How to Corner a Shower Stall

Positioning a shower stall in a corner can help to optimize the limited space in a small bathroom. With the use of a prefabricated stall and a few plumbing tricks, it is possible to install a corner stall and replace a tub and shower with very little effort.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Prefab Shower Stall
• Flexible drainpipe
• Skill Saw
• Tape Measure
• Plumbing fixtures
• Grout
• Caulk Compound

1. Turn off the water supply to the bathroom plumbing. Depending on the arrangement of cutoff valves, this may involve shutting off the water supply to the residence while the new shower stall in installed.

2. Disconnect shower heads, faucets, and other plumbing so that there are no elements protruding from the wall.

3. Remove the old tub, including any existing shower enclosures. Clean the space thoroughly, including removing any remnants of caulking or grout from the area.

4. Measure four cuts into the new prefab corner shower stall. Beginning in the corner, measure out to the pipes for the faucets and shower head. Record the measurements from the floor to the ceiling, so that the cuts can be balanced with the position of the pipes. Don’t forget to determine the position of the drain from the corner as well.

5. Move the prefab stall into position. Make sure the stall is flush into the corner.

6. Measure across and down to make the first cut into the frame for the shower head. Using the saw, make the cut and ensure the stall body is lined up with the pipe. Reinstall the shower head and hardware. Coat the threads with sealant to ensure a tight fit.

7. Move to the position for the faucets and cut out the entries based on the measurements taken. Reinstall the faucets and hardware. As with the shower head, coat the threads on the faucet connections with sealant to ensure a water tight fit.

8. Create the hole to allow entry to the drainpipe. Install the hardware to connect the drain proper with the pipe, making sure to use the sealant around the drain.

9. Turn on the water supply. Make sure that everything is functioning properly before sealing in the new corner stall. If the faucets and shower head are working properly, close the faucets and prepare for the next step.

10. Use caulk or grout to secure the edges of the corner stall to the wall and ceiling, and create a seal around the bottom of the stall and the bathroom floor. Allow the grout to dry according to product instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• If using a prefabricated stall that already has openings for the shower head, faucets, and drain, use flexible piping to run from the existing plumbing to the openings. Additional hardware may be necessary to make the fixtures secure.
• Never finish grouting in the stall before making sure the plumbing is secure and working properly. Otherwise, you may damage the stall when attempting to move it to address a leaky faucet or faulty connection to the drain.