How to Install a Faucet in an Acrylic Shower Unit

Measure the side of the shower pan where you wish to install the faucet and mark the middle with a piece of masking tape. Position the shower faucet’s valve onto the water supply pipes and over the middle point in the shower.

Remove the valve and polish the water pipes with an emery cloth to remove any buildup. Clean the insides of the pipes and the water valve with a round wire brush. Brush flux on the surfaces of the pipes and valve assembly where you wish to solder them together.

Slide the valve onto the water pipes and heat the joints between the pipes and the valve with a blow torch for 10 seconds. Place the solder on the joints and wait as the solder melts into the joints. If the solder does not melt, remove it and heat the joints for another five seconds. Then reapply the solder.

Position the surround panels on the shower walls, except for the wall where the faucet valve is located. Drive nails into the wall above the shower panels to hold them in place while you work.

Measure the distance from the corner to the middle of the faucet connections in the wall, and the distance from the floor to the middle of the faucet connections, taking each measurement at least twice to ensure accuracy. Transfer the measurements to the backside of the last surround panel, marking the center of each faucet connection on the panel.

Cut holes slightly larger than the faucet connections in the surround panel, using a drill and hole saw attachments. Place the center of the hole saw attachments on the center point of each of the faucet connections you marked on the back of the surround.

Place the final surround panel in place to test the fit of the faucet connections. Remove the panels and peel off the backing from the panels’ adhesive strips. Apply the glue that came with the panels to the backside of the panels.

Press the panels against the shower walls, running your hands up and down them to apply even pressure to the glue. Thread the faucet valve assemblies into the faucet connections, then slide the handles over the connections. Tighten the screws in the handles to hold them in place.