How Do I Take Apart a Shower Stall?

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Things You'll Need

  • Safety glasses

  • Work gloves

  • Pry bar

  • Screwdrivers

  • Utility knife

  • Jigsaw (optional)

  • Rag

  • Hammer

  • Chisel

  • Metal snips

  • Scraper

Upgrade to a classy ceramic-tiled shower by first removing the old one.

The task of removing a shower stall, especially a fiberglass or plastic shower stall, can be completed in a matter of hours. If your shower is old and ugly and needs an update to bring your bathroom into the 21st century, simply remove the old shower and install a replacement. If you wish to upgrade from a fiberglass or plastic shower to a tile shower, removing the old shower stall is part of the preparation process.

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Removing Accessories

Step 1

Shut off the water supply.

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Step 2

Disconnect the faucet handles, the spout and the shower head. Remove the shower door or curtain rod, the molding or trim and any other accessories.

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Step 3

Pry off the faucet covers and unscrew the mounting screws to remove them. Remove the shower head by unscrewing the collar nut—which sits just above the shower head—with a wrench.

Step 4

Loosen the escutcheon plate, the doughnut-shaped piece of metal that sits against the wall, and unscrew the arm by twisting it counterclockwise.

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Removing the Stall

Step 1

Separate the shower panel from the wall. Begin by slicing the caulking with a utility knife all around the edge of the shower. Remove any screws that hold the panels together.

Step 2

Remove the panels from the wall. Slide the flat end of a pry bar between the panel and wall and pry the panel loose.

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Step 3

Cut the panels into small pieces for easier disposal. Use a jigsaw or very sharp utility knife.

Removing the Base

Step 1

Slice the caulk between the base and the floor of a fiberglass or plastic base and unscrew any fasteners. Pry the base loose.

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Step 2

Remove the drain strainer from a ceramic base and stuff a rag into the drain.

Step 3

Break through the tile on a ceramic base with a hammer and chisel to gain access to the layers underneath. Remove the tile.

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Step 4

Cut through the steel mesh underneath the tile with metal snips. Remove the steel mesh.

Step 5

Scrape away the waterproofing layers with a scraper.

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