Replacing A Concrete Shower Pan Without Removing Walls
The shower pan is essentially a piece of your shower floor. A concave construction built of water-resistant materials, it collects water and directs it towards the drain. You are standing on the shower pan when taking a shower if your shower is equipped with an acrylic shower pan (as shown in the image to the right). These are the simplest shower pans to replace because you can take them out and put a new one in without having to redesign the shower walls or base significantly (the shower base being the substrate that the shower pan sits atop). Old shower pans don't last forever, so if yours is loose or cracked, you might be wondering how to remove a shower base. You should take action right away if the damage is in the middle. You can swap it out for new tiles or a pan. To effectively execute this DIY project, you'll need to be skilled with tools as it is not one for novices.
Removing A Shower Pan From A Drain
- Start by using a reciprocating saw to remove the shower surround. The shower pan should next be removed by finding the drainpipe that is attached to it and sawing through it.
- If the studs are not flush with the new acrylic shower pan when it is placed on the shower base, the studs should be extended with 1/2-inch plywood strips. Remove the pan, then mark the drain hole on the subfloor.
- After that, vacuum the subfloor to remove any debris before fastening the strainer to the shower pan's drain hole. Use a 4-foot level to verify the levelness of the floor. Install shims if needed, put the shower pan back in place and check it.
- Create pilot holes in the pan and use galvanized screws to fasten them to the studs. Before using primer and cement to glue the components together, dry fit your new PVC trap to the drainpipe.
- With a compression gasket and a mallet, you can now join the strainer on the pan to the drainpipe. The screen for the strainer can then be installed in the drain hole.
Removing A Stone Resin Shower Tray
- The removal of a shower base made of stone resin or tile will require some demolition work because not all shower bases are constructed of fiberglass or acrylic. A rotary drill with chisel attachment or a hand chisel and a mallet may have been used to remove some tiles. You can use a steel saw equipped with a concrete masonry bit to remove the concrete flooring that lies beneath it. Work in parts after drawing score lines on the surface to begin with.
- A jackhammer can be rented for a small charge, and it is quicker and simpler to use. You protect yourself, make sure to put on work gloves, goggles, and a mask. They finish this task in thirty minutes, and you'll need a shovel and a vacuum to pick up the debris when they're done.
Replacing A Shower Pan Without Removing Walls
- Without removing or harming the shower walls, it is possible to remove a shower pan. To begin, insert a rag into the drainpipe and use a turkey baster to remove any extra water.
- Cut around the shower tray's edge where it meets the shower panel using a utility knife. Drill the rubber flange around the drainpipe to loosen it, removing any excess rubber with a knife after drilling no deeper than an inch. Remove the drain cover.
- Remove the rag and vacuum the trash. Clamps may be used to hold the shower base in place; if necessary, you can take them off. With a screwdriver holding down the drainpipe, you should be able to pry up the pan.
- When the pan is sufficiently loosened, take it out with ease by working slowly. Use a drain removal tool, such as a shower drain wrench, if you need to remove the complete drainpipe.