How To Remove a Fiberglass Shower Without Destroying the Bathroom
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- čas přidán 18. 06. 2018
- This video focuses on the proper methods used to remove a fiberglass shower. We start by removing the faucet trim and base trim from the shower. The faucet trim will prevent the fiberglass wall from being removed and the base trim is in the way of cutting out the unit. We use a multi-tool to cut out the drywall and a sawzall to remove the shower. Please comment below and tell us what you think.
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Before starting the demolition of your bathroom, make sure you have a plan. This video is to help you understand how to remove a shower without damaging the rest of the bathroom. Many times when I see a homeowner do the demolition, you can tell. A clean demo will help with reducing the prep needed for installation to begin again. What do you think? Do you have a plan for your bathroom?
I had a question about your removal process of the fiberglass shower stall... why did you have to cut the shower stall in sections and cut the sheetrock just to remove the shower stall? Why can't you just cut along the caulking around the edge of the fiberglass shower stall and then just remove the entire fiberglass shower stall in one piece? Thus not needed to damage or cut away any piece of the sheetrock?
Bernie Cruz how do you propose getting an entire fiberglass shower through a house? Cutting it into sections is mostly so that we can get it outside.
@@friendlyneighborhoodtileguy Ah then how would it have gotten into the house in the first place?
But my main curiosity is can the fiberglass shower be taken out as one whole piece without cutting it up and without cutting up the sheetrock?
Bernie Cruz These units are installed while the house is under construction. They’re typically installed during the framing stage, once the roof is on.
Bernie Cruz there’s really not a way to take these out without cutting the drywall out of the way.
I love that you showed this without including the sound effects of the saw cutting the whole time. I wish all CZcamsrs who make demo and construction videos would do the same 😆
Some of my newer videos have the tool noise in them. I do try and reduce the volume, I know it’s loud. Thank you for the compliment, I really appreciate it.
My only issue here is why you don’t have a TV show!!!!!
Man this video it was made for people that really want to do this stuff at home.
Simple, attention to details that are really important and the video is very easy to understand!
Thank you for your time!
Thanks for the great compliment, I appreciate it.
Really descriptive video for an amateur like me. I'm getting ready to tackle my old shower so this was perfect!!
Thank you for the comment, good luck on your project.
This video was super helpful and was referenced many times as I tackled my own shower demolition. I knew exactly what to expect from our fiberglass shower insert thanks to this video, and have plenty more tips for using the Schluter system to remodel our shower from your other videos. Thank you for making these!
Thank you for watching. I’m glad that I was able to help, even a little, even from a distance.
Cool, Thanks for taking the time to capture and share this. I'm about to do the same thing !
Good luck with your project.
Thanks for the video. This is my first time trying to attempt to remove a fiberglass shower. I was stumped on how to remove it. You made it very easy. Thanks.
I’m glad I was able to help you out. Good luck with your project.
Good clean demo. Nice work. And a great tip about not going crazy with the sawzall and keeping the blade at an angle to minimize the depth; you don't know what you might be cutting into
My fear is cutting something I can’t see. Thank you for the comment and watching my video.
great video, and your company takes pride in their work!
Thank you so much for the compliment
You did a great job with your explanations very simple, succinct and easy way to remove. Thanks for taking the time to do this.
Thank you for watching
You fellas do neat work -- well done!
+golf-freq Thank you
Very nice, remodeling two of my rentals in Seal Beach area. Making sure the workers cut correctly the fiberglass showers!
Good luck with your projects, thank you for watching my video.
Thanks this helped boost my confidence in taking on my shower remodel
I’m glad we could help. If you have any other questions, please feel free to share them below. We love helping people with their remodeling projects.
That how I just felt also. I try to hire 3 ppl to do my shower and they all flaked. So I’m going to do it on my own
Put a metal putty knife behind pry bar to have a hard flat surface as to not damage dry wall.
