A walk in shower can add a touch of luxury to any bathroom. They’re also convenient if you have limited mobility, as there is no need to step over a bathtub wall. Not to mention, they can make your bathroom look more spacious! Installing a walk in shower may seem like a daunting task, but with our step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to do it yourself in no time. Read on to learn how to install a walk in shower in your own home.
Tools and Materials Needed
If you’re planning on installing a walk in shower, you’ll need to gather a few tools and materials before getting started. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
-Tape measure
-Level
-Drill
-1/2″ drill bit
-Hammer
-Shower base
-Shower doors (optional)
-Tile (if you’re tiling the shower)
-Grout (if you’re tiling the shower)
-Silicone caulk
That’s everything you’ll need to get started! With these tools and materials, you’ll be able to install your new walk in shower with ease.
Planning the Shower Space
When planning the shower space, it is important to take into account the size and shape of the room, as well as the placement of plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, and other potential obstacles. Once you have a general layout in mind, you can begin to measure and mark out the space for your new shower.
Be sure to allow enough space for comfortable ingress and egress, as well as ample room for any desired features or amenities such as benches, shelves, or built-in soap dispensers. If you are planning to install a tile surround, be sure to factor in the thickness of the tiles and grout lines when determining your finished shower dimensions.
If possible, try to locate the shower near an exterior wall in order to minimize plumbing costs associated with running new water lines. Alternatively, if you have existing plumbing that can be re-routed to accommodate your new shower, this can also help keep costs down.
Once you have finalized your plans, it is time to begin prepping the area for installation. This may involve removing existing drywall or flooring material, relocating electrical outlets or light fixtures, or making other changes to the existing structure as needed. Be sure to consult with a qualified contractor or plumber before making any major changes to ensure that your project complies with local building codes.
Installing the Shower Base
Installing the shower base is a relatively easy process that can be completed in a few hours. The first step is to measure the area where the shower will be installed and mark the appropriate dimensions on the floor. Next, you will need to cut out the section of flooring that will accommodate the shower base. Once the hole has been cut out, you will need to install the base and secure it in place with screws or nails. Finally, you will need to connect the drain pipe to the base and seal any gaps or cracks around the perimeter of the base.
Installing the Shower Walls
Assuming you have the shower base installed, it’s time to install the shower walls. Shower walls can be made of a variety of materials, but the most common are tile, acrylic, or fiberglass.
Tile: Installing tile is a bit more involved than the other materials. You’ll need to use thinset mortar to adhere the tile to the wall and then grout it in place. Make sure you select a waterproof grout so that your shower stays durable and watertight.
Acrylic: Acrylic shower walls are much easier to install than tile. They simply need to be glued in place with construction adhesive. No mortar or grouting is necessary.
Fiberglass: Fiberglass shower walls are also easy to install. They fit into place like puzzle pieces and are then sealed with silicone caulk.
Finishing Touches
After the walk in shower is properly sealed, you can begin to install the finishing touches. These include the fixtures, faucets, drains, and handles. Make sure that these items are installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In most cases, you will need to use a professional installer for these items.
It is important to test the walk in shower before you use it. Run the water at different temperatures and pressures to make sure that everything is working properly. Pay close attention to the drains and handles to make sure that they are not leaking. If everything looks good, you are ready to enjoy your new walk in shower!
Maintenance and Cleaning
Assuming your walk in shower is already installed, here are tips on keeping it clean and well-maintained:
-Start by sweeping or vacuuming the floor of your shower on a regular basis. This will help to prevent a build-up of dirt and grime.
-Wash the walls of your shower with a mild soap or cleaner. You may need to do this more often if you have hard water, as mineral deposits can quickly build up on tiles and glass.
-Clean the drain of your shower regularly to prevent clogs. Depending on the type of drain you have, you may be able to use a plunger or chemical drain cleaner for this task.
-Inspect the caulking around your shower periodically, and reapply caulk if necessary. This will help to keep water from seeping behind tiles and causing problems like mold growth.
