Shower Base Removal

Removal basics another basic part of removing the shower pan is cutting the drain pipe.

Shower base removal. Saw through drainpipe connected to old shower pan. Cut old acrylic shower surround with a reciprocating saw and remove the surround. Remove the drain cover and stuff a clean rag tightly into the drain.

Turn off the water at the outside supply line then run the taps to ensure that there is no water remaining in the system. This is screwed into the shower pan during the installation process and a ring of plumber s putty is applied. Hold a chisel along the grout line near one of the center tiles of the shower floor.

Pry up the edge of the shower base with a flat bar as you simultaneously press down on the edge of the drainpipe. If necessary build out studs with inch plywood strips so pan clears any obstructions. This attaches to the base of the shower pan using a special two part drain piece which unscrews from the shower pan.

Set new acrylic shower pan on floor and check its fit against the studs. There is normally one or two screws or nails directly above or through this flange on each wall which hold it to the studs. Almost all pre formed shower pans have a vertical flange about 1 high around the perimeter which may or may not be visible without removing the wall substrate.

In order to remove the shower pan you will need to shut off the water first then ensure that any shower doors or curtains are removed.