WALK- IN SHOWER INSTALLATION: GROHE’S STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

So you’ve got the perfect shower in mind and have just bought all the accessories to install your walk-in shower. But you don’t have the foggiest idea where to start? GROHE has created a step-by-step guide for walk-in shower installation to help facilitate the entire process, meaning less time to wait before you can hop in and begin your relaxing shower experience à la GROHE.

STEP 1: PREPARING THE FLOOR

  • First things first, you’ll need to decide where you want to place your shower. This largely depends on the dimension of the walk-in shower and the layout of your bathroom. Make sure you will be able to fully open and close the shower door without hitting anything in the room. It’s best to sketch out a rough floor plan so you know where everything will go. Dry fitting the shower tray will also help you get more of an idea of the walk in shower´s dimensions and ensure you’ve chosen the correct size for the bathroom.
  • Next, make sure you have all the tools you need. Fitting a walk-in shower includes a lot of cutting, drilling, and gluing so be prepared to take breaks in between to make sure everything has dried thoroughly.
  • Depending on the type of shower tray, and whether it’s low profile or not, you may need to cut into the floorboards so that everything fits and the pipes can easily be worked on if a problem arises. Check out our step-by-step guide for how to fit a shower tray for more detailed instructions.

STEP 2: WATERPROOFING YOUR SHOWER

It’s always a good idea to waterproof your shower walls before you attach the shower panels. This process is known as liquid waterproofing. It involves using a paintbrush and roller to apply the liquid along the walls, ceiling, and into every joint and corner.

  • Once you’ve covered the whole wall, leave to dry for one hour. If you have time, it’s best to add a second coat and then to do a ‘flood test’ where you fill the shower tray with water and leave it for an hour to check that no water leaks out.
  • When everything’s to your liking, you can start to lay the tiles. It’s best to begin with the walls and then move on to the floor.

STEP 3: INSTALLING THE SHOWER TRAY

  • Place the shower tray in the space you’ve created. Mark the area where the drain is and trace it directly on the floor. Now spread thin set mortar onto the floor and the bottom of the tray. Scrape off any excess. Add a sealant to the drain on the tray and the flange, which is the metal disk that secures the drain to the pipes. When the sealant has dried, insert the flange into the drain and put the drain assembly together. It’s recommended that you tighten by hand in case you need to unscrew it at any point.
  • Place the shower tray into the space once again and adjust it so that it sits snugly. It’s important to place something on top of the tray to weigh it down and to minimise the chance of air pockets forming. Use a spirit level to make sure the floor is even. Leave to dry for about 30 minutes.

Tip: When installing your walk-in shower, you can also decide whether you want to add a shower curb (also known as a ‘shower dam’), which is a border between the shower tray and the bathroom floor. They aren’t too common for walk in showers, but many homeowners opt for them since they make the shower less messy and prevent slips and falls by keeping the water contained within the shower.

STEP 4: INSTALLING THE SHOWER WALL PANELS

  • Some shower trays have channels carved into them so you can slip the wall panels into the grooves, click them into place and voilà, you’re done!
  • With other models, you may need to cut the panels yourself to make sure they fit properly. Take your time to ensure they fit perfectly and don’t forget to cut holes for any further fixtures or accessories, such as a soap dish or a niche where you can store your shampoo and conditioner. Also, make sure to add the holes for the shower head and taps as well.
  • For peace of mind, clean the channels in the shower tray of any dust and debris before fitting the panels into the channels. Press down and secure the panels to the stud framing with screws and washers. The first row of screws should be 12 inches above the tray’s edge, and they should be 12 inches apart. Seal the joints between each panel as you fit them and wipe away any excess.
  • Ensure that the screws are kept between one and two inches from the top.

STEP 5: ATTACH THE TAPS AND SHOWER HEAD

You’re almost there – just one more step!

  • If you’re using the pipes and shower valve from the previous shower, this step is child’s play. Just make sure everything lines up, then it’s just a matter of installing the thermostatic mixer, the shower plate, shower head, and the shower bar (if you haven’t opted for a concealed shower).

So, there you have it, you’ve fitted your own walk-in shower, and provided your bathroom with a modern touch that works even in the smallest of spaces. For installation tips and tricks for our other products, check out the GROHE installation guides and videos.

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