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Shower Base Installation

Palmira S
A shower base, being an important part of a shower, should be installed properly. Among most bathroom designs, shower base installations are the most sought-after due to the ease in setting up, and simple-yet-decorative look that it provides to the bathroom.
Installing a shower base is a moderately easy process, if the steps involved are followed properly. This base serves as a basin through which the water drains into the plumbing.
The base is also set up in order to prevent water from flowing out of the shower enclosure. It is made of different materials, such as fiberglass.

Installing a Shower Base

● The tools required for the installation are hammers, screwdrivers, measuring tape, cement board, drywall screws, tile, limber for blocking, leveling materials, drainage units nuts, mesh water, rubber washer, strainer, and a tightening tool.
● Level the sub floor evenly by spreading a coat of leveling compound evenly, and plastering the area where you are going to place the shower base. Take care that the leveling base comes in contact with the surface of the floor.
● Lower the shower base over the center of the drain. After the base is set well, move it slightly in position so that you can fasten it to the walls. Place the flange on top of the splash after you are done with the leveling of base.
The flange should consist of pre-cut screw holes. If the shower base kit you have purchased consists of screws, then it is always a better option to use them.
● Tighten the flange to the wall, and while doing so, take care that the base flange is attached to the studs. The work will be quicker on a framed wall that has not been covered. Block the studs and make sure that the top of the flange sides flush against the blocking between the studs.
To check if the flange is flushing or not, use a level maintaining tool. If the base is set well, then the end of the flange should flush with the edge of the outer studs. A total of four fastening points are to be made, and you should screw the flange to these fastening points.
Two of these fastening points are placed in the corners, while two of them are outer points. There should be no gap between the flange, blockings, and studs. You can use shims for filling the gaps. Use this only if you are unable to flush the flange.
● The next step is installing the drain. The drain should fit into the drain pipe in the center of the shower base. Some drains have a special tool which allows you to thread the nut and drain it into place. Before screwing in the drainage unit, the rubber and mesh washers should be flat against the nut.
● With the help of a cement board, cover the shower walls and shower heads. If the shower base is being installed in a new area of the room which has not been framed yet, then make a new frame and cover it with a cement board, which will cover the walls around the base.
● Then, install tiles over the cement board. After you are finished with the tiling of the walls, you will notice a gap where the walls meet the top of the shower base. If you have done the installation properly, then this gap will be very small, approximately 1/8 inch, and if it's larger than that, you will have to fill it with caulk.
● Fill in the gaps between the wall and flange with caulk. Choose the color sealant according to the color of your shower base and walls. You can select a heavy duty silicone sealant. While applying the sealant, take care that it spreads evenly. You can use a standard caulking gum.