How to Install a Rubber Shower Base

Many people love the relaxing feeling of hot water running down their backs in the morning or at night. However, most shower bases are slippery and dangerous. They can be health risks for anyone, but especially elderly people. One solution to this problem is replacing your current, slippery shower base with a rubber one. This will give you a much safer way to enjoy the necessity of showers without the danger. The rubber base can be installed in around 48 hours, so it makes a great weekend project. You will soon be relaxing in a danger-free shower.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber shower base Screws Cement Rubber gasket Caulk Caulk gun Rags Drain cover Level Power screwdriver Power drill Cement board Silicone sealant Trowel Crowbar Sandpaper

Instructions

1. Remove the old shower base. Use a crowbar and screwdriver to pull the old base out. Remove all the old sealants and clean the whole area out. Sand the base till it is smooth.

2. Test the level of the shower. If the base of the shower is level, then you can move on to Step 3. However, if the base is not level, you will need to level it. Mix up some cement and pour into the shower base. Use the level and trowel to angle the cement so that it is level when it dries. You need to wait no less than 24 hours before you move on to the next step.

3. Make sure the drain pipe comes up to the right level. Usually this is a little higher than the finished floor level. Adjust as necessary. Layer the shower base with mortar and slowly set the rubber base on top of it. Make sure to place the drain hole over the drain pipe.

4. Screw the top of the rubber base into the shower walls with screws. Let the area dry and set into place. Install the drain over the drain pipe. Screw into place.

5. Place the cement board along the bottom edges of the shower walls. Screw into the wall using a power screwdriver.

6. Keep the room well ventilated while performing this step. Apply caulk or silicone sealant to all edges of the shower base. This will be where the cement board and shower floor meet, over all the screws, around the top portion of the cement board, and around all drains. Let dry for at least 72 hours before operating the shower for any reason.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch the threshold when installing the rubber base. Make sure the threshold is snug with the outside edges of the shower walls and steps. If you have trouble removing the old shower base, contact a plumber to remove the base for you before you install the rubber base.

• Do not turn on the shower water before everything has been fully installed and dried.