A shower pan is a waterproof barrier that is placed on the shower floor to catch any water that may seep through the tile and grout and direct it to the drain
. It is a slightly sloped insert of waterproof material placed on top of a shower base to protect against any leaks and to ensure that the water flows toward the drain
. Shower pans are important to the proper function of a shower and to prevent mold, mildew, and structural rot from ruining the shower
. Shower pans are made of various materials, including fiberglass, acrylic, stone, metal, or tile
. Shower pans and shower bases are sometimes used interchangeably, but shower bases most commonly refer to the substructure underneath the shower floor, usually made of cement or mortar, that helps channel water into the drain and protects the surrounding shower alcove
