Pre-Pitch® Shower Slope System Installation Guide & FAQ
Pre-Pitch® is a professional shower floor pre-slope system designed to create the proper slope underneath traditional shower pan liners. Proper pre-sloping is one of the most important steps in waterproof shower construction because it helps direct trapped moisture toward the drain weep holes instead of allowing water to collect underneath the mortar bed.
Originally developed by Mark E Industries, Pre-Pitch® simplifies shower pan preparation for contractors, tile installers, and DIY bathroom remodeling projects while helping improve long-term drainage performance and waterproofing reliability.
Proudly made in the USA, Pre-Pitch® is compatible with traditional shower liners, liquid waterproofing systems, fabric sheet membranes, linear drains, and modern tile shower installations.
Why Proper Pre-Slope Matters
Without a proper slope underneath the waterproof liner, moisture can remain trapped between the liner and mortar bed. Over time this trapped moisture may contribute to mold growth, mildew, unpleasant odors, and shower floor deterioration.
Pre-Pitch® creates the industry-recommended 1/4" per foot slope underneath the liner to help improve drainage and support long-lasting waterproof shower installations.
Modern building codes and professional waterproofing standards strongly recommend proper pre-sloping beneath traditional shower pan systems.
How to Install Pre-Pitch®
Step 1: Check the Subfloor
Before installation begins, verify that the subfloor is reasonably level. If major uneven areas are present, a self-leveling compound or additional floor preparation may be required.
Step 2: Plan the Layout
Position the Pre-Pitch® sticks to match the shower floor layout and determine how many sections will be needed for the installation.
Step 3: Measure & Cut the Sticks
Mark each stick to fit the shower floor dimensions. Extended Pre-Pitch® sticks are available for larger showers where the distance from the drain exceeds 3 feet.
The sticks can be trimmed easily using PVC cutters, a hacksaw, or a grinder with a dry cutting blade.
For easier screeding and smoother mortar installation, stick ends should generally remain less than 2 1/2 feet apart.
Step 4: Position Around the Drain
The thin end of the Pre-Pitch® sticks should remain approximately 1/2" back from the edge of the drain’s bottom flange. This helps eliminate an abrupt transition once the drain assembly is completed.
Pre-Pitch® is designed to work with traditional adjustable shower drains and many modern waterproof shower systems.
Step 5: Secure the System
For concrete floors, double-sided tape may be used to temporarily secure the sticks during mortar placement.
For wood subfloors, screws or nails are commonly used. Fasteners should always remain countersunk to help protect the waterproof liner.
Wire lath and roofing felt are also commonly recommended for wood subfloor installations to reinforce the mortar bed and reduce moisture absorption into the wood framing.
Benefits of Pre-Pitch® Shower Slope Systems
- Creates the required pre-slope underneath shower pan liners
- Helps direct trapped moisture toward drain weep holes
- Supports modern waterproofing systems
- Helps reduce mold and mildew risks
- Compatible with traditional and custom shower layouts
- Works with wood and concrete subfloors
- Lightweight non-rotting plastic construction
- Easy to trim and install
- Suitable for residential and commercial showers
Modern Waterproofing Compatibility
Today’s shower installations commonly combine Pre-Pitch® systems with:
- Liquid waterproofing membranes
- Sheet membrane waterproofing systems
- Schluter® Kerdi systems
- Linear shower drains
- Curbless shower installations
- Large format tile shower systems
Modern waterproofing systems help improve long-term moisture protection while simplifying shower installation and reducing seam-related waterproofing concerns.
Completed Shower Installation Examples
The following shower installations feature Pre-Pitch®, Quick Pitch®, Kirb-Perfect®, and StringA-Level™ systems used together for complete waterproof tile shower construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
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. Premixed deck mud products are also widely available.
Why is Pre-Pitch® important?
Pre-Pitch® helps create the proper slope underneath the liner so trapped moisture can flow toward the weep holes instead of remaining trapped beneath the mortar bed.
Does Pre-Pitch® work with liquid waterproofing?
Yes. Pre-Pitch® systems are compatible with liquid waterproofing membranes, traditional shower liners, and many modern waterproof shower systems.
How much slope does the system create?
Pre-Pitch® and Quick Pitch® systems are engineered to create the code-required minimum 1/4" fall per foot.
Should a weep hole protector be used?
Yes. Weep hole protectors help prevent mortar from blocking the drain weep holes and improve long-term shower drainage performance.
How large of a shower can Pre-Pitch® accommodate?
Pre-Pitch® systems can extend up to 6 feet from the drain and support shower layouts up to approximately 12' x 12' with centered drains.
Can Pre-Pitch® be installed on concrete or wood subfloors?
Yes. The system is designed for both wood and concrete shower floor 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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