How to Replace a Shower Tray: Complete Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Replacing a shower tray has its own challenges, yet a reliable step-by-step removal process makes the task easier. First, you will need to prepare, clearing the room around the shower and turning off the local water supply. Buying the correct shower tray size and assessing materials like cement, tiles, or panels ensures precise fitting.
Plan upfront and you will undoubtedly save money; installation can be simplified with adjustable legs and keep the other side well-protected. By selecting a low-profile shower base or new tray, you guarantee long-term performance, even when water runs daily. Read our “How to replace a shower tray” guide for all the information you will need.
An introduction to shower replacement
Replacing a shower tray is simplified with the right tools, and our step-by-step guide will help you complete the job more effectively. A new shower tray can refresh your space entirely, offering a cleaner, and more modern style. Understanding how to replace a shower tray and the removal of the existing shower tray aids reliable future use. This practical step guide takes you from preparation through to installation, ensuring a dependable watertight seal and ease of installation.
Choosing the right shower tray
When buying a new shower tray, determine the shower tray size, shape, and surroundings carefully. A quality tray should prevent water damage, provide durability, and integrate neatly with your floor, wall, and panels. Materials vary from acrylic-capped, stone resin, to modern slate-effect models, with each having its own merits. Your current shower tray will help you select the correct tools, such as a pry bar, utility knife, or sealant remover for fitting. By considering shower tray sizes and designs, you reduce errors and make your installation success likelihood much higher.
Think about both the management of shower tray waste and how your waste pipe will be reconnected securely. Read shower tray specifications, confirm measurements using a spirit level, and speak to suppliers about technical details (if you need to). Many customers also install an access hatch, which allows maintenance without removing the new tray completely. Plan for success to save money, eliminate unexpected problems, and achieve the best value for your installation.
Choosing between DIY vs professional installation
DIY installation allows you to replace a shower tray and possibly save money. By following our step-by-step guide, you can prepare the floor, apply a thin layer of building sand, and successfully install a shower tray. However, professional guarantees the shower and sealant are fitted correctly, with every seal fully watertight. The DIY approach, unfortunately, all too often involves buying items like cement, sealant remover, or hiring a drill, raising total costs. Consider carefully whether to attempt installing yourself or pay for experience. After all, achieving a watertight seal and lasting installation is the main objective.
How to replace a shower tray – a step-by-step guide
Follow our step-by-step guide to learn all about shower tray installation.
Essential equipment, materials, tools, and supplies
Before you commence any work, attempt to have as many (if not all) of the following items available. Having them all accessible will save time later and ensure that you do not run out of essential supplies at the most inconvenient of moments!
1) Equipment (including PPE)
- Drill bit (to suit floor screws)
- Dust mask
- Gloves (protective)
- Goggles or safety glasses
- Knee pads
- Protective clothing
- Safety boots
2) Materials
- Adjustable legs or riser kit (if required)
- Building sand
- Cement
- New waste pipe or connection
- Sealant remover
- Shower tray – usually acrylic or stone resin
- Silicone sealant
- Watertight sealing strips
3) Tools
- Adjustable wrench
- Bucket (for debris or water)
- Caulking gun (for sealant application)
- Hole cutter (size to suit the waste outlet with the bottle trap used)
- Jig saw (if cutting is required)
- Spanner wrench (if needed)
- Measuring tape/tape measure
- Pry bar
- Sealant finishing tool
- Spirit level
- Sponges/rags
- Utility knife
4) Other supplies
- Access hatch (optional, for future maintenance)
- Bottle trap (used with waste outlet)
- Cleaning supplies (antibacterial cleaner, and cloths, etc.)
- Debris bags or bin liners
- Dust sheet (to protect the surrounding floor and bathroom wall)
- Mop or old towels (for water spillage)
- Sandpaper or scraper (for smoothing surface the before installation)
- Screws, plugs, or fixings (if required by the tray design)
Preparatory tasks
Before starting the removal process, always turn off the water supply to the shower, ensuring complete flow stoppage. Clearing the area around the existing shower tray provides easy access, reduces debris, and prevents potential water damage.
This includes removing the shower door, screen, or panels before attempting to carefully detach the old tray. Wear gloves, goggles, and protective gear throughout the task to avoid injury when replacing a shower tray.
Removing the old shower tray
To remove the old shower tray, carefully cut the surrounding sealant with a sharp utility knife. Using a pry bar, gently lift the tray, taking care not to damage the floor, wall, or panels. Disconnect the waste pipe, remove remaining sealant, and use a sealant remover for stubborn adhesive.
When removing the shower tray, you must deal with the shower tray waste, waste pipe, and leftover debris. Loosen the waste pipe connection with a spanner, gently remove it, and protect the surrounding plumbing from harm. Consider replacing the waste pipe entirely to guarantee a long-term watertight seal for your new installation.
Installing a new shower tray
Before installing the new shower tray, ensure the floor is level, stable, and has a completely clean surface. Check with a spirit level to confirm balance, then apply a thin layer of building sand. Adding cement stabilises the base, helping position the new shower tray securely before final adjustments.
