How to Install a Shower Pan
Part of our Showers guides.
An acrylic pan must be fully supported and level. Turn off the water (and power at the breaker for anything electrical) before starting, and follow the product manual where it differs from these general steps.
| Time | 4-6 hours |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Hard |
| Tools | Level, drill, mortar mix, adjustable wrench, silicone |
Step by step
- Check the floor. Remove old flooring; the subfloor should be flat and solid.
- Dry fit. Place the pan, check drain alignment and level.
- Prepare drain. Install the drain body per the manual.
- Mortar bed. If specified, set the pan in a mortar bed for full support.
- Set and level. Press the pan in, check level across all edges.
- Fasten flange. Screw or clip the flange to studs as instructed.
- Connect drain and test. Fill with water and check for leaks before installing walls.
Tips & common mistakes
- A pan that flexes underfoot will crack over time: full support matters.
- Match left/right/center drain to your plumbing.
Floor preparation is everything
Acrylic pans crack when they flex. The subfloor must be flat (check with a long level), solid and free of old adhesive. Fix any squeaks or soft spots before you start. Many manufacturers recommend setting the pan in a mortar bed so the whole base is supported; follow the manual's instruction for your model.
Drain connection
VEVOR's pans include a drain kit; the 60x32 center-drain version has a 3-3/8 inch opening. Confirm the drain body fits your pipe (typically 2-inch for showers) and whether it's a compression or glue-in connection. Dry-fit the pan with the drain to check alignment before mixing mortar.
Walls on top of the pan
The pan's tiling flange sits against the studs. Backer board or surround panels come down over the flange, stopping a quarter inch above the pan surface so they don't wick water. Seal the joint between pan and walls with silicone, not grout.
Testing
Before walls go on, plug the drain and fill the pan with an inch or two of water. Leave it for a few hours and check below if you have access. Then test the drain under flow.
When to hire a pro
Moving a drain in a slab, rotted subfloor, or converting a tub where the valve also needs moving are good reasons to bring in a plumber.
Frequently asked questions
Do acrylic shower pans need mortar?
Many manufacturers recommend a mortar bed for support; follow the manual.
Can I install a shower pan on a concrete slab?
Yes, with a level surface and the drain correctly positioned.
Do I need to slope the floor?
No, acrylic pans are pre-sloped.
How do I attach the pan to studs?
Screw or clip the flange to studs per the manual.
Can I install walls before the pan?
No, the pan goes in first and walls come down onto its flange.