How to Install a Stand Alone Shower in the Basement

Basement living space can be used for a variety of purposes from entertaining to bedrooms. There are several factors to consider if you plan on installing a shower. This project is fairly simple from a design aspect but could prove challenging to accomplish.

Things You'll Need

• Electric Jack Hammer
• Concrete mix
• Wheelbarrow
• Shovel
• Level
• Tape Measure
• Wood
• PVC pipe
• PVC pipe cleaner
• PVC pipe cement
• hack saw
• sump pump
• 2, Tee fittings
• 2, Water valves

Instructions

Plumbing

1. Turn off the water supply to the home and locate both a hot and cold water line near the desired location for the shower. Cut into each of the water lines and install a tee junction. Install piping from the new tee junction to the basement shower location. Just before reaching the location for the faucet install a water valve on each line, then add a small section of piping to which you can join the faucet. These valves give you future options should a problem develop or changes need to be made. The cost is minimal but the potential convenience could be extremely valuable.

2. Mark out the location for the shower drain on the floor. From this center mark, draw a square approximately 24 inches across. This will be the location for your sump pit/basin. With the electric jack hammer carefully break up the concrete in the square. You should expect some cracking and breakage beyond the mark, but go slowly and this should be minimal. Once the concrete is removed excavate the dirt to a depth of 30 inches. Keep the sides and floor of the hole smooth and free of obstructions. Carefully construct a wooden frame inside the hole which allows a three-inch gap on all four sides.

3. Mix the concrete in the wheelbarrow and pour a three-inch base and fill the outer areas around the frame. Once the concrete has hardened remove the frame and install a submersible sump pump. From the sump pump, install a drain line which will exit the sump pit/basin and be routed back up and around the shower stall to an existing drain line. By routing it around the shower you avoid the need to excavate more of the basement floor to accommodate a drain line. Install a drain pipe to the shower drain, then add a trap before terminating the pipe in the sump pit/basin.

4. Install the faucet and other hardware for the shower stall. Connect the sump pump to a power supply and test the entire system. Allow water to run and fill the sump pit/basin to test the pump. When all elements are working properly frame in the shower to fit your needs or decor.

Tips & Warnings

• Make certain the power supply to the sump pump is protected by a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interruption) device.

References

• Sump Pit/Basin
• Sump Pump