The average walk in shower is used between 2 and 3 times a day. That’s a lot of use, and over time, the grout and silicone can start to look pretty dirty. If your shower is starting to look like it needs a good cleaning, or if you’re planning on selling your home and want to make sure the shower is in tip-top shape, here are some tips on how to remove a walk in shower.
What You Will Need
Assuming you would like content for a blog titled “How To Remove A Walk In Shower”:
You will need a few tools before you get started: a screwdriver, a hammer, and a chisel. You will also need to gather some supplies: a new shower base, some tile, grout, and caulk.
Once you have everything you need, the first step is to remove the old shower base. Use the screwdriver to remove any screws that are holding it in place, then use the hammer and chisel to break it up into smaller pieces that you can carry out of the bathroom.
Next, you will need to install the new shower base. Follow the instructions that come with it, making sure to seal it properly with caulk.
Now you can start tiling! Begin by measuring and cutting your tiles so they fit around the edges of the shower base. Spread some adhesive on the back of each tile and press it into place. Once all of the tiles are in place, spread grout over them and use a sponge to wipe away any excess.
Give your new shower a few hours to set before using it.
Step One: Turn Off The Water
If your shower is leaking, the first step is to turn off the water. This may seem like an obvious solution, but it’s often overlooked. If the water is left on, it can cause serious damage to your home.
To turn off the water, you’ll need to find the main water shut-off valve. This is usually located in the basement or utility room. Once you’ve found it, turn the knob to the “off” position.
Now that the water is turned off, you can move on to Step Two: Remove The Shower Head.
Step Two: Remove The Faucet Handles
To remove the handles, you will need to use a handle puller. If you do not have a handle puller, you can use a flathead screwdriver. First, locate the setscrew on the underside of the handle. Unscrew the setscrew and pull the handle off of the valve stem. Repeat this process for the second handle.
Step Three: Disconnect The Showerhead
Once you have the showerhead unscrewed, it’s time to disconnect it from the water supply. Most showerheads have a flexible hose that attaches to the water pipe coming out of the wall. To disconnect it, simply twist the hose counterclockwise until it comes loose. If your showerhead doesn’t have a flexible hose, you’ll need to disconnect it from the water pipe with a wrench.
Step Four: Remove The Shower Walls
If your shower has walls constructed of tile, stone, or another solid material, you will need to remove these before proceeding to the next step. Start by shutting off the water supply to your shower. Then, use a sledgehammer or other heavy object to break through the wall material. Be sure to wear protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses, when performing this task.
Once you have broken through the shower walls, use a pry bar or other tool to remove any remaining pieces of wall material. You may need to use a power drill to remove particularly stubborn pieces. Again, be sure to wear protective gear while working with power tools. Once all of the shower walls have been removed, you are ready to proceed to the next step.
Step Five: Remove The Shower Pan
Assuming your walk in shower is constructed similarly to most, it will have a pre-fabricated shower pan. These pans are usually made of fiberglass or acrylic and are relatively easy to remove. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to remove your shower pan:
1. Start by removing any caulk or sealant around the edge of the shower pan. You can use a putty knife or razor blade to do this.
2. Once the sealant is removed, you should be able to see screws or nails holding the pan in place. Remove these with a screwdriver or hammer.
3. With the screws or nails removed, the pan should now be loose. Carefully lift it out of the frame and set it aside. If it’s too heavy for you to lift, you may need someone else to help you.
Conclusion
There you have it! Our guide on how to remove a walk in shower. We hope that this has been helpful and that you feel confident enough to tackle the project yourself. Remember, if you are unsure about anything, it is always best to consult with a professional before proceeding. Good luck!
