Ella Walter
Shower pans can be made of various materials, including tile, fiberglass, plastic, and acrylic. Sometimes, it may be necessary to tear out and replace a shower pan due to issues such as water damage, leaks, or cracks. This process can involve cutting and removing tiles, and in some cases, changing the plumbing or drain to accommodate a new shower pan. It is recommended to find the correct size pan with dimensions matching the center of the drain to ensure a proper fit. The removal and replacement of a shower pan can be a complex task, and it may be advisable to consult with professionals or refer to relevant online resources for guidance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for tearing out a shower pan | Water damage, shower pan failure, shower pan movement, cracked shower pan, high humidity |
| Tools required | Angle grinder, prybar, non-shrinking spray foam |
| Considerations | Size of the replacement pan, type of drain, plumbing changes, whether to screw the pan to the studs |
| Costs | Tile shower ($60-120/sq ft), pan or mortar bed, shower door, faucet, showerhead, curtain rod |
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What You'll Learn
Replacing a tiled shower with a fibreglass shower pan
First, you will need to remove the tiled shower. This will involve cutting out the bottom row of tiles on the walls, above the height that the pan will occupy. You may also need to remove some drywall to get the pan to slide in, which will then need to be re-patched. The drain will need to be loosened and disengaged from the pan, and the plumbing fixtures, such as valve handles and the showerhead, will need to be removed.
Once the tiled shower has been removed, you can install the fibreglass shower pan. First, measure the shower base and purchase a fibreglass shower pan that matches the dimensions. Then, install a moisture barrier of paper or plastic sheeting over the studs and install a cement board matching the existing drywall thickness. Connect the plumbing components to the fibreglass shower pan drain and caulk in all shower pan-wall intersections.
Finally, attach the showerhead and faucet handles and test the plumbing by turning on the water supply. Apply caulking around the tile-shower pan intersection and seal the tile and grout joints with a penetrating tile sealant.
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$258.19
Identifying a cracked shower pan
A cracked shower pan can be identified by looking out for the following signs:
- Creaking noises when using the shower.
- Water damage to the ceiling below the shower.
- Flexing, bending, or bowing of the shower pan when weight is applied.
If you suspect a cracked shower pan, it is important to determine the cause of the crack. This could be due to something heavy being dropped, regular use, or stress cracks. Once the cause is identified, you can decide on the best repair option.
If the shower pan is severely damaged or the connection between the drain and the pan is broken, it may be more advisable to replace the entire pan rather than attempting to repair it. However, if the crack is minor and the surrounding area does not flex under pressure, it may be possible to repair the crack by following these steps:
- Cut out the remaining cracks to a width of 1" to 2".
- Mix premixed mortar with water until it is pourable.
- Fill the void under the pan to within 1/4" of the surface with the mortar mixture.
- Allow the mortar to set for 2-3 days.
- Mix and pour a 2-part fiberglass resin to within 1/16" of the surface.
- Apply tape around the edges and have rags and acetone on hand for clean-up.
- Purchase a tub and shower crack repair kit from a home improvement store and mix and fill the remaining 1/16" depression.
- Let the repair cure and polish per the kit's instructions.
Alternatively, you can attempt to salvage the shower pan by adding support. This involves drilling holes in the unsupported area and applying high-density support foam. However, this method requires special products and may not be as durable as a full replacement or repair.
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Removing the cutout
First, make a cut to all three walls surrounding the shower pan. This will enable easier removal of the cutout. Use a suitable tool, such as a reciprocal, to make the cuts. It is important to exercise caution during this step to avoid any accidental damage to surrounding areas.
Next, use a pry bar to gently remove the cutout. Start by prying the wallboard behind the tile towards the inside of the shower. Be careful not to damage the wallboard or any surrounding fixtures. Once the wallboard is loosened, carefully pull it away, creating space to access the shower pan.
With the cutout removed, you can now focus on the shower pan itself. Start by pulling the pan upwards. In most cases, the drain will disengage from the pan with gentle force. However, if the drain is stubborn and does not come off easily, you may need to loosen it first before attempting to remove the pan again.
In some cases, you may need to remove the lower row of tiles to access the shower pan fully. This is especially true if the pan has a lip that extends under the first row of tiles. Removing the tiles will ensure you can properly install the new pan and achieve a neat finish. Ensure you have the necessary tools and safety gear before proceeding.
Before installing a new shower pan, it is essential to find the correct size and type. Measure the dimensions of your shower space, especially the distance to the centre of the drain, to ensure the new pan fits perfectly. Additionally, consider the type of material you want, such as fibreglass or acrylic, and ensure it is compatible with your plumbing.
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Fixing a leaking shower pan
First, you need to identify the source of the leak. One way to do this is to get a test ball that you insert into your drain and inflate with a bike pump. After inserting the plug, fill the shower with enough water to mark the water level on the wall. Once it's filled up, make a mark and let it sit overnight, checking the leaky spot every few hours. If the water level hasn't drained, it's not your shower pan or drain/flange.
If you do have a leaking shower pan, one interim solution is to paint the shower floor surface with a layer of HydroBan or RedGard. This will prevent water from leaking into the walls and floor below, giving you time to schedule a permanent fix.
For a more permanent solution, you may need to redo the drain plumbing and install a Kerdi drain flange. This may involve removing the bottom row of tiles and the floor if the wall is still solid. You can then fill in the area with new tiles and flooring.
In some cases, it may be necessary to tear out the entire shower pan and start over, especially if there is significant water damage or if the previous installation was done improperly. This is typically the most expensive and straightforward option.
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Using non-shrinking spray foam to stabilise a shower pan
Using spray foam under a shower pan is a popular solution to reducing flexing. However, it is not considered best practice by contractors, who may recommend other methods such as sliding shimmed, treated wood under the pan.
If you do decide to use spray foam, it is important to use a minimal- or non-expanding foam, as when foam expands, it exerts pressure against opposing forces, which can cause bowing or cracking of the shower pan. Products like Great Stuff Window and Door are designed not to expand aggressively.
- Measure and mark the position of the shower pan on the floor.
- Outline the location of the shower pan using spray with the help of the marks.
- Remove the shower pan from its place.
- Fill the outlined space with spray foam, ensuring there are no gaps.
- Quickly place the shower pan back into position before the spray dries out.
- Check carefully that the foam is in contact with the whole base.
- If needed, apply some more spray around the edges of the shower pan to lock it in place.
- Check that the shower pan is level. If not, push down on any lifted areas to level it. You can also use shims to level the side where the shower pan contacts the wall.
- Screw the edges of the shower base to secure it permanently. Pre-drill to place the screws, then screw directly into the studs.
- Add some weight to the shower pan so that it sets with the foam. Ensure you do not add too much weight that it gets out of level.
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Frequently asked questions
Removing a shower pan is a complex process that may require professional help. However, the first step is to remove the bottom layer of tiles. Then, use a pry bar to pull the wallboard behind the tile towards the inside of the shower. Next, pull the pan upwards, and the drain will disengage.
If you notice squeaking or movement in your shower pan, it may be damaged and need replacing. Other signs include cracked tiles, high humidity, and leaks.
Yes, you can replace a tiled shower pan with a fibreglass shower pan. However, it may be challenging to find a premade pan that fits your space, and you may need to change the plumbing and drain.
