Shower Pan Replacement Guide: Costs, Installation, and Tips

Shower Pan Replacement Cost

Most homeowners pay $900 to $2,300 to replace a shower pan, with an average of about $1,620. A basic prefab pan in a small shower can cost as little as $530. A large custom pan can reach $4,600. HomeGuide, which tracks member projects, lists the same typical range.

Prefab pans cost less than pans built in place. A pre-made pan costs $500 to $1,550 installed, while a custom tile pan costs $900 to $3,500.

Pan Type	Typical Cost
Fiberglass	$150–$450
Acrylic	$200–$600
Natural stone	$150–$950
Cast iron	$800–$1,300
Tile-over (tile-ready pan)	$500–$800
Poured mud	$350–$650
Hot mop	$225–$500
Custom stone	$1,200–$2,000
Custom tile	$900–$3,500

These ranges come from Angi. Prefab pans (fiberglass, acrylic, stone, and cast iron) are priced for the pan itself, so add $350 to $570 for labor. Custom tile, hot mop, and poured mud pans are built in place.

Other guides list higher prices for custom tile and stone, and some list pans alone from $150. When you compare quotes, ask what each one includes: the pan, demolition, waterproofing, labor, and permit.

Size changes the price too. Angi lists these standard sizes:

Shower Pan Size	Typical Cost
32 by 32 inches	$150–$250
36 by 36 inches	$150–$600
48 by 48 inches	$200–$700
Custom size	$900–$2,000

The information below should be used only as a rough guide for larger standard-sized fiberglass and acrylic pans. Prices shown are for the pan only, and the charts below show pans with and without a seat insert.

Fiberglass

Shower Pan Size	Shower Pan Cost
48” by 36”	$200–$490
60” by 32”	$220–$390
60” by 36”	$220–$450
60” by 36 with a seat insert	$720–$1,440

Acrylic

Shower Pan Size	Shower Pan Cost
48” by 36”	$240–$850
60” by 32”	$260–$900
60” by 36”	$290–$950
60” by 36 with a seat insert	$770–$2,800

Note: Prices shown are for the shower pan only.

Demolition work, contractor labor rates, the waterproofing method (hot mopping, pour-in-place concrete, or a vinyl membrane), choice of materials, and the size of the pan all affect the final price.

What Is a Shower Pan?

The definition of a shower pan depends on what type of shower you have. It is likely either a fiberglass or acrylic single-piece insert that works as the shower floor, or a waterproof membrane installed underneath the floor tile. The sides of the shower pan slope slightly downward to collect water and divert it into the shower drain.

Single-piece shower pans come with a variety of thresholds, the part you step over as you enter the shower. A threshold can be up to 6 inches high. Curbless shower pans allow easy access for wheelchairs and remove the trip hazard of a raised threshold.

The pan is the floor you stand on. The shower base sits below it and is the hidden structure that also slopes toward the drain.

Types of Shower Pans

Showers use many pan materials, and the type you choose has one of the biggest effects on cost.

• Fiberglass: The cheapest option at $150 to $450, though it scratches easily.
• Acrylic: Costs $200 to $600 and resists corrosion, scratches, and scuffs.
• Cast iron: Costs $800 to $1,300, is very durable, and is very heavy.
• Natural stone: Costs $150 to $950 and looks upscale, but some stones need strict upkeep.
• Tile-over: A pan built to carry the weight of tile, at $500 to $800. A regular pan may crack under tile.
• Poured mud: Cement mortar over a waterproof membrane, at $350 to $650.
• Hot mop: Layers of hot tar and felt, at $225 to $500, and it can last about 15 years.

When Is It Time to Replace My Shower Pan?

Showers see multiple uses each day, so every part of yours needs to stay watertight. Most shower pans last 10 to 15 years. Here are some signs that it may be time for a shower pan replacement:

• There is visible water damage to sheetrock and baseboards near the shower.
  • Note: Years of splashing water on these areas as you enter and exit the shower may also cause water damage.
• You have loose floor tiles in the shower.
• There is wet carpet in proximity to the shower.
• You notice wet or water-stained sheetrock on the ceiling underneath an upstairs shower.
• The pan moves or flexes when you step in, or you can see cracks.
• You see moldy grout around the base.

If you suspect your pan is leaking, don’t ignore it. Ongoing leaks can lead to water rot and mold, and the cost of water damage restoration can reach into the thousands. A flood test can help confirm the leak: plug the drain, fill the pan with 1 to 2 inches of water, and check the water level after several hours. Stop the test and call a plumber if water shows up below the shower.

