How do I convert my tub to a shower?

Victor
by Victor
  4 answers
  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Mar 09, 2019

    The biggest issue is reworking the plumbing. Need to redo drain to be more centrally located in the shower. Totally gut the tub, and walls. Rework plumbing, frame for shower, put in a shower pan, install concrete board walls, tile, grout, put in faucets, exhaust fan, measure and order door, install. Seal your tile. Take your first shower.

  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Mar 09, 2019

    Do you have a shower in your tub area? If so, you don't need to run pipe to showerhead. I converted my tub/shower to shower only in my last house. Cast iron tub can be removed by smacking it with a sledge hammer to make moveable pieces. I bought a plastic shower pan (3'x5'), but tiles could be laid on the floor over a mortar bed. The walls and floor had cement board installed with seams taped to prevent leaks. I used mortar as a bed for the shower pan to make it sturdy and not flex while standing in it. I used approximately 12"x12" tiles on the walls, grouted, I replaced the tub/shower valve to a shower only valve. If you can't find shower only, then a plug can be fit into the opening that would normally go to the tub. Your might not have to do anything but plug the tub fill line. However, consider getting a new valve that controls temperature when someone flushes the toilet or the dishwasher kick on.

  • Kathi Kathi on Mar 09, 2019

    Hey, Victor! We went from tub to shower last year. Best upgrade we've ever made! When selecting your shower pan, make sure you get the correct side and size. If your tub is plumbed on your right hand side, get a RH shower pan, if on your left hand side, a LH shower pan. Most tubs are 58-60 inches, so measure yours and select that size. We had no problem with the drain and pan hole lining up.....fit like a glove. We also opted to use fiberglass panels to surround the previously tiled area after the tub was removed and kept our curved shower rod and curtain for ventilation and cleaning purposes. We used Greenboard and stapled plastic sheeting both to the wall studs behind it and to the front side of the boards, as a moisture barrier, before installing the fiberglass panels. If you go to YouTube and type in: diy tub to walk in shower there are helpful videos there. Good luck and congrats on your choice to upgrade!

  • Victor Victor on Mar 10, 2019

    Great advice thanks for the help.


    Cheers

    Victor