How to Add a Shower Stall

Looks nice

Many additions to existing structures are done without changing the square footage at all. There have been many additions to rooms by closing in available closet space or an unused corner of the house. Adding a shower stall can be a chore, and is not recommended for the do-it-yourself homeowner whose home is built on a concrete slab. However, for the house that built with a crawl space, rerouting plumbing to accommodate a new shower stall is much easier.

Things You'll Need

• Shower Stall Kit (3 panels and a shower pan)
• Shower plumbing fixtures
• Shower drain system
• PVC pipe for cold water (schd 40)
• PVC pipe for hot water (schd 40)
• PVC cleaner
• PVC glue
• PVC cutter
• Measuring tape
• Jig saw
• Carpenter’s square

Instructions

Preparation

1. Clear out the area that is going to get the shower stall. Lay the shower pan in its location and mark the hole for the drain. Remove the shower pan.

2. Crawl underneath the house to locate the supply line for the water. Measure and cut the PVC pipe, but do not glue it yet.

3. While under the house, determine where the water supply lines need to penetrate the floor into the wall of the shower stall. Drill the necessary holes for the supply lines to reach the shower fixtures.

4. Inside the house, mark the area where the shower fixtures will meet the wall. Cut enough of the drywall to expose an open area to feed the supply lines through the floor. Next, secure an elbow to each supply line so that they will connect to the fixtures. Secure these lines to the studs in the wall for security.

5. Cut the hole for the drain line and secure the flange of the drain to the floor. Be certain that the shower pan will still lay flat against the floor.

Installation

1. Secure the shower pan to the floor according to manufacturer’s specs. Place the drain in its place to be certain of a secure fit.

2. Replace the wall around the fixtures and attach the fixtures to the supply lines. Be certain they are in the off position. Keep in mind that this area will be covered with a wall designed for the shower stall.

3. Secure the wall panels to the walls according to manufacturer’s specs. Allow the adhesive to cure before working around the areas.

4. Underneath the house, glue to PVC lines together with needed elbows and tees. Be certain to use the cleaner on the glued areas before applying the glue. Splice the supply lines into the existing water lines.

5. Install the shower head to the supply line. Install the doors or shower curtains.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear safety glasses.

• Before splicing the new lines to the existing lines, be certain the method used is the appropriate one for the exiting plumbing and that the main valve for the water is off.

• Be certain to have adequate ventilation when using PVC glue.

Resources

• Installing A Shower Stall For Additional Worth And Comfort