Repair or replace?

Minor cracks and small leaks can often be fixed with epoxy or a waterproofing product. A simple repair kit costs $10 to $30. Replace the pan instead when it has severe damage, is near the end of its life, has mold or mildew problems, or when you’re already remodeling the bathroom.

Shower Pan Replacement vs. Shower Floor Tile Cost

While acrylic and fiberglass shower pans are easier to install and less expensive to buy, they can’t match the beauty of a fully tiled custom shower. That customization comes at a premium, though. 

A pre-made pan costs $500 to $1,550 installed, according to HomeGuide, while a tile pan costs $900 to $3,500. If you plan to tile over a prefab pan, you need a tile-over pan, and a tiler costs about $25 per square foot including materials.

Tile costs depend largely on the material you choose. Here are some guidelines for common shower tile materials:

Tile Material	Cost per Square Foot
Ceramic	$2–$5
Slate	$4–$16
Porcelain	$3–$10
Limestone	$5–$30
Glass Mosaic	$6–$30

In a fully custom tile shower, the installer may use a hot-mop membrane or pour-in-place cement under the floor tile, which increases labor costs. You can combine an acrylic or fiberglass pan with tile on the walls only to save money on your shower remodel.

Shower Pan Standard Sizes

Showers can be unique or share common sizes. The most common are 32 by 32 inches and 36 by 36 inches. Here are some of the most common shower pan dimensions.

Square

Width	Length
32″	32″
36″	36″
48″	48″

Rectangle

Width	Length
32″	48″
36″	54″
36″	60″
42″	60″
48″	60″

Corner shower pan dimensions are typically sold in 36″ to 60″ sizes.

You can check whether you have a standard-sized pan by measuring the length and width of the inside of your shower. If your shower is not a standard size, you need a custom pan, which costs $900 to $2,000 or more. If you work with a professional tile installer or plumber, they’ll handle all the measuring.

Shower Pan Installation Costs

Labor for a pan replacement costs $350 to $570, according to Angi, and a pro needs about four hours. That covers removing the old pan, preparing the area, waterproofing, and fitting the new pan. Hard-to-reach plumbing pushes the cost toward the high end. If a plumber is involved, expect $45 to $200 per hour.

DIY vs. hiring a pro

A shower pan is large, and it needs precise installation to stay watertight. Angi recommends hiring a pro unless you have extensive remodeling and plumbing experience. A pro also handles permits and works with a plumber when the job involves plumbing changes. If you do try it yourself, measure the drain location carefully and dry-fit the pan before you commit.

Additional Shower Pan Replacement Costs to Look Out For

The average cost of a shower pan replacement is about $1,620, but that is for a straightforward job. If there is hidden water damage, you’ll pay more. Your tile or plumbing professional should point out any damage to the floor, wall studs, or sheetrock that needs to be replaced.

These expenses may be hidden until the old pan comes out. When you take on a shower pan replacement or full bathroom remodel, budget a bit extra for them.

Extra Cost	Typical Cost
Shower base replacement	$225–$650
New or moved plumbing	$600–$1,600
New drain line	$1,000–$7,000
Removing the old pan and debris	About $250
Permit	$30–$500
Accessible pan (low threshold, slip-resistant surface)	$700–$1,000
Slip-resistant pan	$200–$620
New shower door	$600–$1,350

If a leak damaged the shower base, replacing only the pan will not solve the problem, because water damage will show up again later. A permit is often needed when the job involves drain changes or pipe connections.

Other not-so-hidden costs may come from upgrading your shower doors, handles, faucet, or other fixtures for a more modern look. If you’re replacing more than the pan, use our shower remodel cost calculator to estimate the full project.

Finding a Local Shower Pan Installer

Now that you have the information you need to begin your shower pan replacement project, it’s time to get quotes from reliable contractors in your area.

You can ask friends and family for referrals, or use our handy bathroom remodeler contractor checklist to get in touch with contractors in your area. These pre-vetted professionals can help you find the right shower pan replacement to match your budget and needs.

When you talk with a pro, ask these questions:

• Does the quote include demolition, waterproofing, labor, and the permit?
• Will you flood test the pan before it is covered?
• What happens if you find water damage under the old pan?
• Is the work under warranty?

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

• Angi, shower pan replacement cost by type, size, labor, and add-ons (2026)
• HomeGuide, cost to install or replace a shower pan
• Home Addition Plus, how to check for a shower pan leak
• DIY Tile Guy, flood testing a shower pan