damaged or break off. Gently set the pan into place so that the edges of the pan are firmly against the wall studs and the drain lines are aligned, with the drain pipe from the floor extending up into the drain in the pan. Unlike traditional shower pans, solid pans are not attached to the studs with nails or screws.
- 7
  Slide the rubber gasket into the brass drain body and around the pipe from the floor. Use the drain wrench to connect the locking ring to the drain pipe. Get the drain tight but take care not to over-tighten, as this can cause damage to the pan, pan drain or main drain pipe.
- 8
  Place the drain screen over the drain in the shower base. This screen may just slip into place or it may be held in with a couple of screws. If you do have to screw it in, again make sure not to over-tighten to prevent damage.

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