Good tip
You can cut a square around the drain in the fiberglass then pull the bottom piece out. Theeeen cut the drain out. With out having to get in that uncomfortable and awkward position. But great vid!!
Normally that’s what we do. I’m not sure why we did it differently on this job. Thanks for watching and for the compliment.
Nice ! I literally sat here for 3 mins and read this. Great comment and great video to EJ flooring
@@friendlyneighborhoodtileguy Great video and thanks for sharing with us DIYers. Dumb question here as this will be my first one...is the drain salvageable for the new pan or do you have to cut it and start over?
If you’re installing a new shower pan similar to this one there is a chance you can salvage the drain. Most shower drains are a friction fitting. There’s a 2” pipe surrounded by a rubber piece that’s screwed in place with another plastic piece. If you can unscrew the plastic piece then the shower pan will lift off the drain. Simply install the new shower pan and replace the old rubber piece with a new one (may require purchasing a new shower drain) and screw the holding piece back in. You’re good to go. We replace these showers with a different style drain, so we always have to change out the connection underneath. I hope this helps.
@@friendlyneighborhoodtileguy Perfect...thanks again, very helpful!
Good Video - i used the same saws to precut around the flange and of course sawzall the fiberglass and it worked very well, and was very cathartic too! the drain was a challenge, i ended up cutting around the drain in the old surround floor pan, as the old drain flange was below the level of the subfloor. I'll have to likely cut around it or take a cable PVC cutter to it before installing the new drain.
Good job!
What is that saw? I can't figure out what to search for. And what would you use if you didn't have that saw?
Great video and advice thanks. One suggestion for others is to cut that right side as well. It will save your corner. I knew exactly what was going to happen as soon as you said you were going to try to fold it out.
Thank you for the suggestion
Thanks. Looks easy to remove a shower. Looking to remove & replace my shower. Thanks 4 sharing
Good luck with your project, I’m glad I could help you.
Thank you. Need to do this next month on a rental.
Thanks for watching, I’m glad I could help you out.
that was so much explanation of why it is bad to break something.
Breaking things is bad
In the process of taking our flooring out because it appears previous owners just kept covering up years of decaying subfloor. I'm thankful for this video as I stare at my shower wondering how to do this. I can't use a Sawzall cause my carpal tunnel. So hubby will have to get this part. Thank you
I’m glad I could help
This is really helpful as I begin to plan for having a professional do my bathroom :-) thanks for making the video, guys.
Thank you for watching
Excellent info! This is a future project for me.
Glad I could help, thanks for watching
This video is EXACTLY what I needed! I really appreciate the clear instructions and you guys mentioning what tools you're using. Where exactly do you throw away a fiberglass tub shell?
We take ours to the county dump
Fyi, I put a putty knife on the wall behind the pry bar to remove the floor molding. It prevents the pry bar from deforming the wall.
Good tip
This explained things better than my maintenance supervisor boss who was supposed to teach me! Thank you. Do you have the next portion of installation of the new shower?
I’m a tile installer, the videos I have of the replacement will be of a tile shower.
@@friendlyneighborhoodtileguy will be happy to see that!
Should place a spackle blade behind pry bar to protect wall..good video
That’s a good tip, I’ll remember that. Thank you.
This is a great video! Do you have a video on how to deal with capping off the plumbing and how to handle the drain?
Unfortunately I do not have a video like that.
Helpful, thanks!
My pleasure
I wish I could hire you and the team to remodel my bathrooms
We do travel
Great job. Thank you for putting this video together and for sharing it with us. Did you also do the new reinstall? If so, is there a video?
Thank you.
Here is a Timelapse of the shower walls being installed
Time Lapse - How To Install 3x6 Subway Tile Shower Walls Around Niche
czcams.com/video/jiOBZ5_5f5I/video.html
Great video. Anyone who listens to Zapp while working has to know what they are doing.
I don’t take credit for the music selection, that’s Brent’s department. Thank you for the compliment and watching my video.
Awesome thanks!! No to add a tile shower I assume I’d just put up some dry wall first??
