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Want to make your bathroom look even more attractive? Well, remodeling any bathroom starts with replacing that old bathtub with a shower.
Your bathroom not only looks cleaner but also starts looking much roomier right after you remove the bathtub.
Furthermore, replacing a bathtub with a shower always stands among the top options when it comes to remodelling a bathroom.
But how to replace a bathtub with a shower? Is it something you can do without a technician? Find out everything in this article.
Is Replacing A Bathtub with A Shower Really A Great Idea?
Some of you may be skeptical whether it is right to replace the bathtub or will it affect the resale value of your property! Installing a shower in place of a bathtub will not reduce the value of your property.
Modern homes come fitted with beautiful shower doors and shower pans, so installing one will certainly upscale the value of your home.
Moreover, your parents and kids can also use a shower door with ultimate convenience, so replacing the bathtub is worth it.
Steps to Replace A Bathtub with A Shower
Before you start removing the bathtub, freestanding tub filler, and other components, it is essential to purchasing the best shower pan that fits precisely in the place of the bathtub.
Measure the bathtub properly, and go for a custom shower pan that’s appropriate for your bathroom. Usually, most bathtubs are 5 feet long and 30-inches wide.
When measuring the bathtub, find the drainpipe’s exact location to buy the right shower pan that fits properly in place of the bathtub.
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Step 1: Collect the Required Materials
Start with collecting the required materials, such as:
- Screwdriver
- Jigsaw
- Prybar
- Allen wrench or a regular wrench
- A piece of ply to protect the floor
- Utility or putty knife
- Reciprocating saw
- Channel-lock pliers
Step 2: Turn the Water Supply Off
Before removing the bathtub from its place, it is essential to turn the water supply off. In case there is no separate shutoff valve inside the bathroom, then close the main supply line.
Now empty the water remaining inside the freestanding tub filler or bathtub faucet by turning it on for some time.
Step 3: Disconnect the Overflow Cover and Drain Flange
Before you remove the bathtub from the wall, it is important to disconnect the overflow cover and drain flange. Some bathtub drains have visible screws, whereas some have their screws hidden under the drain flange.
Remove the drain flange using a wrench, and then you will get access to the screws. Use a regular screwdriver and unscrew the overflow valve cover.
Now, remove the tub spout or the tub filler since you won’t be using it with the shower pan.
Step 4: Remove the Tub from the Drain Assembly
After disconnecting the drain flange, and the cover, the tub will be free from the main drain assembly. But you cannot detach the tub before removing the drain assembly completely.
Use a putty knife to get rid of the putty or seal sticking around the bathtub drain. To remove the drain, you need to get the underside of the bathtub.
In most homes, there is access to the bathtub’s underside from behind the wall. If there is no panel in your bathroom, consider cutting the drywall and patch it after the work is done.
Once you have the underside facing you, use channel lock pliers and remove the drain assembly. If the screws holding the drain are too tight, some lubrication like grease will surely help.
Step 5: The Tub is ready for Removal
Now it is time to remove the bathtub from its place. Wear safety gloves and goggles, and then remove the tub safely, ensuring that it doesn’t hit the walls.
If possible, call someone for help because a bathtub can be substantially heavy. After removing the tub, send it for disposal.
Step 6: Install the New Shower Door and Pan in Place
After cleaning the area from where the tub is removed, you should prepare for installing the shower door and pan. Start with installing the shower pan by following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Also, the installation depends on the type of shower pan you have opted for, such as tiled or non-tiled.
Once the pan is ready and the sealant has dried properly, start installing the shower door. If you are not sure how to install it, check out this video to install it properly.
Final Thoughts
With this easy and detailed how to replace a bathtub with a shower guide, you can easily replace an old tub with a brand-new shower.
Just follow the steps one-by-one, and you can transform the entire appeal of your bathroom. Lastly, it is essential to go for a good shower head to use with the newly installed shower pan and door.
Author Bio:
Hello, this is Richard, working as a Sr. Editor for BathAdvisors. I assist the writers in creating article outlines, structural edits, and proofreading. I also contribute to BathAdvisors through my blog posts. I spend my pastime reading books and gardening.
