When you purchase a property and first move in, you have no say over the state of the bathroom. It comes down to how the previous owners liked it, whether that’s the colour of the paint on the walls or whether you have a bath or a shower. If you’ve moved in somewhere that comes with a bath, but you’d much rather prefer a shower, then don’t worry too much. It is completely possible to replace one with the other.
If you want to replace your bath with a shower, for whatever reason, we have you sorted. Below is a step-by-step guide for how to do it, which can either help you do it yourself or show you the process before you hire a professional.
Let’s get started!
1. Do the initial checks
Before you do anything, you want to complete some checks before taking out your bath and choosing your shower. This includes measuring the size of the tub. This is because many showers, especially when rectangular, will fit the footprint of many baths, making the job a lot easier. You will also want to check the plumbing so you know how it’s wired and whether you need any new pipework for your shower.
2. Look at bathroom ideas
If you’re redoing your bathroom by introducing a shower instead of a bath, you’re more likely to want to change the whole aesthetic of the room, too. You can discover the type of bathroom you want overall by looking at ideas online on platforms such as Pinterest, or you can talk to a designer about your vision, and they can make it come to life.
3. Choose the shower you want
First things first, for your new shower, you want to select the perfect enclosure. This is the thing that will keep the water flowing all over your bathroom floors when you’re washing yourself. You can either choose one that fits the current footprint of your bath, or you can make your shower conversion a little more tricky with a unique enclosure.
You then want to choose the actual shower. This includes the shower head, shower kit, and more. When selecting this, there are a few things to take into account. What sort of pressure are you looking for? And do you want one or multiple shower heads? There’s a lot of variation to consider here so ensure you choose the right one for your needs.
4. Replace your wall coverings
Based on how your bath was originally designed, you may already have wall coverings, or you may not. If you already have wall coverings you’re happy with, then you can keep them as they are. However, the chances are you’ll probably have to at least build up on them, and it’ll be easier to replace them completely.
Your wall covering will protect your walls from splashes and water damage, so people tend to opt for titles or shower wall panels to install within the enclosure. Panels are easier to install than tiles, and you can still choose from a wide range of designs to match your aesthetic.
5. Add some accessories
No bathroom is complete without a few accessories, and some of these can be in the shower. If you don’t want your soaps and shampoos scattered all over the floor of your shower, then you can opt for something like a wall hung storage area. Some people also choose to add some fake plants or little stickers on the walls to complement the bathroom’s aesthetic even further.
6. Complete the installation
Now that you’ve chosen everything you want to make your new bathroom look amazing with a beautiful shower area, it’s time to put it together. The first thing you need to do is, of course, remove the current bathtub and disconnect it from the water supply. You then need to fit the shower enclosure, followed by the shower kit, including the head and other components.
Most of these items may come with instructions to help with a seamless installation, however we always recommend hiring a trusted professional to complete the job for you. It means you can receive the best bath-to-shower transformation without worrying about any mishaps along the way.
Once installation is complete, you’re able to enjoy your new shower!
Why should you replace a bath with a shower?
If you’re considering installing a shower unit in your home over a bath, you might be looking for the final push to do so. The main reason many people choose this sort of replacement is because showers ultimately save a lot more water, as well as space in your bathroom. You can take showers without worrying about how it’ll be affecting the environment or your water bills each month. You also have the opportunity to redecorate your bathroom space as you please.
Many people put off replacing their bath with a shower because they think it’s going to be a long and menial task, however they couldn’t be more wrong. When you have all the components chosen out beforehand, the installation can be completed in as little as a day.
The process may not be long, but you always want to ensure you get it right. This is why we recommend always hiring a trusted plumber to get the job done. Whether you want to help them with the installation and use them as someone to check it over, or you want them to do the whole job, they will ensure it is as seamless as possible.
FAQs
How much space do I need to install a shower?
The amount of space you need will depend on the type of enclosure you’ve chosen, but a standard shower typically needs around 30-36 inches of depth and width.
Will replacing my bath with a shower affect the value of my home?
Yes, a shower can definitely add to the value of your home, especially if you’re using the latest technology and adding a shower with all the right components.
Do I need to hire a professional to install a shower?
While you don’t need to hire a professional if you have the skills to do it yourself, we always recommend using one for the best results.
