If your bathroom design is changing, or you are looking for an upgrade, a new shower should be one of the last items on your list. Showers can be installed in just a few hours, but you do have to be careful to make sure you know exactly what you’re doing. A tile walk-in shower usually costs about $3,000 for a 32″ square unit. If you have to include more expensive fixtures, special materials, or plumbing, the overall cost will be much higher.
The first thing to consider when installing a new shower is whether you’ll be replacing the shower tray, the shower head fixture, or both. Even if you’re replacing the shower tray, you may have to remove the old shower and build a new one. The reason for this is so that you can install the drain and drainage systems and then install the new shower tray.
You should also make sure you have the right flooring type in place before you even start installing. Without the correct flooring, it’s very difficult to make the necessary adjustments once the shower pan is in place. The traditional shower pan that goes on top of a tiled bathtub is a great place to start, but if you want a more flexible shower, such as a rain shower, you’ll probably have to move this to the side. If the shower pan already has a leak, there are several things you can do to repair the damage.
One way to lower shower installation costs is to decide whether you are going to replace the entire shower head, just the head, or just the waterline. A vinyl liner usually fits over a non-metallic base and offers excellent sealing and insulation qualities. A plastic liner is cheaper but does not provide as good of an effect. If you have to replace just the waterline, make sure to do it where you can. It’s easier to repair in a small area, such as near the floor drain.
Other things to consider when installing are things such as where you want the shower pan to go, and whether you are replacing the entire showerhead, just the head, or just the showerhead. If your plumbing is relatively new, you may need to hire a professional to come in and do the job. In older systems, a simple change such as this can save a substantial amount of money by taking advantage of low-flow fixtures.
If you are replacing an old unit with a new one, make sure you get the measurements of the old shower stall. This will save you time and money in the long run, because buying a new shower stall can be very expensive. Next, you’ll probably want to choose whether to buy a new tub or showerhead. You can find things like walk-in shower trays that allow you to move the shower closer or further from the tub, or flexible enclosures that let you set up your shower without remodeling your entire bathtub. Whichever type of shower enclosure you choose, it is important to note that in larger bathrooms, it may make more sense to install two separate enclosures for smaller baths than to install a new shower stall.
In most cases, all you have to do to replace the shower base is to replace the drain tap and the surrounding assembly. This usually requires removing the floor drain and attaching a new tub ring, or eave ring. Be sure to use the proper parts and materials and to follow the instructions carefully. Before you close the assembly, make sure the water supply runs through the eave ring and into the shower tray. Once everything is connected and dried, you’re done.
For larger bathroom installations, it may be necessary to hire a professional plumber for installing the new bath fan. In this case, you’ll need to follow the instructions precisely. This will ensure the best installation and best function out of your new equipment. If plumbing isn’t your forte, it is always best to hire a professional. In addition, these installation professionals often carry tools that will help with the installation process.