There are two common types of shower
pans used in today’s modern homes. There are prefabricated fiberglass shower
pans, and there are mortar based shower pans constructed using a flexible shower
pan membrane liner.
A prefabricated fiberglass shower pan commonly can leak around the drain area.
In addition, if something heavy was dropped into the shower pan, a minor crack
could have been created.
A mortar based shower pan can
also leak around the drain area. However, if a mortar based shower pan is
leaking it may be more likely due to either a failed shower pan membrane
liner or an improper installation of it.
To determine if a shower pan is leaking, remove the shower drain grate cover
and plug it with an expandable plug.
Then fill the shower pan with 1-2 inches of water and allow it to sit for
awhile.
Photo by Mark Donovan
Make sure you record the height of
the water in the shower pan using a marker. Wait a period of time and determine
if the shower pan water level has dropped.
If the water level has dropped then
indeed you have a shower pan leak. For fiberglass shower pans you can purchase
an epoxy to seal any cracks. If, however, the drain assembly of the shower pan
is leaking call a plumber. Repairing a shower pan leak around the drain area can
be complicated.
If you have a leaking mortar shower
pan, then again you will need to call a plumber. Repairing a leaking mortar
shower pan requires extensive work, as the entire shower pan will need to be
removed and replaced. Unfortunately this includes removing ceramic tile in the
shower pan and along the lower portion of the shower walls.
Find a Qualified Bathroom Remodeling Contractor in Your Area
Get Free Quotes. Easy, Quick and No
Obligations!
For the home improvement or home remodeling project that is
too big for you, check out our partner
NeedContractor. They are a national
resource for finding pre-screened, insured, and licensed home improvement and remodeling contractors in your local area.
Get Matched in 48 hours with Bathroom
Remodeling
Contractors!
For more help on bathroom remodeling, see HomeAdditionPlus.com's
Bathroom Remodeling Bid Sheet. The
Bathroom Remodeling Bid Sheet
provides you with the knowledge and information you need to plan a bathroom
remodeling
project, and what to look for when hiring contractors. It
also includes a detailed cost breakdown table and a spreadsheet for estimating
your own new bathroom remodeling building costs.
How to Finance your Bathroom Remodeling Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Free Bathroom
Remodeling Price Quotes with
No Obligation!
Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and receive a free price quote
on bathroom remodeling quote from one of our prescreened and licensed bathroom
remodeling contractors. This process is free and there is no obligation to
continue once you receive your bathroom remodeling price estimate.