Thanks for the question and for watching the video. Drywall has no place in a tile shower, with the exception if you’re planning on covering it with Kerdi Paper. Drywall is not a suitable substrate as it will break down with continued exposure to moisture. The best thing to use over the studs is concrete board covered with waterproofing. We like the Schluter System shower, but any major manufacturer will work just fine. Be sure to read all the directions prior to starting. If you have any other questions don’t hesitate to post them. I’m happy to help in any way I can.
This was very helpful. Thanks!
My showerhead drips when its turned "off". I think its mineral build up from 20 years of use. I am removing the entire fiberglass shower very soon as part of the remodel. Will I need to shut off the water to the house, remove the mixing/on-off valve, and cap the lines until I get the new mix/on-off valve installed?
If you’re removing the whole faucet that’s exactly what you need to do. Unless there’s a shutoff at the fixture now your only option is the main shutoff. Get you some push on caps to make it easy to turn the water back on. You shouldn’t be too long without water using those. Thanks for watching.
I have a popcorn ceiling in my bathroom. I’ve replaced the drywall around the tub and now am stuck on what to do to join the new drywall to the ceiling. Do I need to remove and replace the ceiling drywall? Or should I scrape off the popcorn, tape/mud the joint? Any advice would be appreciated...
My general recommendation is to stay away from the ceiling a few inches to avoid that problem. Being that we’re past that point are you tiling to the ceiling? If so I’d install the new board pretty tight to the ceiling and silicone the joint. Then run the tile up and use a color match silicone at the joint again. The color match is the same as the grout color you use on the tile.
Thank you Sir! Subbed.
Thank you
This was very helpful, thank you.
How do you know if your shower faucet can be taken off without the water supply being turned off? I do not have a way of turning the supply off to just the two supply lines, so I like the idea of not having to turn the whole house supply off.
I’m not familiar with any faucet that requires the water to be off to
Remove the handles and trim. You will have to shut the water off to swap out the faucet, but you can replace the handles and escutcheon without shutting the water off first. Does this help you out?
@@friendlyneighborhoodtileguy yes it does, thank you.
Hi! Quick questions, I have fiberglass in my shower as well, but it is a shower with a tub and was wondering if it is the same process as this. Thank you. 👍
We cut them out the same way. Once the walls are cut down to the tub the tub will fit through the doorways no problem.
This helped me greatly
I’m glad I could be of service
I have spent the past week angering myself with this exact project.... thank you soo very much brother
I have to access the piping behind the fiberglass and want to reuse the shower if possible
I’m not sure how you’ll be able to save the shower without cutting out different walls. If you can, more power to you. Good luck with your project.
Okay I'm gonna try to do this all by myself ! 👍
You can do it, just be careful.
@@friendlyneighborhoodtileguy ❤
Roxanna Alcalá did you love all that fiberglass dust ? I hope you used a mask.
Thanks for the video! What type of blade did you use on the saw to get thru the fiberglass?
Just a fine tooth blade on my sawszall, nothing fancy.
nice presentation!!!!I like it
Thank you
Good video, thanks for positing.
Thanks for watching
good one thank you
Thanks for commenting I appreciate it.
excellent vid...thanks!!
Thank you for watching
Nice job guys
Thank you
Thank you!
My pleasure
do you HAVE to cut the drain pipe out or can't you disassemble? do you HAVE to cut the fiberglass shower or not.
Patty Thompson You do have to find a way to cut the shower out at least. Unless your home is new construction, there’s simply no way to get it out in one piece. Sometimes you can get away with leaving the drain pipe, but that depends on the type of connection that was used when connecting it. We usually cut the shower floor around the drain instead of cutting the drain pipe. We will then cut the drain pipe to fit when we install our new shower base.
Good job.
Thank you
These homeowners have the exact same tile I have in my bathroom, lol!!!
Are you ready for an upgrade too?
