To remove a shower base, start by turning off the water supply and detaching any fixtures on the base.
Protect the area to prevent damage.
Use tools like a reciprocating saw, hammer, and chisel to free the base.
Carefully lift out the shower pan, avoiding harm to nearby materials.
Clean and prepare the space for a new shower base installation or finishing work.
Gather Necessary Tools
Collecting the right tools is essential for effectively removing a shower base. The necessary tools include a reciprocating saw, pry bar, hammer, screwdriver, utility knife, and pliers.
The reciprocating saw cuts through screws or nails holding the shower base to the wall studs. A pry bar and hammer are then used to detach the base from the wall without causing damage.
Use a screwdriver to remove the drain cover. Pliers may be needed to take out the rubber gasket, which seals the shower base to the plumbing. If parts are corroded, WD-40 can help with their removal.
A utility knife is used to cut through any caulk between the shower pan and the bathroom floor.
Protect Work Area
Before removing a shower base, it is important to take certain precautions to protect the surrounding area and prevent damage. Start by covering the surrounding area with drop cloths or plastic sheeting to avoid any damage or debris. Make sure to remove all screws or nails holding the base in place before using a pry bar to detach it. This will prevent unnecessary force that could potentially damage the area. Additionally, it is crucial to be cautious and avoid harming any concealed pipes, wires, or ducts.
To further protect nearby fixtures and cabinetry, take measures to prevent dust and damage. When cutting through the base, use tools like a reciprocating saw or Rotozip with care. It is especially important to drill through a lead shower drain collar cautiously to avoid any damage to the underlying cast iron pipe. Repairing such damage can be costly.
If you are unsure about any part of the removal process, it is highly recommended to consult a professional. They will have the expertise to guide you and ensure a safe removal. For replacement parts like gaskets, you can easily find them at home improvement stores or online.
Disconnect Water Supply
Turn off the water supply to the bathroom at the main valve before starting to remove the shower base. This step is essential to prevent water flow and avoid water damage.
Once the water is off, concentrate on disconnecting the plumbing for the shower base, particularly the drain.
Inspect the shower base to locate the connection points, including any electrical connections. If there is a shower pump, turn off the power at the circuit breaker.
Proceed to detach the drain from the shower base. Use a lubricant if necessary to loosen any corroded parts. Remove the drain cover and screws with the appropriate tools, and carefully take out the rubber gasket beneath the drain cover. If it doesn't come out easily, you may need to drill it out, but be careful not to harm the drain pipe or subfloor.
Before removing the shower base, check that all connections are fully disconnected. Ensure all screws, nails, brackets, and attachments holding the shower pan are taken out. Missing this step could damage the bathroom fixtures or the shower base.
With everything detached, the shower base can be safely removed.
Remove Shower Fixtures
To remove shower fixtures before taking out the shower base, follow these steps to avoid damage:
- Unscrew any set screws holding the shower handles, typically hidden under decorative caps. Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the caps and then detach the handles.
- Remove the trim around the shower valve with a pry bar, taking care not to damage adjacent surfaces.
- Unscrew the showerhead from the wall or shower arm. Use adjustable pliers with a rag to protect the finish. If needed, also unscrew the shower arm from the wall fitting.
- Take off the shower drain cover, which may be screwed in or snap into place. Gently pry up the rubber gasket found beneath the cover, avoiding contact with the drain pipe.
These steps ensure the safe removal of shower fixtures before the shower base is taken out.
Access Shower Drain
After removing the shower fixtures, use a flat tool like a 5-in-1 tool or screwdriver to lift off the drain cover. This exposes the gasket that seals the shower base to the drain pipe.
Carefully insert a small pry bar or flat-head screwdriver under the gasket's edge, and gently pry it up, working around the perimeter to avoid damaging the drain pipe. This allows the shower base to be removed without being hindered by the drain.
Check for any additional parts such as extra gaskets, washers, or locking rings around the pipe and remove them as necessary. Handle all parts carefully to maintain the plumbing's integrity, preventing damage and avoiding leaks or expensive repairs.
Ensure all components are removed cleanly to facilitate the shower base removal.
Loosen Shower Base
After removing the drain gasket, unscrew any fasteners that attach the shower base to the walls and floor. These are typically screws fixed into wall studs or the floor. Use a screwdriver to remove them carefully, ensuring not to strip the heads. Store the fasteners safely if you intend to reuse them.
Then, use a pry bar to gently loosen the shower base. Start by placing the pry bar's flat end between the base and the floor, applying slight pressure to lift the base without damaging the floor or drain hole. Work the pry bar around the edges gradually to separate the base from any adhesive or sealant.
If the base is adhered to the wall, cut through the caulk or sealant at the edges with a utility knife. Run the knife along the seam to detach the base from the walls.
Check for any remaining fasteners or resistance points. If the base is well-secured, it may require careful prying from various angles to fully loosen it without harming the surrounding area.
Once detached, lift the base with both hands, being cautious not to drag it across the drain hole to prevent damage to the drain pipe.
Lift Out Shower Pan
Remove the shower pan by lifting it carefully to avoid damaging the bathroom plumbing. First, take out the rubber gasket from the drain pipe to allow the base to move. Proceed with caution to avoid putting stress on the pipes and causing expensive damage.
Ensure you have a stable position to lift the weight of the base. If the base is heavy, get assistance to help lift it, which will give you better control. If the pan is stuck, use a pry bar to carefully lift the edges, distributing force evenly to avoid damage.
Lift the shower pan straight up, avoiding tilting or twisting to prevent harm to the drain assembly or pan. Move the pan smoothly and steadily out of the area.
After removing the old base, check the area underneath for damage or wear. Fix any issues to prepare for the new shower pan installation. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to install the new pan correctly.
Clean and Prep Area
After removing the shower pan, clean the surface thoroughly to prepare for the new installation.
Remove all debris, such as old mortar or glue, to ensure a level and clean surface. Use a pry bar to carefully eliminate any remaining mortar or adhesive.
Sweep away loose debris and then vacuum to collect dust and small particles.
Check the floor for any damage that needs repair.
Wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any residual dust.
This will ensure a proper foundation for installing the new shower base.
