DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS FOR
INSTALLING YOUR NEW SHOWER BASE
STEP 1
If the subfloor is level, no other preparation is neces-
sary. You can proceed to install the base. If the subfloor
is not level, level shower base by spreading floor leveling
compound, mortar, plaster or minimal expansion struc-
tural foam having a density of a minimum of 5 lbs./cubic
ft. EVENLY over ENTIRE area where base will be
installed. (See Figure 1.) The compound used MUST
make contact with the entire bottom surface of the base
feet. The base is NOT to be supported by the base
flange. Both sides of a joint or splice of sub-floor should
be level to each other. Level and support waste pipe
cutout area greater than 5" x 5".
STEP 2
With the drain fitting passing over the center of the
drainpipe, lower the shower base carefully into place,
push down firmly until the base is in place. You must
check the level of the base in two directions. A 1/4" high
shim is necessary at the back of the base for front to back
leveling. (See Figure 2A.) Do not lift a corner to level the
base. This will cause a loss of contact with the mortar.
Attach the shower base flange to the stud wall and
blocking with screws provided. Use a minimum of 3
screws per flange section.
NOTE: If there is any gap between base flange and
stud or blocking, shims MUST be used to prevent
distortion or cracking of the flange. (See Figure 2B.)
With a large screwdriver and the tool included with the
drain, tighten the inside compression nut to seal the
drain pipe connection (see Figure 2C). After drain is fully
installed, test for proper drainage. If the shower base
does not drain properly, rectify this condition before
proceeding with the installation. Jacuzzi Whirlpool
Bath is not responsible for removal and/ or reinstal-
lation costs.
NOTE: Watertight installation of the drain is the
installer's responsibility. Drain leakage is excluded
from the Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath warranty.
Replace the strainer and tape over the drain hole to
prevent finishing material from entering drain.
STEP 3
Place cement board or equivalent on top of shower
base flange and secure to studwall (see Figure 3).
STEP 4
Apply tile (or other finishing material) leaving a 1/8" gap
between the finishing material and the shower base
flange lip. Seal this gap with silicone sealant. Leave a
minimum 1/4" weep hole at the back and front corners of
the shower base (see Figures 4A and 4B). The weep
holes are necessary to allow drainage from leakage
through unsealed tiled grout.
Filling the area marked DO NOT FILL will prevent
moisture from draining back into the base through the
weep holes (see Figure 4C). This moisture is due to
leakage through the tile grout. Sealing the tile grout will
prevent this leakage.
Clean-Up After Installation
To avoid dulling and scratching the acrylic surface of
the base, never use abrasive cleaners. A mild liquid
detergent and warm water clean soiled surfaces.
Remove spilled plaster with a wood or plastic edge.
Metal tools scratch the surface. Spots left by plaster or
grout can be removed if lightly rubbed with deter gent on
a damp cloth or sponge.
Paint, tar, or other difficult stains can be removed with
paint thinner, turpentine, or isopropyl alcohol (rubbing
alcohol).
Minor scratches which do not penetrate the color
finish can be removed by lightly sanding with 600-grit
wet/dry sandpaper. You can restore the glossy finish to
the acrylic surface of the base with a special compound,
Meguiar's #10 Mirror Glaze. If not available, use auto-
motive rubbing compound followed by an application of
automotive paste wax.
Major scratches and gouges which penetrate the
acrylic surface require refinishing. Ask your Jacuzzi
Whirlpool Bath dealer for special instructions.
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