Showers often see multiple uses each day, which is why it’s especially important that every aspect of your shower is water-tight and functioning properly. Any leaks in the shower floor and shower pan can lead to extensive water damage to the drywall and subfloor of your bathroom. This damage can cost thousands of dollars to repair. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of shower pan replacement, from diagnosing potential leaks to various costs to consider and finding the best professional to complete your project.
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 functions as the shower floor, or it’s a waterproof membrane installed underneath the floor tile. The sides of the shower pan have a slight downward slope in order 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. Shower pans can have a threshold that’s up to six inches in height. However, curbless shower pans allow easy access for wheelchairs and eliminate the potential trip hazard from a raised threshold.
When Is it Time to Replace My Shower Pan?
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.
If you suspect or know your shower pan is leaking, don’t ignore the problem. Ongoing leaking can lead to water rot and mold. You could then pay tens of thousands of dollars for structural repair rather than just the costs associated with your shower pan replacement.
Shower Pan Replacement Cost
On average, shower pan replacement costs around $1,600, with a low of $530 for standard shower pan inserts, and a high of $2,700 for custom installation jobs. However, on the high end, costs can soar if you opt for expensive tile, natural stone, or a fully custom, made-to-order concrete shower pan.
The information below should be used only as a rough guide to basic shower pan replacement costs.
- Acrylic: $200–$600
- Fiberglass: $150–$400
- Tile: $900–$3,500
- Custom Shower Pan: $1,000–$3,500+
Size impacts shower pan replacement costs as well. For standard-sized fiberglass and acrylic inserts, use the charts below as a guide to pricing:
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.
Additional factors that can greatly affect price are the amount of demolition work required, contractor labor rates, waterproofing method (hot mopping, pour-in-place concrete, or laying a vinyl membrane), choice of materials, and size of the shower pan.
Plumbing or tile professionals will likely charge between $50 and $150 an hour for labor to remove the old shower pan and underlayment materials. This job could take between one and two hours depending on difficulty. You can double — or triple — the labor involved if the workers have to remove and replace damaged subflooring, sheetrock, and wall studs.
Shower Pan Replacement vs. Shower Floor Tile Cost
While acrylic and fiberglass shower pans are easier to install and less expensive to purchase, they simply can’t compare to the beauty of a fully tiled custom shower. That customization comes at a premium, though.
As noted above fiberglass and acrylic shower pan inserts can cost approximately $200 to $900 just for the materials depending on the size of your shower floor. You’ll still have to pay for removal of the old shower pan, any necessary structural repair work, and installation. Those additional costs can easily set you back hundreds more. However, those costs might be marginal compared to the expense of a fully tiled shower.
Tile shower costs largely depend on the type of tile you choose. Here are some guidelines to common shower tile materials pricing:
| Tile Material | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Ceramic | $2–$5 |
| Slate | $4–$16 |
| Porcelain | $3–$10 |
| Limestone | $5–$30 |
| Glass Mosaic | $6–$30 |
Tile showers also require cement backerboard, which costs between $11 and $15 per 3’ by 5’ sheet. In a fully custom tile shower, the shower pan replacement installer may opt for a hot-mop waterproofing membrane or pour-in-place cement underneath the floor tiles, which will increase labor costs. It’s possible to combine an acrylic or fiberglass shower pan with tile just for the walls to save a bit of money on your shower remodel. Expect to pay between $1,800 and $4,000 on average for a tile shower.
Shower Pan Standard Sizes
Showers can be unique or share common sizes. 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” dimensions.
You can easily figure out if you have a standard-sized shower pan by measuring the length and width of the inside of your shower. If you work with a professional tile installer or plumber, they’ll handle all the measuring.
Additional Shower Pan Replacement Costs to Look Out For
The average cost of installing a new shower pan is around $1,600, but that’s for a straightforward replacement job. In instances where there’s hidden water damage, you’ll be paying much more. Your tile or plumbing professional should be able to point out any water damage to the structural components of your bathroom (flooring, wall studs, sheetrock) that will need to be replaced.
These unexpected — and costly — expenses may be hidden from view and not discovered until the old shower pan is removed. When undertaking a shower pan replacement or full bathroom remodel, it’s best to budget a bit extra for these types of hidden costs.
Other not-so hidden costs may come from wanting to upgrade your shower doors, handles, faucet or other shower fixtures to create a more modern look. You also may opt for a no-slip surface or curbless features on your new shower pan, which can also bump up materials prices.
Finding a Local Shower Pan Installer
Now that you are armed with all the information needed to begin your shower pan replacement project, it’s time to get some 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.
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