Very good video and please don’t take my comment the wrong way because I did think the video was well done. Would just like to see your young guy operating the sawzall wearing eye protection at minimum and hearing protection ideally.
Thank you for the suggestion
Do you have a video of the new one going back in? Thanks
+BDP 350 this is the video of putting the shower back together. It’s not a complete video. czcams.com/video/jiOBZ5_5f5I/video.html
Nice work
Thank you
great video! do you have the subsequent remodel of this shower? did you tile it or reinstall a new plastic one? Thanks!
We tiled the new shower. It’s a white subway tile shower waterproofed with Schluter Kerdi membrane.
I just need to access the plumbing behind my shower/tub/surround combo. Is it possible to remove it without having to cut the drain off, or cut the surround/shower walls off?
If you’re just fixing the plumbing you have to go in the wall behind the plumbing, not through the tub side.
I have this exact shower wall kit. What size shower pan do i need to buy to replace this exact shower?
This is a 3x4 shower
Do you need a permit to do this? Looking to replace with new tub and tiled wall using existing plumbing. Thanks.
It likely depends on your location. In my area if the tub/shower is the only thing being changed out no permit is required. If adding or moving plumbing, walls or electric you will likely need a permit. Great question, thanks.
You don't need no stinking permits!
@@russellcyr4867 To move the pipes I would.. I'm considering painting the stupid thing with fiberglass boat paint. Since I don't want to pay $3k for a tub install. ;(
Thank you
My pleasure
is that a dremel saw you are using to cut the drywall first?
It’s a multi tool. It’s like a vibrating saw. We’ve upgraded to a Milwaukee battery powered one now, but they all work decent enough. I started out using a cheap Harbor Freight one because I didn’t think it was a quality tool. It’s a tool we use a lot. Thanks for the question I really appreciate it.
Outstanding
Thank you
How do you get the tub through the threshold of the bathroom door? Do I have to remove the frame?
The tub is usually not deeper than 20”. Most doors are minimum 24” (30” is very common). Just carry the tub sideways through the door and it should fit just fine. Thanks for a great question.
Hey so I have a question, I want to put in the same size that I will be replacing (shower tub combo for a shower) after cleaning around to shower and new shower is installed what now? Drywall back that 2 inches all the way around, how difficult is that?
You’re going to reinstall a fiberglass surround? I would just tape and mud the lip. It will be a thick coat of mud and will take a while to dry but that’s the fastest way I know to do it.
Yes installing a shower kit. I saw you cut around the fiberglass, the green wall. So I would cut that 2 inches piece the patch in
Tip: Put a joint knife or something behind the pry bar so you don't damage the wall, my man. Great video!
Will do
In your opinion, is it easier to do shower/ restroom plumbing 1. Upstairs 2. 1 story raised house (with a crawl space) 3. A home on the ground (1 story)
They are all about the same to me. If it’s a slab home and you want to move the plumbing to a different wall it can be more difficult because you may have to cut out part of the slab.
Nice demo! I've got one coming up where I'm going to completely cap off the drain. It's an old place (1948) and the 2 bathrooms are practically back-2-back. I don't need both showers and hope to transition the whole space taken up by the shower I'll be removing into more of a linen closet. Issue is, I'll need to move a supporting corner entirely. Any recommendations on how to ensure the house won't fall on me?
Build a temporary wall while you add your header where it needs to be. We typically use 2x4 and plates on top and bottom just tapped tightly into place. Be safe.
What multi tool did you use?
Today we use a Milwaukee M18 multi tool. When this video was taken we used a corded one that I forget the name of.
What kind of saw did you use for the drywall? I couldn’t hear that clearly.
We used a sawszall or reciprocating saw to cut the fiberglass. We used a multi tool to cut through the sheetrock.
my shower tub is cheap fiber glass with walls I want to remove and install walk in shower measure bathroom wall to wall 58 inch but the shower pan I want to buy is 60 inch you think will fit because I cant find 58 inch walking shower pan please advise ?
