How to Replace Shower Pans in Fiberglass Showers
A shower pan fits along the base of the shower and its job is to protect the floor from water. It is the floor of the shower, and in fiberglass showers, it connects flush to the fiberglass shower wall panels covering the walls. If the pan cracks or scratches, or if you update the shower, the pan needs replacing. This project is extensive as it involves heavy-duty tools and four to five hours worth of work. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Reciprocating saw
- Hammer
- Pry bar
- Tape measure
- Carpenter's level
- Shims
- Pencil
- Hole saw
- Mounting screws
- Power screwdriver
- Cement board
- Drywall screws
- Fiberglass shower walls
Instructions
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1
Remove the surrounding shower walls if necessary by prying them from the studding with a hammer and pry bar. Cut the fiberglass shower walls in half down the length with a reciprocating saw to make removal easier and more effective.
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2
Cut the drain pipe under the shower with the reciprocating saw if the pipe is accessible and if it is still directly connected to the bottom of the shower pan.
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3
Measure the dimensions of the new shower pan with a tape measure and make sure it fits in your new shower area. If not, build out the shower area with planking boards to make the shower pan fit. The shower pan must be exactly the same size as the installation area.
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4
Fit the new base into the shower area with each side flush against the stud board. Level each side with a carpenter's level. Add shims on sides that fall below level for a flush and even installation.
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5
Make a mark where the hole for the new shower pan drain is located on the floor with a pencil and cut a hole in the floor with a hole saw on this mark.
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6
Remove the shower pan and screw the drain inside the shower pan drain hole. Slide the shower pan back into the shower area. Mount the shower pan to the stud boards with the provided shower pan screws and a power screwdriver after the pan is level.
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7
Install the cement board on the studs with drywall screws and a screwdriver. Install the fiberglass shower walls on the cement board by gluing it in place with the proper adhesive.
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