How to install a do-it-yourself shower cabin
We present to your attention an article on how to install a shower cabin yourself. Most apartment owners can do this work on their own if they use the right materials, tools and methods.
Today, the market has a large selection of showers. There are, for example, cabins that are delivered pre-assembled. They are easy to install, but they are not popular because of their size (they simply do not go into the openings of typical doors). Cabs that require assembly have become more widespread, and we advise you to pay attention to just such models, and from our article you will learn about how to install them.
To install a shower, you need the following:
Materials:
- a shower cabin in the kit (or a separate tray and frame with walls);
- flexible siphon;
- elbow;
- silicone sealant.
Instruments:
- adjustable wrench;
- gun for silicone sealant;
- drill and drill;
- spirit level;
- tape measure, pencil;
- protective gloves, glasses.
Advice:
- Before starting work, read the manufacturer's instructions;
- make sure that the floor at the installation site of the shower cabin is absolutely level;
- insulate the joints of the drain elements;
- seal the joints between the frame and the pallet.
Installing a shower tray
Installing a shower tray is not a very difficult task, especially if you pay attention to several important aspects.
1. Firstly, before installing the shower tray, make sure the floor is even. Small deviations can be eliminated by adjusting the height of the legs.
2. Secondly, you should place the drain in the floor in the right place, since the opening of the shower cabin should be a short distance from it. If for some reason it was not possible to achieve compliance, the project can still be completed using additional adapters and a long flexible hose, but this will require more time and effort.
3. Thirdly, you must properly connect and seal all the elements, otherwise water leakage during operation of the shower cabin is possible.
You should start with the acquisition of tools and materials that you will need when implementing this project. You will need an adjustable wrench, spirit level, silicone sealant and a gun to apply it. We recommend using only high-quality materials, otherwise you will have to do a small repair every few weeks.
Gun for applying silicone sealant.
As a rule, they try to make the drain hole of the pan located exactly above the hole in the floor leading to the sewer pipe. In our case, the bathroom was already tiled, and I did not want to open the floor to transfer the already made drain to the right place. But even from difficult situations you can find a way out, so we bought a flexible hose and elbow. Using these elements, we will connect the drain of the shower to the sewer. This may take a little longer, but in the end no one will feel the difference.
Harmonica drain hose and 90 ° sewer elbow0 with a diameter of 50 mm.
Using an alcohol level, make sure the floor surface is even. This is best done before tiling the floor.
If it turns out that the floor in the place where the shower will be located has a slope, we recommend pouring a layer of the bulk coating for leveling. Meanwhile, you carefully read the instructions of the manufacturer of the shower and get acquainted with the methods of installation.
Drain hole in the floor.
The next step of the project is to connect the flexible hose to the elbow and seal the place of their articulation with silicone. If the flexible hose enters the elbow tight enough, then sealing is not required. Allow the silicone to dry before connecting the hose to the shower tray.
Sealing the joint between the hose and elbow.
Now inspect the shower tray. We installed a shower base with a high base, but the installation methods are the same for any type of shower tray. As you can see in the photo, the base has several adjustable legs, allowing its alignment during installation.
Pay attention to the drain hole. As a rule, they try to position it above the drain in the floor. In our case, this is not so, so for their connection we needed a rather long flexible hose.
Feet and base of the shower.
Attach the siphon body to the drain hole of the pan, then secure the flexible hose to the siphon.
Siphon and hose connection to drain pan.
Insert the other end of the hose (elbow) into the drainage hole in the floor. Make an effort to push the pipe deep enough.
How to connect a shower cabin to the sewerage.
It is necessary to connect the pallet to the sewer using a siphon. Some models of siphons consist of one flexible hose, from which it is necessary to form a bend of the desired shape and fix it with the help of special devices included in the kit.
The siphon formed from a flexible hose should have a similar bend
It is very important not to miss this step, otherwise you will constantly feel an unpleasant smell from the sewer.
As we already mentioned, the shower tray is equipped with adjustable legs. To level it, you need to change the height of the legs with a wrench.
Tip: Clockwise rotation will result in a slight decrease in the shower tray, counterclockwise rotation will result in a rise.
The legs of the pallet.
