Drain Assembly & How to Convert a Tub to a Shower

Remove the old tub by cutting through the drain line in the flooring joists under the tub, using the reciprocal saw. Cut through the tub surround walls and pry them from the wall frames with the crowbar. Pull out the entire tub and surround, leaving just the wall framing. Clear away all debris from the shower alcove.

Slide the new shower pan into place. Check the pan for levelness with a carpenter level. Slide shims under the pan as needed and secure the shims with screws to the flooring. Mark and cut out the drain hole with the pencil and jigsaw, if the new shower drain hole doesn't line up with the tub's drain hole.

Remove the shower pan and connect the drain assembly by putting the top of the drain through the drain hole and threading the locking nut onto the drain's threads from underneath the pan. Tighten the locknut with pliers. Mount the shower pan to the framing walls with screws and a screwdriver.

Install a new PVC drainpipe leading from the existing drain outlet on the home's main drain line and up through the shower pan drain hole. Slide a compression washer over the pipe on top of the shower pan. Hammer the compression washer and pipe down into the drain with a mallet to compress the washer and make a watertight seal.

Install new drywall on the wall framing around the shower pan, using drywall screws. Glue the shower surround walls to the drywall with construction adhesive. Let the walls sit for 24 hours before use or as recommended on the adhesive label.