shower pan

[mmksb]

Would like to know if you need a shower pan for a concrete floor

[jimbo]

Yes. Concrete is not considered watertight. Then, you have to penetrate it with a drain. And the joint between the floor and the walls would be a leaker. You need an impermeable pan with flanges, so that the waterproofing membrane on the wall can overlap that flange. Caulk alone can never be condidered to be the primary means of blocking water. Mechanical flashed (overlapped in the downward direction) joints are required.

The drain in a shower, sealed with putty and/or gaskets is the weak link in most shower pans. But done right, it will last.

[jadnashua]

Go over to www.johnbridge.com go to their 'liberry' and check out shower pan installation/construction. Then, if you have other tiling questions, you can ask the tile experts there. Very useful and professional info from tiling spe******ts. A shower pan that will last without leaks and without smelling like a swamp must be installed with the liner on a sloped pre-slope. One where the liner is flat on the floor may keep it from leaking out, but because there is no slope, some water will accumulated under the tile and eventually start to smell. So, check it out, do it right, and enjoy...