Almost every home has at least one shower in it. They can be relatively simple in design with economical installation, to a very elaborate, time-consuming and expensive masterpiece.
Wall Framing
With any construction project, it’s best to start with a wall system that is as plum, level and square as possible. There is some leeway on this, depending on the shower type, but not much. Correct issues in the beginning and add blocking in areas where glass doors and where ADA grab bars will be placed. Towel bars are not rated as grab bars.
Plumbing
Retrofitting an existing shower where all plumbing remains in its present location may not require a permit but always check your local code ordinance. It’s recommended that if you’re replacing a shower, you should replace the valve as well. Be noted that installing larger supply lines to the valve will not necessarily increase the volume of the shower or the pressure from the shower head. Shower valves flow rate is set by the EPA and cannot be increased, not legally anyway.
Valve features
A thermostatic shower valve is a mixing valve that maintains a consistent water temperature by automatically adjusting the ratio of hot and cold water based on the actual temperature, not just pressure. It prevents scalding if cold water pressure drops.
Pressure balancing valves contain a single handle to adjust temperature, using a piston or diaphragm to balance hot/cold pressure, protecting against sudden temperature shifts (like when a toilet flushes).
Diverter valves used in tub/shower combos to direct water flow between the tub spout and showerhead, are available as tee, two-handle, or three-handle types.
Volume control valves allow you to control the water flow rate (volume) while the temperature remains constant, often paired with other valves for more customized showers. I’ve found that some of the volume controls lack the range of control that my clients are looking for, acting more like an on/off lever.
When looking at the valves, consider getting models with service stops. This allows you to shut the water supply off at the valve for servicing without relying on other shut offs that may or may not be convenient to use or access.
Shower types
Fiberglass fasten-to-stud.
Rigid, thick, and durable with a gel coat protective coating. It can come in multiple configurations. A 1 piece can be big and bulky and may not be able to fit through doorways in an existing house, also a bit of an outdated design in the residential world.
A 3 piece is a corner unit, and a 4 piece is an alcove unit. One of the pieces is the shower floor or pan.
Make sure the shower wall where the valve goes doesn’t have any angles preventing the valve trim from seating completely flat. It also helps to have a shower valve that has a compression type of trim kit install like machine screws through the front plate to help hold the trim securely against the fiberglass in case there is some movement in the wall. It’s best practice to set the shower pan in mortar with an isolation membrane between the subfloor and the mortar. I’ve seen people use drywall mud or expanding foam to set the pan. I know this because that’s what I see when I tear out failed pans.
FRP Fiberglass reinforced panels
The framing really needs to be as spot on plumb level and square as if you were to do tile walls. They say you can install over drywall (don’t unless a waterproofing membrane is put on). The fastening and waterproofing procedure comes out of tubes. I will say it’s quite cost effective compared to tile. My advice, don’t. Second advice, dry fit, dry fit, dry fit.
Tile, full or with pan
A fiberglass pan will save you money but not enough to make it worth it in my opinion. The visual design can be awkward unless the tile color matches the pan. The tile to pan transition is prone to cracking unless certain precautionary measures are taken. The pan limits what shower glass options you have if any.
A full tile shower is most people’s dream but requires much more maintenance and cost. Please put the tile on the whole wall, not 10 inches short of the ceiling. I would consider it a personal favor to me and would be greatly appreciated.
Warren O'Shea is the owner of O’Shea Builders LLC, Maine’s most award-winning remodeling contractor. He has 35-plus years of residential remodeling experience. He is a certified home inspector and has been featured on HGTV, Food Network, and Maine Cabin Masters. He is a recipient of the Portland Police Department’s “Citizen Award,” and is a staunch consumer advocate. Warren has, and continues to, co-author articles for nationally distributed trade magazines. <
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