If you’ve searched “how to replace a shower,” you’re probably staring at cracked tile, moldy grout, or a stained fiberglass unit and wondering how big a job this really is.
Here’s an honest walk-through of what replacing a shower involves, step by step, what can go wrong, and how to decide whether to tackle it yourself or hire a pro.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Shower
- Cracked tile, a cracked base, or a cracked fiberglass floor
- Grout that’s stained or moldy no matter how much you clean
- Soft spots in the floor near the shower
- Peeling paint, bubbling drywall, or water stains next to or below the shower
- A musty smell that lingers after you shower
- A tub you no longer use, or one that’s hard to step into
Soft floors and water stains are the big ones. They usually mean water is already getting behind the walls or under the base.
How to Replace a Shower: The Main Steps
1. Plan and measure
Measure the opening carefully: width, depth, height, and the drain location. Decide whether you’re keeping the same footprint or converting a tub to a walk-in shower. Choose your base, wall material, door, and fixtures before demolition starts.
2. Shut off the water and remove fixtures
Turn off the water, then remove the shower head, handle trim, and door. Protect the floor and nearby fixtures.
3. Tear out the old walls and base
This is the messiest part. Old tile, backer board, and the base or tub all come out down to the studs and subfloor. Fiberglass units often have to be cut into pieces to get them out of the room.
4. Inspect and repair what’s underneath
This is the step most DIY projects underestimate. Once the old shower is out, you can see whether the framing or subfloor is rotted or moldy. Any damage needs to be repaired before anything new goes in, or the new shower will fail the same way.
5. Plumbing: drain and valve
The new base has to line up with the drain, and the shower valve may need to be replaced or moved. In Louisville and most of Kentucky, some plumbing work requires a licensed plumber and a permit, so check local rules before you start.
6. Set the new base
The base has to be perfectly level and fully supported underneath. A base that flexes or sits out of level will crack or hold water, which is one of the most common reasons showers fail early.
7. Install the walls and waterproof every seam
Whether you use tile or grout-free panels, every seam, corner, and penetration has to be sealed so water stays inside the shower. Tile also needs a waterproof backer and time for mortar and grout to cure.
8. Add the door and fixtures
Install the glass door or panel, the shower head and trim, and any shelves, seats, or grab bars. Then caulk and test for leaks before using it.
How Long Does It Take?
For an experienced crew with the right materials, many shower replacements are done in a day or two. A DIY tile shower often stretches over several weekends, especially once you factor in demolition, repairs, and curing time for tile and grout.
DIY or Hire a Pro?
DIY can make sense if you’re comfortable with demolition, basic plumbing, and carpentry, you have time, and you have a second bathroom to use in the meantime.
Hiring a pro makes sense if you want it done fast, there’s any sign of water damage, plumbing needs to change, or you want a warranty that covers both the product and the installation. Most shower failures we see come from a base that wasn’t supported right or a seam that wasn’t sealed, and both are hard to spot until the damage is done.
For more on choosing an installer, read what to look for in shower installation contractors.
Kentucky Considerations
Older Louisville homes often have showers built over wood subfloors that have seen decades of small leaks. When those showers come out, it’s common to find soft spots that need repair. Humid summers also speed up mold growth behind failing grout, so replacing a leaking shower sooner rather than later can save you from bigger repairs.
Shower Replacement From Windows Plus
Windows Plus handles the whole job: tear-out, subfloor and wall checks, plumbing connections, a new shower base, grout-free wall panels, and the door and fixtures you choose. Our own crews do the work, never subcontractors, and every installation is backed by our lifetime warranty.
Homeowners across Louisville, Lexington, and Southern Indiana rate us 4.8 stars on Google from more than 600 reviews.
Learn more about shower replacement, compare shower wall materials, or see our current offers.
Call (502) 494-0120 or schedule your free in-home estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace a shower myself?
It’s possible if you’re comfortable with demolition, plumbing, and carpentry. The hardest parts are repairing hidden water damage, setting the base perfectly level, and sealing every seam so it doesn’t leak.
How long does it take to replace a shower?
A professional crew can often finish in a day or two. DIY tile showers usually take much longer because of demolition, repairs, and curing time.
Can you replace a shower without replacing the walls?
Sometimes, but it’s rarely a good idea. Leaving old walls in place can hide water damage and mold, and new walls need a clean, solid surface to seal properly.
Do I need a permit to replace a shower in Louisville?
It depends on the scope. Like-for-like replacements often don’t, but moving plumbing usually does. Check with your local building department or ask your installer.
