The following things need to be considered in the process of swapping a bathtub for a walk-in shower:
The next and more important issue is drainage. Often the drainage doesn't line up for a walk-in shower with a former bathtub's piping. It is commonplace that a plumber is needed; either to rework the piping for the new shower unit or to fit a special pan for the drainage. Again, you should call around to get the best deal.
Another potentially tricky aspect is the labor costs. You need someone to remove and dispose of the bathtub, this depends on the build of the bathtub - older is more likely to be cast iron which is a heavy and arduous task to remove and dispose of. In addition, you need someone to fit either new tiling where the bathtub was (if up the wall) or to fit shower boards.
- Visit local bathroom specialists to compare prices for shower units
- Consult a plumber about the drainage
- Consult a contractor about labor costs/unit fitting
- Measure the bathroom as a whole and the bath space
- Decide how much you can afford and plan/budget with thought to what is on offer in a specialist's showroom as these usually have the best reliability for guaranteeing their work. However, these are also likely to be a bit more expensive than other independent fitters.
The next and more important issue is drainage. Often the drainage doesn't line up for a walk-in shower with a former bathtub's piping. It is commonplace that a plumber is needed; either to rework the piping for the new shower unit or to fit a special pan for the drainage. Again, you should call around to get the best deal.
Another potentially tricky aspect is the labor costs. You need someone to remove and dispose of the bathtub, this depends on the build of the bathtub - older is more likely to be cast iron which is a heavy and arduous task to remove and dispose of. In addition, you need someone to fit either new tiling where the bathtub was (if up the wall) or to fit shower boards.
