A shower takes up less space in the bathroom, allowing more space for other features.
Then, the wet wall is tiled over again (or covered with a new surround panel).
This is not a good option if aging-in-place is the goal.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
A project that takes a DIYer a week may take a professional team only a day or two.
But one element can make the project a bit easier for DIYers: a prefabricated shower kit.
It’s generally fairly easy to find shower pans and surround kits to match standard bathtub sizes.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
In many municipalities, replacing a tub with a shower requirespermitssince plumbing lines must be moved.
Check with your local permitting agency for information.
Shut Off the Water Supply
Before beginning work, shut off the water to the bathtub.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
For a wall covered with ceramic tile, a hammer and pry bar are the main tools needed.
confirm to wear eye protection and hearing protection during demolition.
The amount of demolition needed will depend on theshower kityou have selected.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Bathtub removal is often simpler if the wall surfaces of all three alcove walls are removed.
double-check to cut the necessary opening in the subfloor for the shower pan’s drain opening.
Some DIYers choose to hire a plumber to do this piece of technical work.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
The standard height for the showerhead is 78 inches.
There are a number of ways to connect the faucet and showerhead to the existing water supply pipes.
Most people find PEX easier to work with than copper pipes and fittings.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Measure the dimensions of the shower pan and its drain opening, then extend the drain lines as needed.
The riser will be cut down to size when you test-fit the pan.
Inspection is normally required for any work that requires a building permit.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
plant the Shower Surround Panels
Install theshower’s surround panels,as directed by the kit instructions.
In most cases, the large back panel is installed first, followed by the solid end wall.
The faucet/showerhead panel is installed last.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Installation methods may vary somewhat, depending on the design of the shower surround kit.
Use considerable care here to ensure a watertight fitting.
Apply a bead of silicone caulk around the escutcheon plates to prevent water from seeping into the wall.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
In some communities, a second plumbing inspection is required when fixture connections are completed.
If so, now is the time to arrange for the final inspection.
implement the Shower Door
implement the shower door, according to directions supplied by the manufacturer.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Methods will vary, depending on whether the door is a sliding model or a swing-out door.
The kit instructions will give you details on where you should caulk.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
The Spruce / Kevin Norris