How to change a bathtub for a shower tray

The customisation in the design of the bathroom is currently an added value which makes it easier to adapt the elements that are surrounding us to people’s daily lives. The possibilities within our reach to change a bathtub for a shower tray are as wide as the space available and the project requirements, but in any case, the steps for a quick installation are the following.

How to change a bathtub for a shower tray following these instructions:

1. Take measurements to be aware of the space we have for the shower tray. It's important to remember to allow for 3 mm expansion joints at each side of the tray which will subsequently be sealed.
2. Measure the height of the bathtub to know the covering metres we need, from which you must subtract the height of the shower tray that we have opted for, and we will add the first row of tiles which are on the bathtub. At this point, we can find that the part covered by the bathtub is or is not tiled, both in the flooring and the covering. If we are dealing with the fact that the bathtub is with a frame, the tiling of the covering is likely to reach the floor, so we will not need to cover it.
3. Cut off the water shut-off valve in the bathroom, both hot and cold.
4. To remove the old bathtub, the drain valve must be removed first.
5. Remove the tiles and the covering from the front and/or side of the bathtub, and we will clear it all up afterwards. If we are dealing with a bathtub covered by panels, we will proceed to remove them.
6. If applicable, remove the first row of tiles which are on the bathtub.
7. Remove the bathtub, together with the silicone and the grouting material of the existing work.
8. Check the drain and leave it ready for the shower tray installation. The valve connection line to the tray must have a minimum diameter of 40 mm and the large flow ones 50 mm. You'll need to reduce the water flow capacity in older houses with 32 mm valves.
9. Connect the tray valve to the drainage pipe and centre it where the tray hole will be. Pour a little water and check the connection isn't leaking.
10. Check that the surface is flat and the drainage is at floor level. The surface where you're going to install your tray needs to be perfectly level. You can do this using mortar.
11. Once the space is ready and after the manufacturer's recommended drying time has elapsed, , place the shower tray on the surface. Check that the hole on your new tray is aligned with the drainage valve and that the tray is correctly levelled.
12. Position the valve on the tray and pour water on it to check it drains properly. Remove the shower tray again.
13. Apply the adhesive on the surface for the shower tray installation by following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Polyurethane putty, namely, Butech P-404 is recommended. White cement, cement or glue cement must not be used for the bonding.  
14. We will place the shower tray and the drain valve again correctly. Refill the drain valve to prevent gas emissions from the sewer into your home.
15. Make sure the tray is perfectly level.
16. Let it dry for the recommended time by the manufacturer, usually 24h. 
17. Protect the shower tray to continue installing the wall tiles by using masking tape on the perimeter next to the walls and putting cardboard on the shower tray.
18. In order to have the wall ready, firstly, it will be necessary to waterproof with a waterproofing mortar for supports in wet areas.
19. Once it has been waterproofed, we will install the new wall tiles with the suitable adhesive leaving a 3 mm expansion joint between the tiles or panels and the shower tray, and then grout with the appropriate colour.
20. Ensure the connection between the shower tray and the covering and flooring with a suitable material, bearing in mind that we need an expansion seal such as Butech P-404, which is polyurethane putty with an amazing adhesion, elasticity and resistance to atmospheric agents.  
21. Place the grid trim in the shower tray plug hole.

* This installation of changing a bathtub for a shower tray is a generic example of a quick installation with a standard shower tray. It may vary depending on the space, type of plumbing installation, materials used and other characteristics of the project. We can find some cases in which the bathroom has a drain tap, so we will have to adapt the installation to this. It is important not to install a drain tap and an individual trap in series in any case, since an air bubble will be created, and this will prevent the correct water drainage.  

Contacting a professional installer is recommended, as well as having a reliable material supplier, who will oversee the work and ensure the highest quality in the final result. Following safety regulations for material handling is also recommended.  

Remember that you must also adapt the taps for the shower. To avoid further work, you can opt for a shower column with points close to those of the old bathtub.  

Opt for anti-slip shower trays which provide safety and hygiene.

 Zen Shower Tray

Why opt for a shower and change the bathtub for a shower tray?

Bathtub or shower tray? This is one of the most important decisions when it comes to carrying out a remodelling, as we mentioned at the beginning of this post, the possibilities in the design of the bathroom are wide and meet each individual’s needs. There may be time to have a relaxing daily or weekly bath, or perhaps people are more practical and are more into the dynamism and the practicality that come with shower.  

However, there are some advantages because of which a shower is an option to consider.

1. Sustainability: First of all, the shower reduces water and energy consumption. According to the WHO, a standard shower lasts on average about 10 minutes, during which, up to 200 litres of water can be used. (20L a minute). We can use up to 250 litres in a bathroom. If we reserve the bathroom for special occasions and reduce the time in the shower down to 5 minutes, with the use of sustainable products such as our WaterForest solutions, we will be able to reduce the consumption down to 30 litres, resulting in an 88% saving. Thermostatic taps, along with the AIR ECO technology for shower heads and hand showers, also contribute to the saving of water and energy resources.  
2. Greater use of space, above all in small bathrooms. The shower allows for a free and much more optimal use of the space, although the spaciousness, easy maintenance and space safety must always be considered. As we have mentioned in the post about How to plan a bathroom, an area of 60cm x 60cm must be left in order to enter the shower, a minimum space of 70cm in width, and if a fixed shower screen is installed, the minimum gap to be considered is 60cm; in extreme cases, 50cm would be acceptable as well. The shower taps should be installed 1.40cm from the shower tray.
3. Accessibility, dynamism in hygiene and total freedom of movement, turn out to be ideal options for people who want to save or have reduced mobility.  
4. We are dealing with simple and partial work, which can be done quickly.

Slate Shower Tray