Align the shower tray to all edges using the spirit level to control it. If necessary, adjust the height of the legs with the appropriate key.
Leveling the pallet.
After adjusting the height of the tray and fixing it to the wall, seal the gaps between the shower base and the wall with silicone sealant.
Installed shower tray.
Installation of walls and doors of a shower cabin
You installed a shower tray, now it's time for fiberglass walls and doors. Shower cabins from this material are gaining more and more popularity due to its flexibility and ease of installation and maintenance.
Installing the walls of the shower is a rather complicated job, but if you ask a friend to help you, you will surely cope with it. Before starting installation, we strongly recommend that you carefully read the manufacturer's instructions. Different showers can differ significantly from each other, so first of all you should be guided by the recommendations of the manufacturer.
Tip: Align the frame elements at both ends before attaching with screws / screws. In addition, carefully check their plumbness, otherwise you will not be able to subsequently place glass panels.
Even if you bought a kit that includes a pallet and frame with panels, check their compatibility. Unpack the components of the walls, being careful not to damage the glass panels, as they are quite fragile. Before starting work, make sure that you have all the necessary tools - tape measure, a good drill, screwdriver and gun for sealant.
Elements of the frame of the walls of the shower.
The first step in this phase of work is the assembly and installation of the metal frame. When tightening the screws, do not tighten them too tight.
Tip: Before attaching the frame elements, check that they are aligned at both ends.
Assembly of the frame.
After the metal frame is assembled, we recommend that you place it on the top of the pallet and make sure that they fit properly.It is good if you have an assistant, since the frame does not have sufficient rigidity until it is attached to the wall.
Installation of the frame.
Using an alcohol level, make sure that the pillars of the frame are truly upright. After that, mark on the wall the places where you have to drill holes for the subsequent fastening of the frame.
Tip: Be sure to check the verticality of both racks.
Marking places for drilling holes.
Now temporarily remove the frame to the side and drill holes in the wall. Taking into account that you have to drill a tile, you should work with great care, otherwise it can easily crack. Use a good concrete drill bit and minimize the rotation speed of your drill. As the depth of the hole increases, gradually increase the speed.
Tip: Before drilling holes, make sure that water pipes or electrical cables do not run in the wall at this point.
Tile drilling.
After drilling the holes, insert plastic dowels of the appropriate size into them. It is important that the dowels fit the size of the holes, otherwise they will not properly hold the structure.
Tip: Immediately before attaching the frame, apply a layer of sealant to its face that will adhere to the wall.
Sealing the frame with silicone.
Put the frame back in place and secure with screws. Twisting them, make sure that there are no gaps between the walls and the frame.
Tip: Remove excess silicone before it dries, otherwise it will be much more difficult.
Fastening the frame to the wall.
Following the manufacturer's instructions, fasten the side panels. Use a screwdriver to install the fasteners provided. Check that the panels match the rest of the structural elements.
Installation of translucent walls.
After fixing the side panels, your shower should look something like in the photo. If you bought another model, you should read the instructions and follow its recommendations.
Make sure that the glass panels are installed correctly, otherwise the shower cabin will not be waterproof. Be careful and careful if you want to get a professional result.
Walls of a shower cabin.
Install the casters on the shower door in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and secure them with screws. The same applies to door seals and other items that are supplied.
Tip: Ask a friend to help you install the door. This part of the work is more convenient to do together.
Installation of rollers.
Install the door rollers in the channels and check how easily they slide on them. Adjust the rollers if necessary, but do not apply too much force.
Tip: We have seen many cases where negligent workers simply broke doors during installation. In doing this part of the work, you must be extremely careful.
Door mounting.
In this photo you see videos posted inside the channel. If the casters are not installed correctly, the shower door will not move easily along the walls.
Shower door.
It remains only to attach the door handle in place and insulate all the seams. Apply silicone sealant to all edges, especially at the junction of the frame to the pallet. We recommend that you keep the gun at an angle of about 45 °. After applying silicone, swipe it with a wet finger. Wait a while for the sealant to dry.
Handle installation.
If you followed our manufacturer’s tips and instructions, you will be able to use the shower for its intended purpose very soon. Agree, to wash, realizing that the installation of the shower cabin was carried out independently, is much more pleasant.
