How to Replace a Tub With a Shower Stall

Don't let your idea of turning a bath tub into a shower fool you. This will take more than a day or two especially for those who don't have much time.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hammer
• Screw Gun/ Drill
• Wrenches
• Pliers
• Nails and screws
• Pry bar
• PVC tubing for drain
• New shower valve and trim kit
• Drywall/ durarock
• Tile
• Wall tile mastic/ adhesive
• Tile and grout
• Fiberglass shower stall if you are not installing tile

1. The first step will be removing the existing tub. You will need a variety of wrenches, pliers, and other small tools to remove the plumbing from the tub. If your tub is surrounded by tile, you will have to remove the tile and expose the plumbing in order to remove it. If you your tub is a fibergalss unit that is full height then you will need to remove the trim kit from the valve, remove the faucet by turning to the left just like a bottle cap. Thirdly you will need to remove the shower head if it is placed throught the wall of the tub. Once the plumbing is loose, the tub is may still be held in place by the drywall that is in place. **Note, on the full height fiberglass units, you will only need to remove 3" of drywall from the perimeter of the tub on all edges. There is a lip that is locked in place by drywall/durarock and screws. Once this is done the tub should become loose enough to move out of its position. This is a 2 person job! Do not attempt to move this by yourself. The tub will also need to be condensed or for those of you who like to destroy things, destroy it to get it out. These tubs are put in place before drywall and doors are hung so the openings are much smaller now.

2. Now that the tub is out of the way, we can begin to install the new plumbing valves. You will need to change valves for 2 reasons: 1. The old valve is too low for now standing shower. 2. You will no longer need the tub filler or fuacet. You can go to any local hardware store that sells shower valves and pick from a variety. Once you have picked your valve I reccomend you also find a plumber to come in and professionally install, it will not cost that much. But since you are one of those DYI people, make sure you have read and understand the directions clearly before proceeding with the installation of plumbing. Again, do not cut you plumbing out of place without capping it, this could take a few days, and without water in your house, let's just say you will need this shower when you are done. The new valve should be placed somewhere between navel and peck height for optimal comfort in operation.

3. Okay so now we move on to getting the shower in place. Before you get ready for this you will need to decide what type of shower you want. Fiberglass molded unit or a tile shower. Either way you still need to decide what size you want the shower and frame in any extra space you may have prior to installing either.

4. If you decide to install a 36" shower for example: you will only need to leave this amount of space open for the shower. Once the plumbing valves and drain are in place, you can install the shower. Where ever you purchase your shower from should have a unit that can be constructed on site rather than trying to fit a full unit in your house. They should also carry a door specifically made for your unit. Be sure to read and adhere to manufactures instructions for installation and construction. This will optimize peak functionality. Once the shower is in place make sure you secure it as recommended in the instructions.

5. Now that the shower is installed and securely attached, you can install the valve and drain kits to finish them out. Again be sure to follow installation instruction as they are detailed with the fixtures.

6. I now recommend installing and finishing the drywall in the area around the shower and any new framing you have installed. Once the drywall is finished you can paint it.

7. We are now about to put the final touch on your new shower. Installing the door could be tricky if not installed properly. Again, please follow the instructions precisely when installing the door and do it exactly as to manufacturer reccomends. Once the shower door is in place you need to run a bead of 100% clear silicone around the metal frame where it meets the tile/ fiberglass. **Note: Make sure the door is operating correctly prior to installing the silicone. Allow the silicone to dry for 24 hours prior to use or running water in the new shower. You should now be able to enjoy your new shower and brag to your friends when they come over that you Did It Yourself. Good Luck!

Tips & Warnings

• I highly recommend using a professional plumber to install drains and shower valves to ensure proper functionality.
• Do not attempt to remove or install any plumbing unless the water service is shut off to the entire house. You can usually do this by shutting it off at your meter.

[4dogday]

on 6/30/2009 Great instructions, but not something I want to tackle!

[Mindee94]

on 6/30/2009 Excellent step by step directions. Definitely not a project to enter into lightly. Time to rethink this project.