Installing a Shower with the Quick Pitch® System: Frequently Asked Questions
Building a properly sloped and waterproof tile shower requires the right combination of shower floor preparation products, waterproofing methods, and installation techniques. This guide answers the most common questions about Pre-Pitch®, Quick Pitch®, Kirb-Perfect®, StringA-Level™, and Weep Hole Protectors to help simplify modern shower construction projects.
Whether you are remodeling a bathroom, converting a tub into a walk-in shower, or building a custom tiled shower from scratch, these systems help create accurate slopes, improve drainage performance, and support long-lasting waterproof installations.
Recommended Installation Order
For traditional mortar bed shower installations, the recommended installation sequence is:
- Pre-Pitch®
- Kirb-Perfect®
- Weep Hole Protector
- Quick Pitch®
- StringA-Level™
This installation sequence helps create proper drainage slopes while supporting long-term waterproof shower performance.
What Mortar Mix Should Be Used?
A traditional deck mud mixture of 4 parts clean damp sand to 1 part Portland cement is commonly recommended for shower floor installations.
Many installers also use premixed deck mud products available at tile distributors and home improvement stores for easier preparation and more consistent results.
Where Can Quick Pitch® Products Be Purchased?
Flooring Supply Shop carries the full line of Quick Pitch®, Pre-Pitch®, Kirb-Perfect®, StringA-Level™, and shower waterproofing products for residential and commercial bathroom remodeling projects.
Most products are in stock and available for same-day shipping or local pickup.
Pre-Pitch® Frequently Asked Questions
Why should Pre-Pitch® be used?
Pre-Pitch® creates the required pre-slope underneath the shower pan liner to direct trapped moisture toward the drain weep holes. Without a proper pre-slope, water can remain trapped beneath the mortar bed and contribute to mold, mildew, and moisture damage.
Is wire lath and roofing felt required?
For wood subfloors, wire lath and roofing felt are commonly recommended. The wire reinforces the mortar bed while the felt paper helps prevent moisture absorption into the wood subfloor.
How much slope does Pre-Pitch® create?
Both Pre-Pitch® and Quick Pitch® are engineered to create the industry-standard 1/4" fall per foot required for proper shower drainage.
Should a weep hole protector be used with Pre-Pitch®?
No. The weep hole protector is installed above the liner, not underneath it.
Can Pre-Pitch® be installed over uneven subfloors?
If the subfloor is significantly uneven, self-leveling compounds or additional floor preparation may be recommended before installation.
How large of a shower can Pre-Pitch® support?
Pre-Pitch® and Quick Pitch® systems can extend up to 6 feet from the drain, accommodating shower areas up to approximately 12' x 12' with centered drains.
Benefits of Modern Shower Slope Systems
- Creates more accurate shower floor slopes
- Improves shower drainage performance
- Reduces standing water issues
- Simplifies mortar bed installation
- Supports modern waterproofing systems
- Works with linear drains and curbless showers
- Helps reduce installation errors
- Suitable for residential and commercial bathrooms
Today’s shower systems commonly combine Quick Pitch® products with liquid waterproofing membranes, fabric sheet membranes, and linear drain systems to create highly durable waterproof shower assemblies.
Kirb-Perfect® Frequently Asked Questions
Why use Kirb-Perfect® shower curbs?
Kirb-Perfect® is designed to slide over membrane-wrapped wood curbs while helping preserve the waterproof liner by avoiding fasteners through the top or inner curb surfaces.
Can curbs be extended?
Yes. Dovetail connectors located on each section allow multiple curb sections to connect together for longer shower curb installations.
Can Kirb-Perfect® be trimmed?
Yes. Sections may be trimmed to fit shorter shower curb lengths while maintaining the required mortar bed thickness.
Does Kirb-Perfect® include built-in pitch?
Yes. The curb top includes built-in slope channels that direct water back toward the shower floor.
What mortar should be used inside the curb?
The same sand and Portland cement mixture used for Pre-Pitch® systems is commonly recommended.
Quick Pitch® Frequently Asked Questions
Why are multiple Quick Pitch® kits available?
The Standard Kit is designed for typical shower layouts where walls remain within 36" of the drain. Extra Float Stick Kits help support curved or multi-wall layouts, while Extended Float Stick Kits are designed for oversized shower floors where the distance exceeds 36".
Can Quick Pitch® work with off-center drains?
Yes. Quick Pitch® systems are compatible with centered and off-center drain layouts commonly found in bathroom remodeling projects and tub-to-shower conversions.
Does Quick Pitch® create a level perimeter?
If a level perimeter is desired, installers may shim the outer stick ends with mortar. However, in certain off-center drain layouts, allowing the natural slope may produce better drainage performance.
Will using both Pre-Pitch® and Quick Pitch® double the slope?
No. The Quick Pitch® center ring is elevated above the drain flange bolts to compensate for the pre-slope underneath the liner.
Is Quick Pitch® compatible with modern waterproofing systems?
Yes. Quick Pitch® works with traditional shower liners, liquid waterproofing membranes, fabric sheet membranes, Schluter® Kerdi systems, and many modern waterproof shower systems.
Should Quick Pitch® be installed without Pre-Pitch®?
No. Building codes and professional waterproofing standards recommend proper pre-sloping underneath traditional shower liners.
Will the float sticks weaken the mortar bed?
No. The float sticks are engineered to remain permanently embedded inside the mortar bed and act as reinforcement within the shower floor system.
StringA-Level™ Frequently Asked Questions
Are StringA-Level™ sections sold individually?
StringA-Level™ products are available individually and in complete kits. Standard kits are commonly used for showers up to 3' x 5', while contractor kits support larger installations.
Why are washers recommended?
Washers help reduce wear on the StringA-Level™ slots caused by cement board screws with aggressive thread patterns.
What if the sections do not interlock perfectly?
Sections do not need to interlock continuously to remain accurate and effective during installation.
Weep Hole Protector Frequently Asked Questions
What are weep hole protectors?
Weep hole protectors are thin plastic components designed to help prevent mortar and cement from blocking the drain weep holes inside traditional shower drain assemblies.
Maintaining open weep holes is critical for proper drainage underneath the mortar bed and long-term shower waterproofing performance.
Why are weep hole protectors important?
Blocked weep holes can trap moisture beneath the shower floor, potentially leading to mold growth, slow drainage, and waterproofing failures over time.
Modern Waterproofing Compatibility
Today’s shower systems commonly combine shower slope products with:
- Liquid waterproofing membranes
- Sheet membrane waterproofing systems
- Linear shower drains
- Curbless shower systems
- Large format tile installations
- Fabric waterproofing membranes
These modern waterproofing methods help improve moisture protection while supporting long-lasting tile shower installations.
Why Buy from Flooring Supply Shop?
Flooring Supply Shop offers professional shower construction products, waterproofing systems, drains, shower slope kits, and tile installation accessories for residential and commercial bathroom remodeling projects.
Whether you are installing a traditional mortar bed shower, curbless shower system, or modern waterproof shower assembly, Flooring Supply Shop provides trusted products and expert support to help simplify your installation.
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