How to Replace a Shower Pan and Surround

Remove Old Shower Pan and Surround

• 1

  Turn off the water supply at the shut-off valve, which is most likely in the basement or a crawl space. Remove the faucet, handles and shower head from inside the shower. The shower head and faucet unscrew by turning them counterclockwise. The handles detach by removing a center screw that resides under a plastic center cap you pry off.

• 2

  Wear protective gear including safety glasses and work gloves to prepare for removing the old pan and walls. In addition, stick a rag into the drain opening to prevent demolition debris from clogging it up.

• 3

  Wear protective gear including safety glasses and work gloves to prepare for removing the old pan and walls. In addition, stick a rag into the drain opening to prevent demolition debris from clogging it up.

• 4

  Cut all the way down to the bottom of the wall panel where it meets the shower pan. Insert a pry bar at the top edge of the wall panel where it attaches to the studs. Pry the panel off of the wall using force. Repeat the process to remove each of the remaining walls in the same manner.

• 5

  Insert a 1/4-inch bit into a drill and drill through the center of the drain pipe where you see a black rubber gasket. Destroying the gasket allows the pan to slide out.

• 6

  Slide a utility knife along the front of the shower pan to detach the caulk.

• 7

  Remove each screw located along the top edge of the pan using a power drill and then pry the pan up from the floor to detach it.

Install New Shower Pan and Surround

• 8

  Unscrew the components of a strainer and insert the top portion through the top of a replacement shower pan. Slide the black rubber gasket over the back of the drain and then tighten the ring nut to the back of it. Turn the nut another half turn with an open-ended wrench.

• 9

  Insert the new shower pan into the base of the floor, centering the drain hole over the opening in the floor. Secure it to the wall studs using 1-inch galvanized screws and a power drill. Use the same screw holes left by the old pan, or drill new pilot holes using a drill and 1/4-inch bit.

• 10

  Measure the width and length of each shower wall separately. Measure each wall panel and draw a pencil line on any locations that require trimming. Trim each panel to size using a circular saw.

• 11

  Measure the location of the plumbing pipes for the shower head, faucet and handles. Mark these locations on one of the wall panels and cut them out using a 2- to 3-inch diameter hole bit.

• 12

  Apply construction adhesive to the back of each wall panel extending it to within 1 inch from all edges. Press the panels into place on the wall overlapping the lower pan to hide the screws. Some panels also have foam tape on the back with a backing you must remove before application.

• 13

  Reinstall the shower head, faucet and handles and then turn the water supply back on.