Shower installation: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What shower installation is

Shower installation sets a new shower base or stall, installs the valve and showerhead, connects the drain, and seals the walls and surround so water stays contained. It is a larger job than a fixture swap, because the waterproofing behind the walls is what keeps the wall and floor dry.

Signs you need it

  • The shower base is cracked, the surround is failing, or the old pan leaks into the floor below
  • The shower valve no longer holds temperature or has become hard to turn
  • The old shower is too small, has a low ceiling or a sill that is hard to step over, and you want a new layout
  • There is water damage or mold behind the walls of the shower area
  • You are remodeling the bathroom and the shower must move or change type

What the pro does

  • Remove the old base or surround, and inspect the subfloor, studs and the drain for rot and leaks before anything new goes in
  • Set the new base or pan on a bed of mortar or a level subfloor, and connect the drain with the right trap and drain assembly
  • Install the shower valve at the correct depth and check the hot and cold supply lines before the wall is closed
  • Install the wall board or the surround and seal the seams and corners with the right waterproof material
  • Mount the showerhead and the arm, and check the diverter or the transfer valve for proper flow
  • Run a water test in the shower and check the pan and drain for leaks before the finish is closed

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Type of shower: a base, a pan, a stall or a walk-in shower each change the work
  • Subfloor and framing condition, and whether rot or damage must be repaired first
  • Valve type: pressure balance, thermostatic or digital valves each need different work
  • Tile or surround material, and whether tile, a panel or a one-piece unit is used
  • Whether the drain or supply lines must be moved to fit the layout
  • Access and whether the wall or floor must be opened from another room

What a written quote should spell out

  • Shower base or pan model, size and the drain type
  • Valve type and brand, and whether the trim is included
  • Waterproofing method and materials behind the wall
  • Subfloor repair, if needed, and how the damage is found and confirmed
  • Who handles the tile or surround and the finish work

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What waterproofing do you use behind the walls, and how do you test it?
  • What valve type are you installing, and will it hold temperature when the water pressure changes?
  • Will you check the subfloor and framing when the old base is removed?
  • Do you test the pan and the drain with water before the walls close?
  • Who installs the tile or surround, and is that part of your scope?
  • What is the warranty on the pan, the valve and the waterproofing?

Red flags

  • Pro who sets a shower base on a floor that is not level or has soft spots
  • Pro who closes the walls before a water test of the pan and drain
  • Pro who uses only caulk to seal a shower corner that needs a waterproof membrane
  • Pro who does not check the subfloor and framing when the old base is removed

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can remove the showerhead, clean the drain, and replace a showerhead or a handle. A full shower install involves waterproofing that is hidden in the wall, and a small mistake can leak into the framing and floor for a long time before anyone sees it. Call a pro for any new base, valve or waterproofing work.

Licenses and permits

The plumbing portion of a shower install, including the valve and drain, is commonly licensed plumbing work. Waterproofing, tile and framing may be done by other licensed or trained trades, so check with your state or local licensing agency.

Shower installation questions

How do I know if the waterproofing behind my shower has failed?

Look for soft drywall, stains on the ceiling below, a musty smell, or a soft subfloor near the drain. A pro can check with a moisture meter and by opening a small area.

What is the difference between a shower pan and a shower base?

A pan is usually set into a mortar bed and sealed with a liner, while a base is a prefabricated unit. Both need the drain set and the waterproofing done properly, and the pro should explain which one is being installed.

Why does the shower temperature jump when someone flushes a toilet?

A pressure balance valve is built to compensate for pressure changes, but the temperature can still swing, especially as the cartridge wears. A thermostatic valve holds the temperature more steadily. The pro should explain which valve you are getting.

Can I keep my existing shower valve?

Sometimes, if it is in good shape and works with the new trim and the depth. The pro should check the valve body and the cartridge before reusing it.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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