Plumbers and tile setters may be in disagreement about what type of shower pan to use. Plumbers will almost always prefer the copper shower pans, and tile setters will be very against them. This is because the tile setters are the people who must deal with the pre-slope, mortar beds, and mud. If CPE is used in place of a copper shower pan, there is a lifetime warranty. The same cannot be said about the copper shower pan which will eventually corrode because of the water. If a copper shower pan corrodes too much, there could end up being a water leak into the basement. That is something no one wants to deal with.



Some homeowner's association regulations require that copper pans are used in showers. There is no other option for some. This is usually true if you live in the northeast of the United States. Check the codes in the area before installing a shower pan. It must meet regulation.



If you want all your worries about leaks and showers to be over, do not use copper shower pans. Copper shower pans are likely to erode, cannot mold well to the mortar or pre-slope required for a shower, and do not last very long. To replace copper shower pans, it is recommended that PVC, CPE, or a rubber system be used. They will last longer than copper shower pans, and are much less expensive. Save money, save time, and listen to the tile setter who is redoing the bathroom. The plumber will want what is easiest for him, not what is best in the long run for the bathroom. The copper shower pan will end up being a hassle.