In this post, we explain the differences between traditional methods for installing a tiled shower pan and Muraflo’s quick-install pre-tiled shower pans. Timings for all methods assume that prepping the shower area has taken place before installation begins.
Traditional Installation
Hotmop
Hotmop is a messy process that emits toxic fumes, but which ultimately ensures a sturdy shower area with a very low risk of leaks or damage. Installation processes and materials vary per installer but can include:
- Install shower drain base
- Build the curb
- Pre-slope the pan - with layers of asphalt roofing shingles or a sloped mortar bed
- Hotmop:
- Apply layers of hot asphalt and fabric (heavy roofing fabric) to pan, curb, and partway up the walls; spread with the “mop”; add fiberglass mesh patches; connect and seal drain; seal with a waterproof coating
- Cure time
- Perform a water test
- Apply mortar bed
- Tile and grout the pan
Once materials are on site and prepped, the hotmop process can take 1.5-2 hours, followed by 2-3 hours cure time. The fumes may remain for an hour or more. The water test is often done overnight. Applying mortar, setting tile, and grouting the shower pan and curb can take one to two full or partial days, depending on the skill of the tile setter.
Shower Pan Liners
Shower pan liners are waterproof membranes, often made of PVC or CPE, that create a waterproof underlayer to a shower that can be tiled on top of. Unlike hotmop, shower pan liners do not provide structural support, and any tiny holes or tears can create leaks. Installation processes and materials vary per installer but can include:
- Install shower drain base
- Build the curb
- Pre-slope the pan (e.g. sloped mortar bed)
- Install membrane:
- Measure, cut, install, secure, and seal the shower pan liner on the curb, the pan interior, and up the studs
- Measure, cut, install, secure, and seal the shower pan liner on the curb, the pan interior, and up the studs
- Perform a water test
- Apply mortar bed
- Tile and grout the pan
Once materials are on site, the liner installation process can take 4-8 hours, plus waiting times. The water test is often done overnight. Applying mortar, setting tile and grouting the shower pan and curb can take one to two full or partial days, depending on the skill of the tile setter.
Muraflo Tiled Shower Pans
Muraflo’s pre-tiled shower pans arrive in your bathroom fully tiled and grouted. Professionals and experienced DIYers can follow Muraflo’s step-by-step Installation Films and Installation Instructions to install the pan:
- Test-fit the Muraflo template to check pan and drain placements in the rough-in area
- Install the shower pan (applying the mortar bed in stages, maneuvering and lowering the pan into place)
- Check levels
Once the shower pan is unpacked, the installation process typically takes 30-60 minutes. Our pans have been water tested in the factory and do NOT require on site water testing. After installation, a plumber will connect the drainpipe to the drain body.
Benefits of Muraflo vs Traditional
- Save 2-3 days in overall time, including eliminating cure-time and water test delays
- Save at least a day of labor costs
- Consistent, professional results
- Factory-tested waterproofing
- Ease of installation compared to traditional methods with no tiling or grouting on site = less skilled labor, less fumes, less mess, less time.