Introduction
There’s something about a shower that makes people want to be in there all day. Whether you’re taking a shower or washing your dog, having one will make your life easier and more pleasant. But before you head out to buy that new tub and start planning the layout for your new bathroom, it’s important to know exactly what will be involved in converting an old bathtub into a shower. Here’s how:
Plan the Shower
Before you get started, it’s important to plan the shower. The type of enclosure you choose will depend on what kind of plumbing is already in place and how much space you have available for your new shower.
- Choose an appropriate enclosure: If your bathroom has a tub or Jacuzzi, then installing a shower stall will be difficult because they aren’t designed to accommodate one-piece units like these. A tub enclosure may work if there’s enough room behind it; otherwise, consider installing a separate stand-alone unit that can be easily removed later on if necessary (or perhaps even purchased).
- Plan your plumbing: If pipes are running through existing drain lines, remove them before installing any partials so they won’t interfere with installation later on! Also check whether there’s anything else attached at this point—like faucets or drains—that might get in the way during installation; make sure everything gets taken care of first before moving forward with any other steps this step requires.
Fill the Tub to Prevent a Water Leak
To prevent a water leak in your tub, you need to fill it up with water. You can do this by using a hose or bucket and filling the tub until it’s even with the shower floor.
There are three main ways that people use to fill their bathtubs:
- Hose: This is probably the easiest method because all you have to do is turn on some water and let it flow into your tub until it reaches its desired level of depth. The more pressure used during this process (like if there is a strong breeze), then more room for error will be available when trying not to waste any unnecessary amounts of time; however, if too much force is applied while filling up such as using an electric pump system instead of just turning on cold faucet water flow from outside sources like rain shower heads or sprinklers which tend not necessarily radiate heated air directly onto those areas where we want them most–then there could potentially cause problems later down road…
Cut the Caulk Around the Bathtub
Once you’ve removed the old caulk, you can use a utility knife to cut the new caulk. Be careful not to damage the tile while doing this!
Cutting around your tub is easy enough with a utility knife and sharp blade—just make sure it’s clean before starting. If there are any cracks or damaged areas in your tub, take care not to cut into them during installation as this will cause problems down the line when installing shower doors on top of them (not good). If possible, try to avoid cutting through tiles that have been installed previously because they won’t look as nice after being disturbed by a saw blade; however, if this happens accidentally then don’t worry too much about it since it’s just part of life!
Remove the Trim and Gently Pull Out the Tub
You will first need to remove the trim. Use a putty knife, or a small flathead screwdriver with plastic handles (like those used for drywall) to gently pry off any screws that are holding it in place. Be sure not to damage your floor as you do this!
Once the trim is removed, use your towel hanger or string of choice as an anchor and slowly pull out the tub using gentle pressure away from the wall studs where it meets your flooring material (or ceiling). If possible, stand on one side while holding onto something on each side of your new shower so that there aren’t any gaps between you and them when they’re being pulled through; we found this made things easier because we couldn’t get caught under our own feet while trying to keep ourselves steady enough not get pulled off balance by strong winds outside!
Remove the Taps and Drain
- Remove the taps and drain
- Disconnect the cord from the old faucet, then remove it from the wall (or sink if you’re replacing an entire tub).
- Remove any handles or other parts that are attached to your new showerhead (if applicable).
- Unscrew or remove all elements of your showerhead assembly—including its mounting plate and any hose connections—and set them aside in a safe place until later cleaning/packing is complete with your plumber’s help if necessary (see step 8 below). You can also consider keeping these parts handy in case anyone wants to return after installation; just make sure not to throw away anything that could be used again later!
Clean Up
Once you’ve completed the removal and installation process, clean up your bathroom as best as possible. Be sure to clean any remaining water damage in the tub or shower, which may include scum and soap residue left behind after your showering session. Also be sure to empty any leftover materials like nails or screws from around the tub area—if there’s no drainpipe attached, they’ll simply fall into it!
Bathrooms can be a messy place; don’t forget about this fact when planning out how you want things after removing a bathtub!
Prepare the Shower Surround
- Prepare the Shower Surround
First, prepare your shower surround by removing any plumbing and electrical connections. Then remove the drain trap and fill any holes with cement. Next, measure out a level area to build your new shower base (you can use an old bathtub), then cut it to size using a circular saw or handsaw. You will also need to install floor joists at this time so that you can attach them later on with screws into studs in your wall studding. Make sure not only does this new flooring fit perfectly but also that it doesn’t overlap anything above or below it such as plumbing pipes or electrical wires!
- Install Cement Board on Walls
Next install cement board on all sides except for where there is already tile installed above (if there is already tile then make sure this section is covered by either caulking around each joint where two pieces meet up together). When installing cement board make sure not only does it fit snugly against all walls but also flush against both inside corners at same time making sure no gap exists between surface layers which could allow moisture inside house causing mold growth over time.
Install the Pan Liner, Floor Joists and Pre-Slope
- Install the pan liner.
- Install the floor joists.
- Install the pre-slope and fill in around it with cement board or tile, if desired.
Now Install the Pan, Cement Board on Walls and Tile
- Install the pan: If you have a tile floor, it’s time to prepare your shower area. First, position the drain pipe so that it doesn’t protrude through the wall of your tub/shower enclosure. Then, install cement board on the walls and ceiling of your new shower area.
- Install tile on walls and floor: After installing cement board on floors and walls (see above), lay down tile according to the manufacturer’s instructions for installation in showers or baths—or follow these DIY tips if you’d like!
Install a Shower Enclosure
A shower enclosure is a next step to taking your bathtub and turning it into a shower. If you’re installing a new tub, you’ll need to install the necessary hardware and plumbing before installing the shower enclosure. For example
- Install a shower door. The first thing that goes on is probably going to be your shower door, which will cover up most of the space inside your bathroom. There are many different types of doors available at home improvement stores or online; choose one that matches your decorating style and preference!
- Install a curtain rod with brackets on either side of existing windows (if using them). The curtain rod should have brackets attached at either end so that they can slide along rails while holding up curtains in place—this way no water will get onto countertops when using them as storage areas later on down the road 🙂
- Install some type of grab bar under sink area where the sink sits so the user doesn’t bump against the wall while washing dishes, etc…
- A tub to shower conversion in connecticut is not that hard if you follow the right steps.
There’s a lot more involved in converting showers than you might think.
Removing a tub isn’t as straightforward as it seems. There are many steps involved in converting showers, and they’re not all described here. You’ll need to plan your shower, fill the tub with water to prevent leaks, cut caulk around the bathtub and remove trim before you can even begin removing it!
If you’re ready to give this project a try (and who wouldn’t be?), keep reading below for instructions on how to remove a bathtub and install a shower:
Conclusion
Taking a shower can be a real pain, but it doesn’t have to be. If you follow our instructions and make sure that everything is in good working order, we’re sure you’ll be enjoying your new shower in no time!