Looking for step by step instructions for installing a copper shower pan.

Hi Blended...

We can give you detailed instructions on copper pan installation, but first tell me why you are`opting for a copper pan install? Most installations use a vinyl membrane today.

Do you have any experience soldering?

Back to you...

Mark

Hi Blended...

We can give you detailed instructions on copper pan installation, but first tell me why you are`opting for a copper pan install? Most installations use a vinyl membrane today.

Do you have any experience soldering?

Back to you...

Mark

I just prefer copper being a new englander. I already have the pan and it is soldered, yes I can solder. I mainly want to be clear on how to intstall it around the drain. My sloped mortar bed is poured. Can you help?

Hi Blender...

In Boston area we are still using the copper pans rather regularly. Here, we have million dollar houses and 2nd and 3rd floors... most just won't trust these compseal/vinyl shower pans and frankly I don't want to warranty against leaks on upper floors with $200,000.00 kitchens below so we usually install the copper pans... :)

We do NOT, however, put in a presloped cement floor so you need to remove that. What made you think you need a presloped floor for a copper pan, Blended?

What are the dimensions of the pan? The dimensions will determine which shower strainer you'll use. If large pan then you'll want a deep throat shower strainer... otherwise, you can use a regular threaded all brass shower strainer... see image.

Here, you'll install the PVC ptrap where it belongs for the shower. Then you will install a PVC male adapter (no pipe dope or tape for now, just spin it in tight) into the all brass shower strainer and dry fit it to the PVC pipe so the strainer ends up flush with or up to 1/4" below the floor.

Then you'll drop the copper pan over the shower strainer and then lightly hammer the pan to peen the shape of the shower strainer into the pan. Most important will be to indent the inner edge and the outer edge of the shower strainer.

After you have a good impression in the pan, remove the pan and using tin snips you'll cut a hole in the pan 1/4" larger than the smaller inner hole dented into the pan.

Then you will sand up the pan on the bottom side of the pan to match the larger outer hole dented in the pan and then you'll apply flux and presolder the hole on the under side of the pan... basically pretinning the bottom of the pan.

You will also sand the brass strainer and apply flux to the strainer edge and presolder that, too.. also pretinning the strainer.

Then you turn the pan over and place the shower straner into the dents on the pan and then heat the shower strainer assembly and the pan and solder the two together.

Let it all cool and then turn over the pan and thread in the shower strainer...

If all has gone well to this point you'll install the PVC male adapter into the strainer with pipe dope and then prime/cement the pipe and male adapter and with a friend's help drop the pan onto the PVC pipe.

Step on the strainer once the pan sets into place for about 2 minutes.

Let all sit for a couple hours and then remove the strainer and install a test ball into the drain line. Pump up the test ball and fill the pan with water to the highest point in the pan.

Let the water sit for 24 hours. If no leaks you can proceed to pour the shower floor mud. Be sure to install many small rocks by the shower strainer to allow water to weep into the drain. DO NOT use pipe dope or anything on the strainer threads as this will prevent water from weeping past the threads and into the drain.

That all make sense?

Mark