Australian Polymore
Premium Imported Bathroom & Kitchenware

SMC Shower Base
Installation Guide Doc ID AP-SMC-INSTALL-002

Before you start

Acclimatise Stand the base in the bathroom for ≥ 24 hours at 10–35 °C before install. Don't install straight from cold delivery.
Substrate check Floorboards or sheet flooring must cover the entire underside of the base. Cut hole for waste ≤ 200 × 200 mm (≤ 300 × 300 mm on concrete). For renovations, inspect floorboards for rot or water damage — replace if soft, springy, or mouldy.
Tools & materials 12 mm notched trowel · cement-based tile adhesive or flexible construction silicone · flexible silicone sealant (mould-resistant, neutral cure) · spirit level · tape · pencil · marker · hole saw. PPE: safety glasses, gloves, dust mask (cutting tiles generates respirable crystalline silica — comply with state silica code).
WHS Two-person lift (bases weigh 15–25 kg). Use manual-handling aids on larger units. Crystalline silica: NSW/QLD/SA/WA/TAS/ACT codes apply when cutting tiles or drilling masonry.

Installation (5 steps)

Frame check-out & set-out

For villa board / fibre-cement lining, check the base into the framework a minimum of 3 mm. For water-resistant plaster board, place the base against the framing and run the lining down onto the tile flange. Mark the waste position on the substrate and cut the waste hole.

Bed base on adhesive & level

Apply silicone or full-bed cement-based tile adhesive (12 mm notched trowel) over the entire underside. Lower base onto substrate. Check level both ways — the base has a factory fall to waste (gradient ≥ 1:80 toward the outlet). Use the adhesive bed to compensate out-of-level floors so the base is fully supported with no voids.

Connect floor waste (DN40)

Insert the floor waste through the waste hole. Apply silicone between the waste flange and the shower base. Ensure the rubber sealing washer is fitted under the base. Hand-tighten the locking ring only — do not over-tighten. Connect trap and sanitary plumbing per AS/NZS 3500.2.

Flood test (BEFORE lining walls)

Plug the waste. Fill base to 25 mm above the tile flange. Hold for 30 minutes. Inspect: no leaks at the waste seal, no movement in the base, water drains fully when unplugged. If this step is skipped or fails, the manufacturer warranty will not apply to defects caused by incorrect install.

Wall lining, waterproofing & tile

Fix water-resistant plaster board or villa board over the tile flange. Seal all joints between base and lining with flexible silicone sealant. Apply waterproofing membrane per AS 3740:2021 — full shower area, bond-breaker tape at wall/floor junctions, ≥ 1:80 fall-to-waste gradient maintained. Fit tempering valve on heated water per AS/NZS 3500.4.

Note on temperature: SMC (sheet moulding compound) is rated for continuous use up to 55 °C. Tap mixers must be fitted with a tempering valve (AS/NZS 3500.4) to comply with NCC Vol. 3 Part B2. The manufacturer warranty does not apply to defects caused by water temperatures above the rated limit.

Care & cleaning

The surface resists build-up. Clean with a soft cloth using warm soapy water or a mild household detergent. Avoid all abrasive cleaners, scourers, solvents and acids. Polish with a silicone-based polish to restore lustre after accidental surface marks.

Warranty (5 years)

Australian Polymore SMC shower bases are warranted for five (5) years from the date of purchase against faulty materials or workmanship under normal domestic use. The warranty does not apply to defects caused by incorrect installation, water temperatures above 55 °C, impact damage, modifications, commercial use, or failure to follow these instructions.

This warranty is in addition to the rights and remedies you have under the Australian Consumer Law (Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), Schedule 2). The guarantees under the ACL cannot be excluded. Nothing in this warranty affects those rights.

To make a claim, lodge online at polymore.com.au/page-8/warranty-claim.html or email sales@polymore.com.au.