How to Install a Shower Base Safely: Step-by-Step

A shower base is easy to ignore until something goes wrong. Then the problems show up fast. Water leaks onto the floor. The area feels slippery. Hidden moisture can start damaging the subfloor.
In this blog, we’ll talk through why a shower base is worth installing and the simple steps on how to install a shower base to set it in place and connect the plumbing. Let's begin!

Why Should You Install a Shower Base?

You might think, “I already have a floor drain, so why bother with a shower base?” Here are some common reasons.

1. Smoother drainage
   A shower base is built with a gentle slope and a drain in the right spot. When you shower, water naturally flows toward the drain instead of sitting on the floor, so you don’t get puddles.
2. Better leak prevention
   Showering directly on the bathroom floor can let water seep into the floor and walls. Over time, that can cause leaks, damage to lower levels, and mold. A shower base has raised edges that help keep water inside the shower area and away from hidden gaps.
3. Clear wet–dry separation
   A shower base clearly marks where the shower area ends, and the rest of the bathroom begins. That helps keep the main floor drier and more comfortable to walk on. With fewer seams, the surface is also easier to wipe down and keep clean.

Tools and Materials You'll Need for Installing a Shower Base

Before learning how to plumb a shower base, you need to prepare the following tools and materials.

Tools:

• Angle grinder
• Power drill, screwdriver, and drill bits
• Trowel
• Level
• Tape measure
• Safety goggles, gloves, and face mask
• Bucket
• Measuring cup
• Damp cloth

Materials:

• Shower base
• Fast-setting mortar
• Water (for cleaning)
• Silicone sealant

How to Plumb a Shower Base: Step-by-Step

Now that your tools and parts are ready, it’s time to look at how to fit a shower base properly. The steps below will guide you through plumbing the waste, setting the base in position, and fixing it firmly in place.

Step 1. Inspection and Preparation

Put the shower base in the spot where you plan to install it and check the fit. Measure and mark the outer edges of the base and the position of the drain hole. Make sure the base sits firmly and the drain lines up with the waste pipe. 
If the drain hole and pipe do not match, adjust the drain pipe so they line up properly. Then check the floor with a level to see if the surface is flat and even.
Note: In Australia, shower base replacement must be done and signed off by a licensed plumber, so it’s wise to read local plumbing rules before you begin. Also, make sure the bathroom floor and walls have been waterproofed to the required standard before starting the installation.

Step 2. Cutting the Recess

Mark the square area for the waste outlet recess using a level so the lines are straight. Drill a hole at each corner of the marked square.
Put on safety goggles, gloves, and a face mask. Use an angle grinder to cut along the lines and remove the marked square section.
Place the shower base in the opening to check how it sits against the wall studs. Put a level on the top edges of the base to check from front to back and from left to right. If the base is not level, adjust it with shims or a leveling compound until it sits flat.

Step 3. Laying the Mortar Bed

Mix the fast-setting mortar as shown on the bag. Add water a little at a time and stir until it is smooth and holds its shape, not runny.
Spread the mortar evenly over the whole installation area so it can support the entire shower base. Use a trowel to smooth it out and create a flat, even bed. Work quickly in this step, because fast-setting mortar hardens in a short time.

Step 4. Installing the Shower Base

Carefully lower the shower base onto the prepared mortar bed. Adjust its position gently so the drain hole aligns perfectly with the waste pipe and the base sits level.
Check that the base is stable. If any uneven areas are found, add small amounts of mortar to correct them.
Final fixing methods vary by product. If the shower base requires additional fixing, secure it using screws or clips as specified in the manufacturer's instructions. If it relies solely on the mortar bed for support, ensure the mortar has fully set and allow extra curing time if necessary.

Step 5. Installing the Drainage System

Fit the drain assembly into the shower base drain hole, following the instructions that come with the base and drain parts. Use the seals and fittings supplied so the connection is tight and does not leak.
When everything is in place, pour a small amount of water into the shower base. Check that the water flows away properly and that no water drips from the drain connection.

Step 6. Sealing the Edges

Apply waterproof silicone sealant along the joints between the shower base and the walls, as well as around the perimeter where the base meets the floor. This prevents water from seeping through gaps and causing leaks.

Conclusion

A well-fitted shower base keeps water under control, protects the floor, and makes the bathroom safer and easier to clean. When the base sits level, drains well, and is sealed all around, you cut down on leaks, damp patches, and long-term damage.
Now you know the main steps of how to install a shower base safely, from checks and mortar to plumbing and sealing. For quality parts and matching styles, you can look at the MyHomeware bathroom products range that suits your space.

FAQs

Do you put anything under a shower base?

What holds a shower base in place?

Do you need a plumber to install a shower tray?

Do I need to waterproof under a shower base?