Ethan Clarke
Installing a plastic shower insert is a great DIY project that can be completed in a day. It is a budget-friendly option that comes in various sizes and shapes. The process involves removing old hardware and drywall, marking and cutting the drywall, levelling the subfloor with shims, installing the shower base and walls, sealing, and finishing with fixtures and trim. It is important to follow manufacturer instructions and take precautions to avoid water leakage. With the right tools and guidance, anyone can successfully install a plastic shower insert.
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the floor and plumbing
To prepare the floor and plumbing for a plastic shower insert installation, you must first ensure that your shower alcove is framed correctly and in good condition. Check that the subfloor is level and even; if not, you can rip out the subfloor and install a new one, or use Wobble Wedge hard plastic shims to correct any variations by placing them on the studs under the subflooring.
Next, rough in the drain line so that the opening of the drainpipe aligns with the drain on the shower base. The top of the drain line should be level with the subfloor. You can use gypsum plaster or bricklayer's mortar to level out any low spots on the subfloor. Place the shower base into the alcove and check that it is level on all sides, using a level. Add plastic shims as needed to level it out and tape them into place.
Now, you can install the shower base. Place a piece of cardboard in the base to protect the finish and pre-drill holes around the flange and into every stud. Attach the shower base to the studs using roofing nails, ensuring the nails go through the plastic shims to secure them.
Before installing the back wall, you must rough in the plumbing for the showerhead and control valve on one side of the shower wall. Cut holes in the shower wall for the shower trim handle and tub spout, and measure the distance from the vertical line to the centre of each to ensure they are aligned correctly.
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Fit the shower base
Fitting a shower base requires careful measurement and levelling to ensure it is installed correctly. Here is a step-by-step guide:
First, check that your shower alcove is framed properly and in good condition. If the subfloor is uneven, you may need to rip it out and install a new level one. You can use Wobble Wedge® hard plastic shims to level out any variations in the subflooring. Place these shims on the studs under the subflooring and screw through them to secure them in place.
Next, rough in the drain line so that the opening of the drainpipe lines up with the drain on your shower base. The top of the drain line should be even with the subfloor. You will also need to rough in the plumbing for the showerhead and control valve on one side of the shower wall.
Now, dry fit your shower base into position and check for level on all sides. Use a level to ensure it is even, and add shims if necessary to level it out. Wobble Wedge® soft plastic shims are ideal for this purpose as they won't be affected by water. Tape the shims into place and place a piece of cardboard in the shower base to protect the finish while you work.
If there are low spots on the subfloor, you can place gypsum plaster or bricklayer's mortar to even it out. Recheck the shower base for level and make any necessary adjustments. Ensure the shower base is correctly positioned over the drain.
Using silicone caulk, apply a bead to the space between the shower pan and the drain, and around the underside of the drain flange. Screw the flange into the drain and install the strainer, tightening both in place. Now, pre-drill holes around the flange and into every stud. Use roofing nails to attach the shower base to the studs, making sure the nails go through the plastic shims to secure them.
Finally, place the cardboard back into the base for protection and fit the back wall into place, locking it into the shower base.
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Install the back wall
To install the back wall of your plastic shower insert, you will need to follow a few important steps. Firstly, ensure that the shower base is correctly positioned and level. Place the back shower wall against the studs, lowering it down onto the base. Check that it is seated correctly and firmly on the shower pan. If your unit has pre-drilled holes, simply screw it into the stud at the indicated points. If not, use a 3/8-inch bit to drill pilot holes through the flange to avoid splitting it.
Next, insert the side panel, ensuring it is properly seated on the shower base. Attach the side panel to the stud, just as you did with the back panel. Fasten the enclosure at each stud with 1 1/2-inch self-tapping washer head screws or galvanised roofing nails. Some units have locking tabs that fit into slots in the base. In this case, insert the side panel by placing it against the back panel and sliding it down into place.
It is important to note that you should only apply adhesive to one section at a time and work quickly so that the adhesive does not dry before you are finished. Use an adhesive designed for glue-up tub surrounds, bonding to most surfaces and allowing for adjustments for several minutes after installation.
Finally, seal the unit according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some enclosures require caulking, while others do not. Install water-resistant green board on the walls, leaving a 1/8-inch gap for caulk. Prime and paint the walls, then caulk the gaps between the drywall and the flange.
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Fit the side panels
Fitting the side panels is a crucial step in installing a plastic shower insert. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:
Before you begin, ensure that you have dry-fitted the shower enclosure to confirm that it is the correct size for your space. This will involve placing the shower base into the alcove and using a level to ensure it is even on all sides. You may need to add shims to level it out.
Now, onto the side panels:
- Prepare the side panels: If your side panels need trimming for a proper fit, use masking tape to mark the cutting lines. This will give you a cleaner cut. Make your measurements and draw the cut line with a straightedge. Use a jig saw to cut the panel to size. Sandpaper can be used to smoothen any rough edges.
- Dry-fit the side panels: Temporarily place the side panels in position without adhesive to ensure a proper fit. Use strips of masking tape to hold each panel in place. Check that the side panels align correctly with the front edge of the shower pan or bathtub.
- Mark the position: Once you're satisfied with the dry fit, use a pencil to mark the position for the left and right sides of the side panels. This will guide you during the final installation.
- Apply adhesive: Work on one section at a time and apply an adhesive designed for glue-up tub surrounds. Work quickly, so the adhesive doesn't dry before you're ready.
- Attach the side panels: Insert the side panel by placing it up against the back panel and sliding it down into place. Ensure it is seated properly on the shower base. Attach the side panel to the stud on the vertical side flange, 8 inches apart, and then go across the top at each of the studs.
- Fasten the enclosure: Secure the side panel in place using 1 1/2-inch self-tapping washer head screws or galvanized roofing nails. Ensure that any locking tabs on the panel fit into the slots in the base.
- Seal the enclosure: Consult the manufacturer's instructions for sealing the unit. Some enclosures may require caulking, while others may not.
Remember to follow any manufacturer instructions that come with your shower insert kit, and always prioritize your safety when using tools and handling materials.
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Seal and finish
Sealing your plastic shower insert is one of the most important steps to prevent leaks and moisture issues. Before sealing, consult the manufacturer's instructions for your specific unit. Some enclosures will require caulking, while others will not.
For enclosures that require caulking, apply a caulk seal where the base and shower walls meet, as well as the seams between the walls. Leave a 1/8-inch gap for the caulk to fill. Prime and paint the walls, then caulk the gaps between the drywall and the flange.
Finally, install the fixtures and trim pieces according to the manufacturer's instructions. Cover any exposed holes with trim pieces. Install a shower curtain or shower doors to complete the enclosure.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a level, a drywall saw, safety gear such as goggles, a dust mask and gloves, and plastic shims.
You should remove all hardware, baseboard moulding and any drywall around the shower insert.
If the subfloor is uneven, rip it out and install a new one. If there are low spots, place gypsum plaster or bricklayer's mortar on them.
Place the shower base into the alcove and check it is level on all sides, adding plastic shims as necessary. Tape the shims into place and put a piece of cardboard in the shower base to protect the finish.
Dry fit the corner panels, ensuring there is a slight overlap. Mark the position for the left and right sides with a pencil. Use adhesive to attach the panels, working quickly so that the adhesive doesn't dry out.
