If you’re looking to install a walk-in shower to make your home more accessible, but are worried about the costs of hiring someone to do it for you, why not install it yourself?
Simply ensure your environment is safe to work in and get prepared by having the correct electrical tools to get the job done. That way, you’ll have your own walk-in shower before you know it!
Location and measurements
Choose where you want to place your walk-in shower to ensure it is located in the most convenient and accessible place for the intended user.
If you are adapting an existing shower, be sure to accurately measure the space you have available to check that the adaptations will be possible. Switch off the water supply before demolishing any walls or floor tiles to make way for any new plumbing additions.
Mark out the exact location and measurements of your new walk-in shower with a pencil so you can accurately install your shower fixtures in the desired spot.
Choose fittings
Choose your shower fittings to match your existing bathroom décor – it will look stylish and offer complete practicality, too.
You should be able to purchase a standard walk-in shower kit that includes everything that you’ll need. Don’t forget to grab key plumbing essentials for your new shower, including a shower tray and a drain with a cover.
Equipment
If you’re a keen DIY-er, you’ll likely have the majority of the equipment you’ll need. If not, ensure you have all the necessary tools to begin with, such as power tools for drilling holes for support brackets and saws to get your panels down to size.
Having a tape measure and spirit level handy will ensure that your measuring is completely accurate. You don’t want an uneven shower tray spreading all the water across your bathroom.
Tiling and glass
Installing a new shower offers the perfect opportunity for you to choose some new, contemporary tiles for your bathroom. Be careful when cutting these out to accommodate your new fixtures, and be sure to cut them to size to deliver a smooth, clean finish.
You’ll need to be more careful when installing the large glass panels due to their fragility. Once your tiles have been set in place, install your glass enclosure and apply a waterproof sealant to the bottom and all sides of the glass to prevent any leakages.
Image by ABBphoto via Deposit Photos
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I'm Alice and I live with a dizzying assortment of invisible disabilities, including ADHD and fibromyalgia. I write to raise awareness and end the stigma surrounding mental and chronic illnesses of all kinds.
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