New Jersey
home inspection NJ home
inspectors perform
Certified New Jersey home
inspections in NJ.
FIBERGLASS
SHOWER PAN (INSERT): A fiberglass pan insert
is a prefabricated fiberglass shower pan which
is set over the drain pipe, then tiled or sealed
in with other types of surrounds.
"Surround" means the vertical walls
around a tub or shower. Sometimes these units
will crack and leak but improper installation
seems to be the main problem with this type of
pan. The pan fits over a drain pipe protruding
from the floor. Caulk or other similar sealers
are pressed into a flange which fits around the
pipe thereby effecting a water tight seal. If
the pan is not completely secure the pan base
will move slightly when stepped on often
breaking the seal. This causes a leak under the
shower pan. The inspection, being a visual
inspection, does not allow the inspector to
apply weight to the floor of the shower at the
same time water is running. This type of leak is
almost impossible to detect unless all the
criteria is met for it to leak. Leaks of this
nature are relatively easy to remedy with the
addition of a flange sealer, such as plumbers
putty or the like. A Plumber may need to be
called out if you are not equipped to remove the
drain screen and make repairs.
