Copper shower pan

[Shawn]

I haven't read anything about copper shower pans in any forums. Why? A contractor I was working with recommended a copper pan because the shower is on the second floor and copper would be more reliable. Can the copper pan be in direct contact with the mortar beds? The steps to insall seem to be similiar (pre-slope, drain flange, curb etc.) except that copper is used instead of membrane.

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[John Bridge]

Hi Shawn, Welcome abord. You list occupation as govmint. What you mean? :D

Just kidding.

In my opinion, metal shower pans were eclipsed by PVC and CPE. Copper oxidizes and eventually disappears, as does lead. There is stainless steel, I suppose, but at what cost?

To my knowledge, the only place in the country where copper pans are still in use is the Northeast. It could have something to do with unions, which are still prominent in that part of the country, although that's just a guess.

Copper pans usually last 20 to 25 years if done correctly. That's just slightly better than lead, which is maxed out at about 20 years, generally speaking.

I entered the tile trade 30 years ago, and PVC pans had been in use for about 8 years previously. I have never known a PVC pan to fail. I've taken a lot of them out that were installed incorrectly.

[cx]

Guvmint, eh? Well, that would 'splain why he pewt the same post on two forums.

Shawn, my son, it's not necessary to do everything in duplicate here. You can relax and just submit one copy. We'll answer anyway. :D

Taxachussets Guvmint, at that. OK, lemme guess how you voted on prop 1. :)

Welcome aboard. Don't be offended, we pick on most everybody here in the Mud Box.

About the copper pans: What John and Jason said.

[Sonnie Layne]

Copper? No.

Same reason as for the failure of lead, vs. the new plastic liners.

Now copper flashing on the roof? yes, maybe. I'll take your money as fast as the next guy... but I'll use the the proper attachments.

No discussion. Just consensus. Unless, I was after your money.

Copper shower pan??? I'm not goin' there, got plenty my own.. I'm not 30 years experienced, but it sounds like a negative force from the sucker source to me. Let's hear from the real guys on this forum.

[Rob Z]

Hi Shawn

Copper pans are much more expensive to buy and install than a CPE or PVC pan liner. I've never put one in, but from reading numerous postings about copper pans here and at JLC, I conclude that numerous extra steps need to be taken to help increase their longevity.

CPE and PVC are nearly chemically inert, and not affected by the water and mortar in the shower. Copper and lead can be corroded chemically and electrolytically. I have never torn out a copper shower pan (not sure they were ever used in this area), but every lead shower pan I have ever torn out (one exception, and that was for a pan that had waterproofing material on the mortar) was corroded and leaking.

[Sonnie Layne]

true enough, copper and cement don't seem to like each other.