Shower Pan Replacement

The need for shower pan replacement comes mainly under two situations. The shower pan is too worn out to collect water from the shower or it is too old fashioned to enhance the beauty of your bathroom. Whatever be the reason, if you have decided to replace the shower pan, this article is here to help you in doing it. Replacing a shower pan requires tools along with the basic plumbing skills. First step involves the removal of the old shower pan.

Old Shower Pan Removal

• First of all, disconnect the water supply.
• Remove the doors enclosing the shower.
• Move out all the supportive knobs and decorative accessories.
• Detach the head pipe of the shower. Grip it near the wall and move it clockwise for easy removal.
• Take out the tub filter by moving in the pliers and rotating it in clockwise direction.
• Underneath the filter, you will find a shoe that connects the filter to the floor pipe. Move it anti-clockwise for removal.
• Remove the bar panels with the help of a pry bar. Remove any dry wall or tile present to expose the dot wall.
• Remove the old shower pan. You will need to apply some force to move it out.

New Shower Pan Installation

• Shower pan installation is not a very difficult task. In case, the old shower pan was not leak-proof, go for one this time. At least one of the layers must be water tight. Usually, the membrane which is water tight is made of vinyl. Lay down the new drain pipe and connect it to the main pipe for drainage.
• Connect the pipe fittings of the new shower pan with the hot and cold fixtures. This may require you to cut or add the new pipe to fit accordingly.
• Install a cross piece between studs to support the hot and cold fixtures. This will ease the task of installing the shower head pipe.
• At this stage, it is very important to check if the new shower pan is devoid of any leak. Install it temporarily, drape the walls with plastic and pour water on it. Make sure that the shower pan is leak proof.
• Follow the shower pan installation instructions (comes with the kit), to fix the shower pan. Seal the point of intersection between the shower pan and the drainage, with silicone caulking.
• Insulate the wall studs from the outer side to block the sound of water hitting the shower pan and the shower enclosure walls.
• Apply a good quality adhesive on the edge of the shower panel and wall studs. Join the former part at the bottom and flex them onto the wall.
• Allow the adhesive to dry up and set properly. Seal the beds between the panels with silicone caulking.

A shower pan is something that gets deteriorated with regular use. It needs repair and maintenance quite often. Do try a shower pan repair if possible. If you find out that the shower pan of your bathroom needs repairing too often, then better go for a shower pan replacement. It would be cost-effective in the long run.