Step-by-Step on How to Put in a Shower Pan

Install the shower pan drain in the shower pan's drain hole by screwing the top flange to the bottom nut and tightening the nut with a large wrench.

Set the shower pan inside of the shower area and butt it up against the shower walls. The pan must lie flush on the shower framing walls with the sides of the pan touching the framing walls. If there are big gaps between the pan's side walls and the framing, slip strips of wood in between and screw them in place with wood screws and a screwdriver.

Level the pan by setting a level on each side right near the wall. Check the level bead, if it falls below level, slip a wooden shim beneath the pan to raise it to level. Repeat this step on each side until all sides are level.

Screw the pan into the framing with a 1-inch wood screw and screwdriver to hold the pan in place.

Attach the drain by pushing the drain pipe up through the bottom of the shower pan drain hole, and slipping a compression washer over it. Hammer down the compression washer with a mallet and block of wood to make a tight seal between the drain pipe and drain. Place the drain grate over the drain hole and push it into place by hand.