Oatey Perfect Slope is a system designed to facilitate the installation of pre-sloped tile showers, reducing both the time and amount of mortar typically required. The system is intended for use where building codes mandate a slope beneath a PVC shower pan liner. Oatey products, according to the provided documentation, have a history of reliability spanning over 100 years within the plumbing industry. This article details the installation considerations and compatible materials based on available documentation.
Understanding the Perfect Slope System
The Oatey Perfect Slope system aims to simplify the creation of a properly sloped shower base. Traditionally, achieving the correct slope—typically ¼ inch per foot—can be labor-intensive and require significant expertise. The Perfect Slope base is designed to provide this slope directly, streamlining the process. The documentation highlights that the system can reduce mortar usage by half and installation time by half. The system is specifically designed to be used in conjunction with PVC shower pan liners, as required by certain building codes.
Concrete Pouring Specifications
The documentation provides specific guidance regarding concrete pouring both below and above the shower pan liner. The required thickness and slope are critical for proper drainage and the longevity of the shower installation.
Concrete Below the Liner
The recommended thickness for concrete poured below the shower pan liner is dependent on the quality of the cement products used and the manufacturer’s specific recommendations. However, a general guideline is a minimum thickness of ¼ inch, starting at the outside edge of the shower pan flange. This concrete layer must then be sloped upwards and away from the drain at a rate of ¼ inch per foot. The documentation notes that achieving this slope may not always be feasible due to curb heights, in which case a thicker pour and a higher-quality cement should be considered to maintain strength.
Concrete Above the Liner
For concrete poured above the shower pan liner, a thickness of between 2 and 3 inches is recommended. Similar to the concrete below the liner, this layer should also begin with a minimum thickness at the drain and slope upwards and away from the drain at ¼ inch per foot. The documentation reiterates that curb heights may necessitate a thicker pour, and the use of a higher-quality cement is advised to ensure adequate strength in such cases.
Adhesive Compatibility for Shower Pan Liners
Selecting the correct adhesive is crucial for a watertight and durable shower installation. The documentation specifically lists three Liquid Nails products approved for use with both PVC and CPE (chlorinated polyethylene) shower pan liners. These approved adhesives are:
- LN - 609 / Panel & Foam Adhesive
- LN - 715 / Tub Surround & Shower Adhesive
- LN – 915 / Tub Surround & Shower Wall Adhesive
The documentation explicitly states that thinset or tile glue (adhesive) should never be applied directly to the shower pan liner.
Solvent Cement Selection for Liner Seaming
Properly sealing the seams of the shower pan liner is essential to prevent water leakage. The documentation specifies different solvent cements for PVC and CPE liners:
- PVC Liner: Oatey X-15 Shower Pan Liner Adhesive should be used for seaming PVC liners.
- CPE Liner: Oateyweld should be used for seaming CPE liners.
Frequently Asked Questions Addressed
The provided documentation addresses several frequently asked questions regarding shower pan liner installation. These questions and answers provide further clarification on specific aspects of the process.
Can Tile Be Installed Directly on the Liner?
The documentation explicitly answers “No” to the question of whether tile can be installed directly on the liner. Thinset or tile glue should never be applied directly to the shower pan liner.
How Thick Should Concrete Be Poured Below the Liner?
As previously detailed, the thickness of the concrete pour below the liner depends on the cement quality and manufacturer recommendations, but a general rule is ¼ inch thick, sloped at ¼ inch per foot away from the drain.
How Thick Should Concrete Be Poured on Top of the Liner?
The recommended thickness for concrete poured on top of the liner is between 2 and 3 inches, also sloped at ¼ inch per foot away from the drain. Adjustments may be necessary based on curb heights and cement quality.
Browser Compatibility Note
The documentation includes a note regarding browser compatibility, stating that if users are currently using Internet Explorer, they are recommended to switch to Edge or another supported browser for the best experience on Oatey.com. This is a separate point and does not relate to the installation of the Perfect Slope system itself.
Conclusion
The Oatey Perfect Slope system offers a method for simplifying the installation of pre-sloped tile showers. Proper installation requires adherence to specific guidelines regarding concrete pouring thickness and slope, as well as the selection of compatible adhesives and solvent cements. Utilizing the approved Liquid Nails adhesives for liner adhesion and the specified Oatey or Oateyweld products for seaming are critical for ensuring a watertight and durable shower installation. The documentation emphasizes the importance of following manufacturer recommendations for cement products and adjusting concrete thickness as needed based on site conditions.