Set the new tray in place, keeping a clearance area around the edges. Also, critically important is accurate alignment with the waste outlet. Confirm the waste pipe aligns or adjusts its routing for effective drainage before fixing the tray permanently. The right tools, like a utility knife and a pry bar, simplify installation and make progress significantly faster. Apply silicone sealant carefully and evenly along all edges of the shower tray to ensure a reliable and watertight seal.
Use adjustable legs where required to ensure stability and level placement during the shower tray installation. Installing an access hatch allows for future easy access to pipes or waste without full shower tray removal. Finally, it is time to test the waste connection, run water through to confirm a reliable watertight seal exists. Successful installation means your new shower remains stable, leak-free, and offers durability against further water damage.
Common issues and solutions with shower tray installation
Below, we discuss some of the issues and how they can be overcome when replacing a shower tray:
- Access hatch - installing an access hatch ensures long-term durability by providing easy access to waste pipe connections. A hatch also allows repairs or adjustments without disrupting the new shower tray or surrounding panels
- Adjustable legs - using adjustable legs helps level a new shower tray securely during installation, avoiding gaps along floor edges. This prevents leaks from forming around the tray and supports a strong and lasting watertight seal
- Removal tips - the removal process requires a pry bar and utility knife to detach an existing shower tray. Always clear old sealant using sealant remover, and properly disconnect the shower tray waste before starting any new installation
- Sealant remover tips - stubborn sealant from an existing shower tray must be cleaned with a good sealant remover. This step prepares a clean surface, which ensures your new shower tray fits securely with an effective surrounding seal
- Step-by-step approach - replacing an existing shower tray can feel like a daunting task, but following a step-by-step guide simplifies it. Taking time to prepare the right tools and correct installation steps guarantees dependable results and fewer future problems
- The importance of a watertight seal - achieving a strong watertight seal is vital in the installation of any new shower tray. Leaks cause expensive water damage, so carefully apply sealant, and verify waste fittings with a test flow before completing installation
- Use quality silicone sealant - applying high-quality silicone sealant prevents leaks from seeping behind the wall or floor. It also delivers a lasting watertight seal, protecting against water damage and protecting against issues behind decorative panels
- Waste pipe tips – the importance of connecting the waste pipe correctly cannot be underestimated. This ensures the shower tray waste drains effectively, maintaining a watertight seal. Inspect the waste pipe connection carefully to avoid problems, and even replace old sections to reduce the chance of water damage in the surrounding room areas
Maintenance and upkeep
Use these tips for smooth ongoing maintenance of your shower tray:
- Debris control - soap scum and debris buildup need to be cleaned from your new shower, stopping it from staining the tray. Cleanliness helps avoid cracks, extending the shower tray’s lifespan for your installation with minimal maintenance
- Panel protection - adding panels or a shower door helps protect the new shower tray from water damage. This approach reduces splash, protects the floor, and extends the performance of the sealant used around your tray
- Regular checks - caring for your new shower means inspecting the waste pipe and sealant to avoid leaks. Carry out simple checks to guarantee the shower tray waste drains correctly without creating issues around the floor and wall areas
- Save money! - proper maintenance of your new shower tray helps save money by reducing costly repairs. Checking the installation regularly ensures all parts, including the waste pipe, remain in good condition, giving you peace of mind
- Sealant check - inspect the silicone sealant around your new shower tray frequently to ensure a proper seal. Fresh applications may be needed over time to stop leaks and maintain an effective watertight seal for the tray
- Spirit level use - ensure the tray remains level by using a spirit level on the surface. A slight shift over time may impact drainage, so correcting it early prevents long-term installation issues
- Use building sand - avoid abrasives on your new shower tray surface. Instead, we recommend cleaning gently to form a smooth, clean surface. Unlike rough methods, building sand will not scratch the delicate finish of the tray or tiles
Conclusion
Plan before you fit, and you will have a secure fit that will last daily shower use. Always use a spirit level and the right tools for accuracy, ensuring no gaps between the wall and the tray. The removal process uses tools like a utility knife and silicon sealant remover, so surfaces are smooth and stable.
Fitting a new tray takes patience, precision, and sometimes a thin layer of cement to support the shower tray waste. Consider adjustable legs and an access hatch, which makes fitting more flexible and easier to maintain in the future. Simple cleaning tips, like baking soda, will keep surfaces clean and extend the life of the installation. By following these tips, you will have a watertight tray and no leaks and get the results you want.
Contact us
So, we have revealed “How to replace a shower tray”, and hopefully, you can now approach shower tray installation with confidence. If you need support, though, Plumbing World are here to help. Contact our team for advice and browse through our shower trays collection to choose the most suitable model for your needs.
Contact us in these ways:
- • Phone – 0121 508 9987
- • Emails – [email protected]
- •Contact details – see our Contact Us Page
- •Live Chat – you can also click the blue button in the bottom left corner of any page to live text chat with us