Glossary · Bathroom terms

Shower Pan / Base

Definition

The waterproof sloped floor of the shower — a prefabricated acrylic/solid-surface base or a custom tiled mortar-bed pan. The single most leak-critical component.

Source: Wikipedia — Shower

  • Mortar

    A cement-based paste used to bond masonry or, as thinset, to adhere tile to a substrate. Different mixes are rated for different applicat…

  • Shower Pan Liner

    A waterproof membrane under a tiled mortar bed that catches water passing through grout and routes it to the weep holes of the drain. Hid…

  • Shower Niche

    A recessed waterproofed shelf set between wall studs for toiletries. Must be flashed and waterproofed into the wall system or it becomes…

  • Shower System

    A coordinated set of outlets — showerhead, hand shower, body sprays, sometimes a tub filler — run from one valve set. More outlets mean a…

  • Shower Enclosure

    The overall glass-and-door system that contains the shower, from prefab kits to custom glass. Custom glass is templated after tile and is…

  • Shower Valve

    The in-wall mixing valve controlling shower water temperature and flow. Modern code requires anti-scald protection; the valve body is set…

  • Shower Curb

    The raised threshold that contains shower water. Eliminating it (curbless) requires recessing the floor structure for the slope-to-drain.

  • Single-Hole Faucet

    A one-piece faucet using a single deck hole. Clean and modern; pairs with vessel and minimalist sinks.

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