Installing a new shower in a bathroom is a very popular remodeling project. It reduces the waiting line for the shower in the household and increases the likelihood of selling the house at a future time. Officially the bathroom goes from a half-bath to a three-quarters bath. A big question for this type of re-modeling project is whether to go with a prefabricated shower or a custom tiled shower.
Prefabricated Shower Kits Vs Custom Showers
Prefabricated shower kits have come a long way over the years. They come in more design choices, and there is better quality kits available. They can come in several pieces instead of just one-piece models which are difficult to bring into the home. Prefabricated shower kits save a lot of installation time over custom tiled versions, even for professionals. Custom tiled showers offer more design and quality choices and can be done any size. Custom tiled showers are not only more expensive to build, but are more likely to crack, causing leaking later. Prefabricated showers are more flexible, and less likely to crack around the shower pan. Even under the best of building conditions, there is still longer curing time for tiled showers, but tiled showers usually give homes better resale value.
Considerations before Installing a Shower
Installing a shower is not a remodeling job to be taken lightly. Any project with water involved can have serious consequences down the road if done improperly. Make sure you use the right size pipes. If you are using a different type of pipe in the bathroom that the rest of the house, make sure you use the right adapters. Make sure everything is properly leveled, and that there are no air gaps in the fillings installed for fixtures. Also, make sure you have enough length in your supply stub outs to reach shutoff valves. All the tubing must fit properly into fittings and stop valves, or you could get leaks. All threads should be covered with Teflon tape or plumber's before parts are threaded together.
When to Use a Plumber
There is a reason that it is difficult to get a plumber's license. There is also a reason why cities require licensed plumbers to pull permits for new plumbing installations. The local codes are carefully developed to avoid problems with plumbing installations, and those codes need to be well understood. There are plumbers, though, that will advise which part or parts of the job you should be able to do. An area can be prepared for the plumber by the homeowner or the shower stall can be assembled by a do-it-yourselfer after all the plumbing is done.
In this article, we will cover some of the basic steps in installing a shower in a bathroom. If you are not well experienced at plumbing, you should consult a plumber and carefully read the instructions which come with the prefabricated shower kit.
Tools and Materials Needed
* Pipes in accordance with local codes * Shower head * Shower stall kit * Pipe wrenches * Flat and Philip's screwdrivers * Channel locks * Plumber's putty or Teflon tape * Silicon caulk * Hammer * Studs * Nails * Screws * Measuring tape
Step 1 - Bring in the Shower Stall Enclosure Kit Bring in the shower stall kit near the area it will be installed.
Step 2 - Build the Framework You will need to build a framework for which the shower stall to attach to.
Step 3 - Turning off the water Turn off the main water line coming into the house or the supply water lines going to the area in which you will be working.
Step 4 - Running of the Plumbing Lines You will need to run a hot and cold water supply line to where you will be installing the shower head. You will also need to install a drain pipe into the sewer line. All the seals must be properly sealed and secured to the studs of the wooden framing.
Step 5 - Installing the Enclosure The prefabricated shower enclosure can then be installed, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 6 - Final Installations You will need to drill a hole into the enclosure in order to run the plumbing lines and install the shower assembly. Seal the shower, faucets, and enclosure seams with silicon caulk. After the caulk has set, turn on water and check for leaks. Check out Trustedpros.ca for a full list of plumbers and carpenters for your shower installation needs.
Posted by: TrustedPros