Introduction

My first experience doing a tub-to-shower conversion was a great introduction to the project because it involved not just a reimagining of the bathroom design, but also a considerable amount of structural renovation. The plumbing had been leaking under the tub, and when we finally got that fixture out, we saw extensive rot that necessitated a complete demo and rebuild of the subfloor. The project taught me several things, including the need to make watertight plumbing connections that will last.

Not all such projects involve this much work. In most cases, as it was with the walk-in shower I installed in the house I shared with my wheelchair-bound wife, the subfloor is dry and structurally intact. That allows the main focus to be on doing the necessary plumbing work, building new walls and a shower base and tiling. I installed a pre-formed shower base in a subsequent renovation. Because pre-formed bases are virtually leakproof and are vastly easier to install than traditional solid mortar bases, it made the job that much less time-consuming.

Ripping out an existing tub or shower and replacing it with a pre-fab shower pan may involve heavy lifting, but it's basically a plumbing project. You should be familiar with basic pipe joining techniques to take it on. Mostly, this involves cutting and cementing plastic or PEX pipes and fittings. You can use copper if you're old-school and have confidence in your soldering skills, but if you use plastic, you won't have to worry if you make mistakes. The materials are inexpensive, and corrections can be made easily by cutting out sections and installing new fittings and pipes.

Completing this job — getting the old tub out, reworking the plumbing and installing the new base — will take two or three days at most. If you have to run a drain line through joists or studs, we recommend that you rent a 1/2-in. right-angle drill and a 2-in. hole saw (or bit). Otherwise, basic plumbing tools and hand tools are all you'll need. Be sure to apply for a plumbing permit and have an inspection done at the rough-in stage (when everything is still exposed) and after everything is complete (wall surfaces finished, final hardware installed).

When to call a pro

When structural repairs to the subfloor are needed, you're probably better off leaving that part of the job to a contractor. I'm speaking from experience.

Tools Required

Materials Required

• 1 1/2- in. PVC drain pipe
• 1 1/2-in. couplers
• 1 1/2-in. long-sweep elbow
• 1 1/2-in. P-trap
• 1 5/8-in. screws
• 1/2-in or 5/8-in. plywood or OSB
• 1/2-in. brass drop-ear elbow
• 1/2'-in. CPVC water pipe
• 2 X 4 lumber
• 2-in. screws
• 2-in. X 1 1/2-in. reducer
• Fender washers
• Plumbing thread tape
• Pre-mixed mortar
• PVC cement
• PVC primer
• Shower pan
• Silicone caulk
• Staples
• Tar paper
• Two 1/2-in. water shutoff valves
• Wood shims