What is a Shower Pan?

There are many options available when it comes to bathroom furnishings, but one indispensable item is a shower pan. This is what constitutes the floor of a shower and directs all the water into the drain, if installed properly. Usually shower pans are constructed from synthetic materials such as fiberglass, acrylic, or other strong, durable, waterproof materials. Some shower pans make it possible to place tile over them, giving more options for decoration. The process of installing a shower pan, or replacing one, usually runs about four to six hours. Especially when a replacement is being done, there is some light demolition work required, as well as advanced plumbing skills. The help of at least one other person also comes in handy, especially while fitting the pipe into the drain assembly from underneath. A shower pan consists of the pan itself, as well as the drain assembly. The main part of the drain is usually a heavy, chrome-plated ring that is threaded on the outside. This is ...  more

A shower pan is a very small dish-shaped object that forms the floor of your shower unit. Because this pre-cast piece of plastic often resembles something you might find in the kitchen, the name of "shower pan" is usually applied to the plastic unit that will form the floor of your shower installation. The shower pan always has a drain opening in the center and a gentle slope on the bottom, so water will flow toward the drain. Installing a shower pan is usually the first step in building a shower stall.  more