Over time, your shower may begin to lose its luster. Tiles may begin to separate from the walls and pans can become cracked, making your shower look pretty run down. Whether you are renovating your entire bathroom or simply replacing your shower stall, this DIY guide can help you get through the process relatively quickly and easily.
Removing Your Old Shower Stall
Before beginning this project, make sure any soap dishes, shower caddies, and bath products are out of the shower.
Removing the Fixtures
Locate the water supply valve and shut off the shower water supply. Remove the shower door by unscrewing the frame. You also may need to remove caulk or glue by scoring the seams with a utility knife.
Once the shower doors are removed, disconnect and remove the shower head using a pipe wrench. Remove the drain cover by carefully prying it up with a screwdriver. Now, remove the water controls, this may require the use of a screwdriver or wrench.
Removing the Shower Pan
If the floor of the shower is prefabricated or one piece fiberglass, score the caulking with a utility knife and use a hammer and pry bar to remove the shower pan. Be sure to scrape away any residual caulking or glue on the sub-flooring and walls. If you are replacing the tile, use a hammer and chisel to break the tiles and remove them from the wall and floor. Be sure to wear safety glasses when breaking tiles.
Installing Your New Shower Stall
First, be sure that all glue and caulk is removed from the floor and walls. If necessary, sand down any spots where the caulk or glue is raised.
Installing the Shower Pan
Install the pan by applying shower adhesive to the floor, area of the wall where the pan will make contact, and also on the bottom of the new pan. Press down firmly to secure the pan in place. At this time make sure that the pan is level. Allow the pan to set and dry completely.
Installing Panels or Tile
Once the shower pan has set, you can install the prefabricated side panels or the wall tile. For panels, line up the panel without adhesive and check. Once you are confident the panels are square, use shower adhesive to apply the panels to the wall.
For tile, apply tile adhesive to the walls or floor with a trowel. Once the adhesive is spread, use the rigid edge of the trowel to score lines in the adhesive. Using tile spacers, install the tile on the wall.
Once you are finished, grout the tile by coating the entire surface. Use a damp rag to remove any excess grout and allow the tile grout to dry.
Sealing the Shower
Seal gaps using caulk where the panels or tile meet the pan. Also, seal the area where the pan meets the floor and walls. Allow the sealant to dry completely.
Installing the Shower Doors
First, measure and mark where the holes need to be drilled to install the door side panels. Mock up the panels to check levelness. Now, pre-drill the holes for the shower side panel installation screws. Caulk the shower door side panels and secure them in place using the screws provided in your kit. Next, use the screws provided to attach the glass shower door to the side panels. Use clear plastic piping to run along the shower door to prevent leaks. Install the shower door top panel by attaching it to the side plates and shower door using the provided screws.
Installing the Fixtures
You can now install the shower fixtures. Apply caulk to the drain cover and pop the drain cover in place. Before reinstalling your shower head, apply plumber’s tape to the threads. Using your pipe wrench, re-attach the shower head to the water supply pipe. Re-install your water controls using a wrench or screwdriver. Turn on the water supply to the shower. Before running water in your new shower allow the caulk and adhesive to completely dry.