Are you considering remodeling your bathroom by converting a tub into a spacious and accessible walk-in shower? This popular home renovation project delivers great aesthetic appeal and functionality. The process involves several key stages, from initial demolition to final installation, and it’s best left to professional contractors like Rock Construction to ensure a watertight, durable, and code-compliant result. The conversion starts with carefully removing the existing bathtub and surrounding wall material, followed by making necessary adjustments to the plumbing and subfloor before finally installing the new shower base, walls, and fixtures.
What Does the Demolition and Prep Work Involve?
The first stage of converting a tub into a walk-in shower is the demolition phase. This is where the old fixture is removed and the area is prepared for the new installation.
- Disconnecting Plumbing: The water supply to the bathroom will be shut off and disconnected from the tub’s faucet, spout, and drain.
- Removing the Bathtub: The existing tub needs to be carefully removed. Depending on the material, this could involve cutting a fiberglass or acrylic tub into pieces or carefully maneuvering a heavy cast iron tub out of the space.
- Tearing Out Wall Surrounds: Any existing tile, drywall, or material surrounding the tub will be removed down to the wall studs to allow for new waterproofing and wall surfaces.
- Subfloor Inspection and Repair: Once the tub is removed, the contractor will inspect the subfloor for any moisture damage or rot. Any necessary repairs must be completed at this stage to provide a solid foundation for the new shower base.
- Plumbing Rerouting: Because a shower drain is typically located differently than a tub drain, and the shower valve needs to be positioned higher, the plumbing lines must be adjusted. This often includes moving the drain pipe to the correct location and raising the water supply lines for the showerhead and controls.
It’s essential to have a professional handle the demolition and prep work to prevent damage to surrounding areas and ensure the structural integrity of the floor and walls.
What Changes Are Made to the Plumbing and Electrical Systems?
Making modifications to the existing plumbing and potentially the electrical systems is a critical step when you are converting a tub to a walk-in shower. These changes are necessary to accommodate the new configuration and fixtures of the shower.
Plumbing System Modifications
- Drain Installation: A new shower drain is installed in the subfloor, ensuring the correct slope for proper drainage. This involves connecting the new drain location to the existing waste line.
- Shower Valve Installation: The contractor will install a new mixing valve, usually a pressure-balancing or thermostatic type, at the appropriate height for a shower.
- Showerhead Placement: Water supply lines are extended vertically and capped off at the intended height for the showerhead.
- Waterproofing: Before any wall material is installed, a robust waterproofing system is applied to the floor and walls of the shower area. This may involve using a liquid membrane, cement board with taped seams, or specialized shower pan liners, all designed to protect the structure from water damage.
Electrical System Considerations
- Lighting and Ventilation: If new lighting or a stronger exhaust fan is desired or required by code, new electrical lines may be run. All electrical work in a bathroom must adhere to strict safety codes and be handled by a licensed professional.
- Niches and Benches: Sometimes, plumbing or electrical elements need to be rerouted to allow for the construction of recessed niches or built-in benches within the shower area.
What is Involved in Installing the New Walk-In Shower Components?
Once the rough plumbing and waterproofing are complete, the installation of the walk-in shower components can begin. This is where the conversion starts to take its final shape.
- Installing the Shower Base/Pan: Depending on your choice, the contractor will install either a prefabricated shower pan (acrylic, fiberglass, etc.) or a custom-built, tiled shower pan. For a custom pan, this involves creating a sloped mortar bed to direct water toward the drain.
- Wall Surface Installation: The walls are then covered with the chosen material. This is often ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tile, requiring careful layout and cutting. Alternatively, solid surface panels can be installed for a seamless look.
- Grouting and Sealing: If tile is used, grout is applied between the tiles. Once the grout has cured, all tiled surfaces and corners are sealed to maximize water resistance and prevent mildew growth.
- Installing Fixtures and Accessories: The final fixtures, including the showerhead, shower arm, control handle, and any handheld sprayers, are installed and connected to the plumbing lines. Accessories like grab bars, towel racks, and glass shower doors or curtain rods are also mounted.
- Final Quality Check: A professional contractor will conduct a thorough inspection and water test to confirm all plumbing connections are secure, drainage is effective, and there are no leaks.
Why Should I Trust a Professional to Convert My Tub to a Walk-In Shower?
While a do-it-yourself approach to converting a tub might seem tempting, this project involves complex steps in plumbing, structural work, and waterproofing that are best handled by experienced professionals. Proper waterproofing is the most crucial step; failure here can lead to expensive water damage, mold growth, and structural issues down the line.
- Expert Plumbing Work: Licensed contractors ensure that all plumbing is up to code, correctly sized, and properly sealed, preventing leaks and ensuring optimal water pressure.
- Guaranteed Waterproofing: Professionals use industry-standard methods and materials to create a watertight enclosure, which is essential for the longevity of your walk-in shower.
- Code Compliance: Contractors are knowledgeable about local building codes in areas like Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and ensure the entire installation, from ventilation to accessibility features, meets all legal requirements.
- Quality and Durability: The expertise of a contractor guarantees that the new shower base, tile work, and fixtures are installed correctly, resulting in a beautiful, durable finish that will last for decades.
Ready to Start Your Bathroom Conversion Project in Baton Rouge?
Converting a tub into a walk-in shower can be an excellent home renovation project that significantly improves the functionality and aesthetic of your bathroom. If you’re interested in having this done at your home in the Baton Rouge, Louisiana, area, we are here for you to make your inspired projects a reality.
Rock Construction is a family-owned and operated company with over 30 years of experience. We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. Together with our customers, we deliver landmark projects that are built to last.
Whether it is that new patio space to entertain your family and friends or that dream addition you’ve always wanted, we are here for you to make your inspired projects a reality.
Give us a call today at (225) 250-7475.