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Help with shower tray installation

JeffHeath | Posted in General Discussion on December 21, 2005 04:39am

I’m planning on installing a 48 X 34 shower tray in my son’s new bathroom.  I went to the local plumbing supply, hoping to avoid the stuff from Home Depot, and they carry the same brand, called Mustee, or something like that.  Are they ok to use, or do I need to order one of those gel type trays. 

Also, any tips that I need to know about how to keep this one from leaking would sure be appreciated.  The one I pulled out of the old bathroom was leaking badly, causing a wee bit of water damage.  Do I use a membrane underneath?  Do I seal between the durarock and the top of the tray with caulk?  etc……  Your help is extremely appreciated.

Merry Christmas,

Jeff

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Replies

  1. JeffHeath | Dec 21, 2005 08:09am | #1

    Wow

    Third time I posted this ??? with no responses. 

  2. davidmeiland | Dec 21, 2005 08:13am | #2

    It sounds like you are going to install a acryclic or fiberglass shower pan and tile the walls...?

  3. piko | Dec 21, 2005 08:23am | #3

    I don't know Mustee (?)., and I assume when you say 'gel' you mean gel-coated. If the tray is in perfect condition - no chips or hairline cracks,  it's bedded onto mortar, and the plumbing connection is secure and well-glued/installed, then there should be, in and of itself, no problem. Leaks are likely to occur above the tray, ie in the tiling, the lack of sealant, the poor backer, or lack of shower-liner.

    FHB has many articles on installing showers properly...also use the 'search' function to look back at experts....

    All the best...

    To those who know - this may be obvious. To those who don't - I hope I've helped.

     

    1. JeffHeath | Dec 21, 2005 03:40pm | #5

      Piko

      Yes, I'm sorting out between buying a fiberglass or gel-coated shower tray.  I was unaware that they needed to be bedded in mortar.  I thought that you only needed to do that for a tile floor.  The unit will be brand new, and "hopefully" without any cracks. 

      Is there any difference between the two that I should avoid, one vs. the other.  Do I need a mortar bed underneath the pan.  It will be installed over a newly re-constructed 3/4" T & G floor.  Should I install cement backer board underneath.

      I'm new to Breaktime, but I've been a contributor over at the Knots for a few years.  I can handle the work, I just don't want it to leak like the last one did (that I didn't install!)

      Your help is appreciated, and I'll also try the Search function AGAIN.

      Merry Christmas,

      Jeff

      1. DougU | Dec 21, 2005 05:03pm | #7

        Jeff

        What was the shower tray before. You mentioned that it leaked, just curious.

        If your getting a fiberglass trey then the mortar base that you are thinking of isn't the same as the mortar base for a tile floor.

        For a fiberglass base, and I don't do this stuff for a livin, I believe the mortar is gobs of it to set the base in so as not to have any deflection when you step in it, not a tapered mortar base to set tile. It just sounds like there may be a little confusion here.

        Doug

        Edited 12/21/2005 9:04 am ET by DougU

        1. JeffHeath | Dec 22, 2005 02:33am | #11

          The old bathroom is gone, and this is all new construction.  The old shower was one of those fiberglass inserts, and it leaked all over the place.  I completely demo'd the room, and re-arranged the location of everything.

          To clarify, I want to install a PRE-CAST shower base/tray/pan  (whatever the heck they call it)  with tile going up the walls on 3 sides, with a glass sliding door on the front.  Alls I need to know is what I need to know (the little tricks from the pros here) to make sure it's done right.  I built my last two houses, and build furniture for a living, so I know I can handle it, as long as somebody gives me a few pointers.  I just don't want to put the thing in and then find out that I've got to pull it all out.

          The gang from the knots, where I contribute for quite a while, told me there were several pro's over here who could help.  I'm hoping ONE of them will chime in here, so I don't make a couple thousand dollar mistake.

           

          Jeff

          1. DougU | Dec 22, 2005 03:22am | #12

            Jeff

            There are several guys on BT that if they see this can give you some good advice.

            There is also a very good web site for tile work, http://www.johnbridge.com/vbulletin/index.php?s=c028357f87eae529355489b24fc65dec&

            If you dont get any help here this place can answer any question you have regarding tile work.

            Doug

  4. User avater
    Heck | Dec 21, 2005 08:24am | #4

    Pre-formed shower pan, perhaps?

     

     

    "Citius, Altius, Fortius"

    1. JeffHeath | Dec 21, 2005 03:41pm | #6

      The box at the supply store calls it a shower tray.

      Jeff

      1. User avater
        Heck | Dec 21, 2005 06:05pm | #8

        http://www.thetiledoctor.com/repair/fiberglass.cfm

        Not all of this will apply, but a fairly comprehensive treatise.

        More info:

        http://doityourself.com/ceramic/troublesomeshowerpan.htm

        Lasco shower pans:

        http://www.lascobathware.com/pans_lascoat.htm

         "Citius, Altius, Fortius"

  5. BryanSayer | Dec 21, 2005 06:34pm | #9

    If you are tiling the walls, why not just do a mortar bed with pre-slope and liner, and tile the floor too? That way you can have whatever size and shape you want.

    1. JeffHeath | Dec 22, 2005 02:25am | #10

      Bryan

      Thanks for your reply.  I plan on doing that in our master bedroom, where the shower is 6'x8', but this is just a kids room, and I was thinking that the shower tray/pan, whatever it's called, would be easiest.  48" X 34" fits great into the design of the bathroom, and I would probably make it that size even if I make it the way you suggest. 

      I really don't know how to do the mud bed and tile floor, and would hate for it to leak.  I plan on hiring a pro to do our master, but this room's on me.

      Jeff

  6. TGuide | Dec 22, 2005 04:28am | #13

    Hello Sir,

    Just a little help...  I have been an avid reader of BT and FHB for some time now.  However, this is only my 2nd post.    That being said...  I'm surprised that no one has suggested that you consider using the "Schluter-Shower System".  I have no experience using it myself, however, it appears to by DIY friendly.  I think that it would address your unresolved concerns about "...leaking..."  Check out their website:

    http://www.schluter.com/english/products/2002/sectionh/overview-h/section-h.html

    They have an impressive installation video.  It provides a brief synopsis of the installation procedure.  Good Luck.  - Happy Holidays -

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