Can a plastic liner be installed over a lead pan? I try to do a lot of resarch on new building/restoration trends, and I happened to have stumbled upon this blog. I am rebuilding/remodeling a flooded home. Too bad I didn't see this before my "old time" plumber installed the lead pan. He was so proud of giving me a lead shower pan that I don't have the heart to tell him I didn't think it wasn't the best choice. Also, he doesn't take criticism very well and I don't want to insult him. I am trying to find a nice way to tell him I would like to modify what he has done. My question is, can a plastic (PVC or other) liner be installed over a lead pan? We are in the rough-in stage of the plumbing project and he has already done the lead pan. No mud/sand/mortar bed or anything else has been done. Is there anything else that I can have done to improve on the lead pan before we go any further? Thank you.

I would remove the lead pan. It may punch hole through PVC liner. Since your house is under construction, it should not be such a bid deal. Also, you will need to install new drain head to accommodate PVC liner. You can not use the one used with lead pan. Trust me on this one. Do it right first time. You will sleep better. Back to you. Milo