When Should a Shower Pan be Replaced?

Shower pans consist of different materials, most prominently plastic and concrete.

Shower pans consist of different materials, most prominently plastic and concrete. No matter the material, a shower pan can suffer from damage and deterioration over time, making a replacement necessary.

Here are the most common indicators that it's time to replace the shower pan:

General movement

Movement is a common problem in plastic shower pans, primarily due to faulty installation. A plastic shower pan must be screwed and locked into the wall to ensure immobile. The most significant problem with movement on plastic shower pans is that it may cause cracks.

On the other hand, concrete shower pans will not experience movement problems as the installation requires several layers, including a wire mesh. Another reason why concrete shower pans don't move is that they are heavier than plastic alternatives.

Up and down movement

Up and down movements occur when there's unseen damage on the floor below the pan. This is another issue that only affects plastic shower pans. The reason is that concrete pans are rock solid.

Over time, these constant movements will produce leaks and cracks. Contact a professional plumber if this kind of damage occurs to a plastic shower pan. They are qualified to repair the floor and replace the shower pan efficiently.

Leaks

Not every leak found in the shower is related to the wear and tear of the shower pan. Caulking deterioration or missing grout may be the cause. When one can't identify the leak's source, call a professional plumber to assess the situation.

In the worst-case scenario, remove the shower pan to verify the state of the floor underneath. If the damage produced by the leak is significant, it will be noticeable in the walls of the adjacent rooms.

Cracks

Cracks in a shower pan may occur for various reasons, such as seasonal movement, which is inevitable. Even if silicon caulk is used in the joints to absorb these movements, small cracks may develop near the edges of both plastic and concrete shower pans.

However, cracks across the middle of a plastic pan are different. This indicates that the pan is failing and needs replacement. With concrete shower pans, the cracks produced by seasonal movement are hairline and don't cause any major problems. A bigger crack will indicate a different and more significant problem.

Renovate the shower

Like every household element, shower pans have a certain lifespan and will suffer deterioration over the years. Several indicators will let homeowners know it's time to replace the shower pan. Contact a professional plumber to ensure proper installation of the new shower pan and efficiently repair any damage on the floor underneath.

Much Better Plumbing is the premier residential and commercial plumbing service for homeowners and businesses in the Las Vegas area. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Call us today at 702-996-5220.