How to Remove a Shower Pan

If you have water leaking into the room below, a damp carpet or discolored linoleum, it might be time to remove the shower pan. Usually a shower pan must have damage beyond repair before replacing, but sometimes the pan cannot be fixed and must be exchanged. Removing and replacing a shower pan isn't too difficult, as long as you carefully follow the instructions.

Things You'll Need

• Reciprocation saw
• Hammer
• Screw gun
• Screw driver
• Flat bar
• Gloves
• Goggles
• Mask

Instructions

1. Use a reciprocation saw and cut out the shower surround. Hammer out the wall material above the surround, so that you can find the top edge of the shower surround.

2. Cut straight down from the top of the surround to the bottom of the shower pan. (It is possible to remove only the 6 inches above the shower pan, but it's more likely you'll need to replace the entire enclosure anyway.)

3. Remove the nails or screws from the shower pan to dislodge it from the surrounding studs.

4. Place a flat bar up under the shower pan to pry it up. Remove the drain screen, and the shower pan will pop up from the drain assembly.

5. Take the shower pan out in one piece. Continue removing the excess shower surround. Vacuum up all the dirt and debris under the pan.

Tips & Warnings

• Since the pan is installed before the shower unit, it is nearly impossible to remove the shower pan without damaging the rest of the shower, either in part or in whole.

• Wear protective goggles, gloves and a mask when stirring up dust caused by using the saw and hammer.