How to Replace a Tub With a Shower Unit

A new shower can brighten up a bathroom.

Outdated bathtubs are an eyesore and many homeowners choose to replace them with a new shower unit when updating a bathroom. While it is very doable to put a shower in, some considerations will help you understand the process so you can choose the correct unit and plan your bathroom to suit the new shower.

Things You'll Need

• Preformed shower unit (in panels)
• Shower base
• Framing materials
• Plumbing supplies and drain
• Shower faucets and showerhead
• Water-resistant drywall
• Silicone caulking
• Sledgehammer (if the tub you’re removing is cast iron)

Instructions

1. Measure your available space before you remove the old tub. This is important because a standard tub is approximately 30 inches wide, while the standard size of a small shower is 36 inches in diameter. Larger showers will extend even further into your room.

2. 

   Remove the old tub after disassembling the faucets and drain. Make sure you turn off the water supply first. Pry a fiberglass tub from the framing and carry it out on its side, but be prepared to break a cast iron tub with a sledgehammer and remove it in pieces.

3. Adjust your drain. The tub drained on the deep end under the faucets but a shower drains in the center. Install new drainpipe plumbing to reach the new drain and extend the water supply pipes upwards where they will meet the new faucets and showerhead. Consider using all new plumbing supplies once you have the wall open instead of tying into old pipes.

4. Use dimensional lumber to frame in the new shower. Unless you are installing a large 5-foot shower, you will have excess space on one side of the shower where the tub sat. This is good place for a small linen closet or shelves. Plan for and frame them in at the same time.

5. Position your shower base, install the drain in the center and use silicone caulking to seal around the drain. Silicone caulking needs a clean dry surface to adhere correctly. You can vacuum out debris and wipe the entire drain down with rubbing alcohol to remove any residual grease or gunk. Allow it to dry and caulk it, using a damp finger to smooth and push the silicone into the seam.

6. Install your shower panels as directed by the manufacturer. Resist buying a solid unit shower unless you have a way to bring it in your home. Standard house doors are narrower than a small shower so panels are your best bet when remodeling.

7. Attach the showerhead and faucets, making sure they are secure before installing water-resistant drywall around the shower’s edge. Many shower replacements have a drywall flange that accommodates a Sheetrock edge.

8. 

   Finish your new bathroom by taping out the Sheetrock, sanding it smooth and painting. You can install a door on your shower or just hang a shower curtain.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch the position of the shower faucets and the showerhead when planning your shower. The shower entrance must not be opposite the showerhead. The showerhead must be on an adjoining wall to prevent water escaping the shower.