Straight answers about hot mop, flood tests and inspections, leaking showers, scheduling and payment. Don't see your question? Call (949) 446-4413.
A hot mop shower pan is a waterproof membrane built in place under a tiled shower floor. Layers of felt paper are bonded with hot asphalt and mopped over the pan, up the walls and over the curb to form one seamless liner, which is clamped into the drain, flood tested, and then covered by the mortar bed and tile. More in what is a hot mop shower pan?
Why is it called "hot mop"?Because the asphalt is heated until it's liquid and applied with a mop, sealing each layer of felt to the next.
Is hot mop better than a PVC liner, Kerdi or a liquid membrane?Each can work well when it's installed correctly and tested. Hot mop is seamless, molds to any shape and has a long track record in Southern California. The right choice depends on the shower, the drain and your tile setter. See hot mop vs. other methods.
Does hot mop smell?Hot asphalt has a noticeable smell while it's being applied. We ventilate the work area, and the smell fades after the asphalt cools.
How long does a hot mop shower pan last?A hot mop pan that's built and protected correctly is meant to last for the life of the shower. Any pan's life depends on the installation, the drain, the mortar bed and tile above it, and how the shower is used and maintained.
Can you hot mop curbless showers, benches, niches and tub decks?Yes. Curbless showers need a recessed, sloped pan prepared by the framer first. Benches, niches, tub decks and steam shower pans can be mopped as part of one continuous membrane. See tub decks, benches & steam showers.
Yes. We plug the drain, fill the pan with water to just below the top of the curb, mark the level and check that it holds before any tile goes on. See flood testing & inspection.
Will my shower pan pass the city inspection?We build every pan to pass inspection and have it ready, with water in it, when the inspector needs to see it. Requirements vary by city, so confirm the details with your building department or contractor.
How long does the flood test take?The water is left to stand for the time the job or the inspector calls for, often about a day.
Common signs are stains on the ceiling below, damp or swollen baseboards next to the shower, a musty smell, and grout at the base of the shower that stays dark. Other parts of the shower can cause the same signs, so it's worth confirming the source. See signs your shower pan is leaking.
Can a leaking shower pan be repaired without removing tile?Not the pan itself, because it sits under the mortar bed and tile. The lasting fix is a re-pan: the floor comes out, a new hot mop pan goes in and is flood tested, then the shower is re-tiled. See shower pan leak repair.
Do you install tile?We focus on the waterproofing. After the flood test your tile setter takes over, or Luxury Builders CA, our parent general contractor, can handle the full remodel.
Yes. We schedule around your job, show up ready, and hand off a flood-tested pan. See for contractors & tile setters.
Are estimates free?Yes. Call (949) 446-4413 or send us your project details for a free estimate.
How much does a hot mop shower pan cost?It depends on the size and shape of the shower, benches or tub decks, and whether it's new work or a re-pan. We give free estimates so you know the price before work starts.
What payment methods do you accept?Major credit cards, cash, check, Zelle and Venmo. Financing is available through our parent company, Luxury Builders CA.
Are you licensed and insured?OC Waterproofing Hot Mop is a division of Luxury Builders CA, a licensed and insured general contractor based in Trabuco Canyon, California.
What are your hours?Monday to Saturday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Closed Sunday.
What areas do you serve?All of Orange County, including Irvine, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Trabuco Canyon, Rancho Santa Margarita, the Lagunas, Ladera Ranch, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, San Clemente, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Tustin, Orange, Anaheim, Santa Ana and Yorba Linda. See areas we serve.
Tell us about the shower. We'll answer your questions and give you a free estimate.
(949) 446-4413 Free estimate