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rebuildnola · Jan 17, 2011, 01:51 PM

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.

Milo Dolezal · Jan 17, 2011, 01:55 PM

Since you are in rough stages of construction, I suggest you take out the old lead and install new pan over clean sub-floor.

rebuildnola · Jan 17, 2011, 02:13 PM

Thank you. However, does the fact that it is a brand new lead pan make a difference?

Milo Dolezal · Jan 17, 2011, 03:59 PM

So let me ask you: why do you want to install PVC liner if you have brand new, functional lead pan in place ?

The biggest problem is that I cannot see the way you will seal the PVC liner with drain. Lead pan drain cannot be used for liners. It is completely different system. So you will also have to replace drain to accommodate liner installation. Do it right the first time. You will sleep better. Back to you. Milo

rebuildnola · Jan 18, 2011, 06:40 AM

Plumber is old school and hates to be told that he's wrong. I've had to ask him to redo some things after I researched it that weren't the "best practice" and it's not fun. I will have to ask him to redo or I get another one to do.

rebuildnola · Jan 18, 2011, 06:41 AM

Thank you so much for your honesty. I now know what I will have to do and put my game face on to tell him. I am really grateful for your advice.

massplumber2008 · Jan 18, 2011, 10:45 AM

Hi Nola...

If you have a really old time plumber there with like 40-50 years experience under his belt then my guess is that we probably shouldn't be too worried about his work... *shrugs*.

Certainly the newer vinyl shower pans are the latest and greatest but I know of many lead pans that were installed properly and are still doing just fine 40-50 years later!

I guess all I am saying is that some of these older guys really know their stuff and if the plumber is willing to guarantee his work I'm figuring that is all you should really need at this point.

Just another opinion...

Mark