How to Install a Shower With Existing Plumbing
- 1). Shut off the water to the plumbing where you'll be working, or to the entire house if necessary.
- 2). Cut a hole for the drain in the base of the shower unit, using a hole saw. You may not need to do this if the shower base has a precut drain hole. The floor drain should be at least 12 inches away from a wall. Mark the drain location on the floor of the shower base.
- 3). Spread a light masonry mix with a trowel around the floor drain and on the floor where your shower unit will sit. This will prevent flexing on the shower base. Allow the mix to dry before proceeding.
- 4). Install the shower base as advised by the manufacturer. Affix it to the drain line and to the floor with plumbing adhesive. If needed, install wood shims underneath the edges of the base to level it. Check the position of the base with a level to ensure it's set evenly. Lay bricks on the shower base to apply pressure while the adhesive dries. Wipe away any excess adhesive with a damp rag.
- 5). Seal the joint between the drain lip and shower floor with plumber's putty and a putty knife. Wipe away excess putty with a damp rag.
- 6). Mark the shower panel that will fit against the previously installed plumbing for the shower's handles and faucet. Mark the panel with a crayon and cut holes as needed (if they're not precut) so the holes align with the shower handles and showerhead. Cut the holes, using a hole saw.
- 7). Apply plumbing adhesive to the back of the shower panels, using a caulking gun. Cut two-sided adhesive foam tape to size with a utility knife and affix the tape to the edges on the back of the panel.
- 8). Position the panels on the top edges of the shower base and against the wall. Apply pressure to affix them to the wall. Position the two, 2-by-4 boards crosswise to hold the panels against the wall while the adhesive dries.
- 9). Attach the shower enclosure tracks according to the manufacturer's instructions. Apply silicone caulk with the caulking gun to the side and base of the tracks. Also apply caulk to the joints between the shower walls and base, and between the shower base and the bathroom walls and floor.
- 10
Finish the shower by attaching the shower handles and faucet to the previously installed plumbing according to the manufacturer's instructions. Turn the water on.
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