How to install a pallet in the shower with your own hands
For carrying out water procedures, it is necessary to create all conditions, the necessary prerequisite for which is the installation of a bathtub or shower cabin. Compared to a bathtub, a shower cabin is a more convenient, multifunctional device that allows you to significantly save space and at the same time decorate the bathroom. Choosing a cabin is a simple matter, but installation will require certain knowledge and skills. In this article, we will figure out how to install a shower tray and at the same time not involve specialists, but work on it yourself.
The specifics of the work
Installation of the pallet in some cases requires certain specific knowledge that specialists possess. It is undeniable that such a familiar procedure will take them little time, especially since you will receive a guarantee for the installation. But, after all, it is much more pleasant when everything is done by hand.
Before installation, you should read the product instructions, determine the dimensions of the structure, its convenient location. The instructions will necessarily indicate the number and set of components that are necessary for installing pallets with your own hands.
Types of shower trays
During installation, it is necessary to correctly adjust the horizontal surface of the pallet. This is due to the fact that insufficiently high-quality level marking can affect the operation of the sewage drain into the sewer. Therefore, it is necessary to control this process so as not to disturb the waste regime.
Depending on which shower cabin you have purchased: with a deep or shallow frame, the complexity of installation will depend. To install a flat pallet, you will not have any difficulties, but installation will require additional dexterity.
You can use bricks or foam blocks. And additional rigidity of the pallet can be given using a metal frame. This greatly simplifies DIY installation.
If the model you have chosen has a rather high base, then you should think about installing a step. To make sure that the pallet will be installed correctly, you should carefully stand on it.
Acrylic pallet on a prefabricated frame 
Steel pallet on a metal frame 
The cast-iron pallet almost does not need installation Preparatory work
Before starting work, check the availability of all components and elements. Pay attention to the condition of the floor. To properly install the pallet, you need to prepare the floor - its surface must be perfectly flat. The sewer pipe must be led to the very center of the surface where the pallet will be installed. Good quality pipes must be used for the waste drain. Water supply pipes must be installed and electrical wiring is securely hidden under the tile. The outlets of the pipes must be accessible for connecting the shower cabin.
Before you start installing the shower tray, you must have the following materials and tools with you:
- metal carcass;
- drainpipe, flexible hoses and siphon;
- level, mounting knife;
- screwdrivers and keys;
- silicone sealant, FUM tape;
- spatula, trowel;
- brush and gloves.
Shower tray installation tools Getting Started
Do-it-yourself installation of structures with sides requires the use of a metal frame. This requires beginners to know some process technology, since their absence can cause difficulties for home craftsmen.
In order to properly level the pallet, you must begin with the assembly of the metal frame. For this you should:
- turn the pallet upside down in order to attach load-bearing beams to its bottom with self-tapping screws, the square section of which is 0.1x0.1 cm. If the design provides space for bolts in the right places, then we assemble the frame using fasteners;
Metal carcass - depending on the shape of the sanitary ware and in order to achieve its maximum strength, we fasten the pipes with our own hands crosswise or in parallel;
- at the end of the carrier tubes there are special holes where the studs are mounted, which serve as legs to support the entire structure. Each hairpin has thrust bearings resting against the base. On the other hand, the studs are fixed with washers or nuts;
Frame fixing - the frame is assembled, now you need to turn it over, install it in the right place. Before fixing the pallet, using its dimensions and holes, we mark the walls and floor. If preference is given to the corner option, then with the help of special brackets the structure is attached to the walls, the joints between which are ultimately processed with a sealant;
- when all fasteners are screwed to the base, it is necessary to adjust the pallet relative to the horizon line using a level. High-quality installation will ensure unimpeded drainage of water into the sewer pipe. We carry out the final touches by adjusting the thrust bearings or tightening the studs, which must be tightened with locknuts;
Adjusting the feet of the shower tray - now you should install the siphon. It is desirable that it has a flexible tube, which allows you to adjust the dimensions along the length and height of the structure. First, a mesh lubricated with sealant is installed in the drain, then a gasket is applied and the tee is fixed with a screw. We insert a branch into the sewer, which is pre-sealed with additional gaskets, and as a result is fixed with a coupling. We connect the other side of the siphon tube to the connecting node, which must be lubricated with sealant and sealed with a gasket;
Sewer connection After installing the siphon with your own hands and checking all its connections, you must connect the cold and hot water supply. To prevent leakage, all joints are treated with sealants or FUM tape.
Other ways to install pallets
Installing a shallow sump is a simpler procedure. A feature of this installation is the correct installation of the siphon, which should be located below the floor level.
In this case, you should carefully select the drain hole, which must have sufficient throughput. So, for a pallet with a layer of water of 12 cm, siphons are used, the dimensions of the through hole of which are 0.52-0.62 cm. If the maximum water layer exceeds 15 cm, then the diameter of the hole must be at least 0.9 cm.
Drainer The installation of flat and shallow pallets after the drain hole is carried out by gluing to the base, the joints are treated with mounting foam and the structure is loaded for a day. After that, all joints are treated with sealant.
In addition to the above method of installing a shower tray using a metal frame, there are other ways. So, brickwork or foam blocks can be used as a rigid base for enamelled pallets. This makes it possible to eliminate the presence of space between the floor and the pallet and ensures maximum structural strength.
Installing a shower tray on bricks
Homemade pallet
If you have the opportunity and time allows you, then you can make a pallet in the bathroom with your own hands. At the same time, there is no need to buy an acrylic pallet, since a moisture-resistant brick will be used as the basis.
The first step is the installation of sewerage and water supply and carry out waterproofing and floor preparation. It is best if you install the pallet in place of the old bathroom. However, the floor should be treated with mastic and covered with a film.
Cement strainer 
Floor waterproofing Now you can move on to the stage of building brick sides, which lies on a moisture-resistant solution. Their height should be greater than the ledge of the drain, from which the height of the homemade pallet begins.
Now the base is ready and you need to give it time to dry. Then pour the inside of the pallet with a self-leveling concrete mixture 6-8 cm thick. At this stage, it is necessary to create a slight angle of inclination towards the sewer hole so that the water drains quickly.
After the pallet has dried up again, it is treated on all sides first with a primer, and then with mastic or any other waterproofing compound in several layers. Ultimately, the entire surface of the pallet is treated with a mixture of cement and tile adhesive. When this mixture has dried, the pallet is rubbed with sandpaper.
Now you can start decorating your product. You can choose from mosaic, ceramic tiles or decorative stone. Preference should be given to moisture resistant brands.
Installation steps for a homemade shower tray For laying materials, it is necessary to use a special glue that does not contain chemicals and does not deteriorate when exposed to water. With a notched trowel, glue is applied to the surface of the pallet. It is best to start work from the corner. When laying out the mosaic, you need to lightly press it, if you use tiles, then a rubber mallet will help you.
Combined options can also be considered, when the inside of the pallet is processed with mosaics, and the outer part is laid out with tiles. But, and this is at the request of each master.
