Membranes

Achieving a permanent, watertight seal in your shower is straightforward with Oatey's wide assortment of traditional and topical shower waterproofing membranes and accessories.

Crafted from durable PVC or CPE materials, traditional pan liners offer flexibility, affordability, and reliable protection against water leakage, making them a trusted solution for tile shower installations and other concealed waterproofing needs. Available in a variety of sizes and mil thicknesses, traditional pan liner allows for customization to suit virtually any shower footprint.

QuickDrain's topical sheet membrane provides a waterproof barrier and an industry-leading perm-rating suitable for steam showers. Offered in multiple pre-cut sizes, QuickLiner can be used for both the shower pan and wall applications--accommodating unique layouts and simplifying installation.

With Oatey and QuickDrain products, professionals and DIYers alike can achieve dependable, leak-free shower systems that stand the test of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How thick should I pour concrete below shower pan liner?

This depends on the quality of the cement products you are using and the minimal thickness recommended by that specific manufacture. The normal rule is ¼” thick starting at the outside of the flange, then the concrete is sloped up and away from the drain at ¼” per foot.

What type of concrete do I use when I install the shower pan liner?

The approved products for this application are bagged Portland Sand mix, or cement 
mix for the base and top coatings. If you are going to mix and match, you must use Portland sand mix under the liner.

How do I install a shower pan?

If you contact our customer service department, they would be happy to send you a full set of step by step installation instructions. You can also visit our website and watch our how-to video showing a shower pan installation.    

What is the best way to wrap the shower pan liner over the curb?

There are two ways to complete this application. The first is to use one of the 
approved adhesives from Liquid Nail product line; apply this product with a 1/8" trowel up the front, back and top surfaces of the curb. Then press the liner down to conform to the curb shape, and finally nailing the liner at the top edges and on the outside curb surface.  The second method is to cover (wrap) all three sides of the curb with a cut (scrap) piece of liner and nail it into place, these nails can be located anywhere because they will be covered by the second (finished) piece of pan liner. All the nails must be flush or recessed into scrap piece of liner, without any sharp edges exposed. Then after cutting your finished liner to size and reaching the curb wrapping step, apply the appropriate solvent cement for that material and cement the finished liner to the scrap liner.

How can you get the creases out of prepackaged shower pan liner before installation?

Whenever possible you should purchase a piece of shower liner from a roll which all 
the Home and Garden stores stock. However; if you do get a piece that has a crease in it, lay it on a flat surface in the sun or heat with a hair dryer. Then lay a flat heavy object on top of the crease for 30 minutes. This step may have to be repeated a few times in order to create new material memory. If the creases are too large, DO NOT install the liner. Large creases left in the liner will cause water to puddle under the concrete which could affect the integrity of the cement base, or mold growth which will transfer up through the grout joints. The pan liner must be self-draining. 

Can you place roofing paper (tar paper) under the shower pan liner instead of concrete?

You cannot use any tar paper when installing the shower pan liner because the 
petroleum in the tar paper will dry the liner, and the liner will become brittle and crack if there is prolonged exposure. 

Can I use pipe solvent cement to solvent weld shower pan liner together?

No. The formulas are very different and cannot be interchanged.

Can I glue the liner to the wood sub-floor?

No.

How high above the drain should I end the liner?

The drain is not the determining factor for finished pan height. The curb (threshold) is the determining factor of this application since it always above the finished height of the drain. The pan liner should finish a minimum of 6 inches above the framed or (roughed-in) curb height. This height allows for the application of concrete base and finishes to be applied.  

How do I seam two pieces of liner together?

Once you have the two pieces of liner cut square and laid flat on a warm hard surface (above 50°F), you must overlap one of the pieces over the other at least 2”. If you are seaming PVC liner use Oatey X-15, if the liner is CPE you will use Oateyweld. Fold back  the top piece of liner and wipe any debris or foreign substance off both surfaces with  a damp cloth and then dry thoroughly. Apply the proper cement for the application to both surfaces allow 1 to 3 minutes in hot weather and 6 to 8 minutes in cold weather, then join then together. Immediately apply pressure on the seam for 15 to 30 seconds with a 2x4 or equivalent. Leave this seam cure for 12 hours before installing, but after one hour there is good handling strength and you can move the liner. 

Related Resources

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Videos

How to Achieve a Complete Shower Pan Liner Installation

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