I’ll about guarantee that your tub is 60” wide from stud to stud. That’s a standard size for what you’re describing.
@@friendlyneighborhoodtileguy yes i believe so if i measure from stud to stud will be 60 inch means I can install 60inch walk in shower base?
@@danyeldan2139 yes
How many inches did you cut away on the drywall around the shower? 2?3? Thx for the videos 🙏🏻
Typically the flange is only 1.5” or so wide. 2” is plenty of room for the cut.
Why did u cut the drywall above? Do we have to do that?
What if I am removing the thing and not replacing with a shower at all-- do y'all have a video about how to remove all that plumbing?
+Ridwan Ahmed usually the plumbing just gets capped inside the wall. I like to remove it when I can, but there’s nothing wrong with just capping it off either.
Always work the base trim from the bottom. Sure be careful, but get under it at the floor and push up. This trick was taught to me by a remodeler and it never fails. NEVER work from the wall side - the trim is the thinnest there and there is a huge risk of damaging drywall.
Your way works as well
Y’all need a trim/baseboard puller, it’s about 3x wider then that pry bar and gives way less chance of damage to the wall or board. It’s like using a wide spatula vs a skinny one
I’m not fixing something that isn’t broke. Just be gentle and almost any tool works fine.
Always wear a mask! Good job.
Thanks for the compliment.
During these unprecedented times masks should always be worn😜
Whst type blade you using
Josh Garcia We used a regular blade in the multi-tool for cutting Sheetrock (wood/bi-metal). For the sawzall we use a short fine tooth blade. Thanks for the question.
Wow I wondered when I was watching another demolition video why they ripped the wall and the ceiling.
I guess they didn’t care about the surrounding area
Sorry if you’ve answered this already but is there a reason to opt for destroying the fiberglass shower instead of removing it in one piece?
The alternative is destroying the house. These showers are installed when the house is being framed, they’re one of the first things to be installed. I think cutting the shower up is preferable to cutting big holes in walls to get it out in one piece.
So do you really need to cut the drain out from the bottom ?
I find that to be the best way.
You can use a drain removal tool or plug wrench and leave the drain intact just in case your new install will be in the same location and then you can reuse it.
This little czcams.com/users/postUgkxVoi3B4CB6Oygq1-vo4OTL1M_M5JkrXif tub works perfect in our 6 x 6 shower and is easy to get in and out. Also easy to drain.
You must have a new shower?
Is there anyway to replace a mixer valve without damaging the fiberglass shower wall?
Do it behind the shower
@@friendlyneighborhoodtileguy What if its already newly installed?
What I mean is cut the wall out behind the shower. Typically it would mean a closet, hallway or bedroom wall that gets cut. After the repair either patch the hole or leave it accessible in case you have future leaks.
Thank you for your video, do you have a video on mobile home bathroom renovations? I'm desperate I can not find anyone to do it so my brother and my husband might be doin it by ourselves. Help please Sincerely, Cynthia
Unfortunately I don’t have a video specific to mobile homes. Rest assured though that most aspects are very similar. I would be happy to answer as many of your questions as I can. Good luck with your project, just take your time and you’ll do fine.
@@friendlyneighborhoodtileguy Thank you so much
Carbide grit blade for the Sawzall? Doing my second one of these and my last one was a little dustier than I liked. Had to wear goggles and a mask. That was a wood cutting blade.
We just use a new fine tooth blade. Cuts like butter with very little chipping.
i just finished taking my shower out, how do i put a new one in my mom gets home in 20 minutes please help
I’ll pray for you, hopefully that helps
No respirator while cutting fiberglass?
I live dangerously. The few showers I tear out a year isn’t the same thing as the guy in the factory building them every day.
EJ: Boy, I wonder if we have any diligent planners such as you in our area. From what I have witnessed, it seems unlikely.
Most contractors are concerned with how fast, not thinking that sometimes a little slower on one end is much faster on the back end. Plus the end result is better too. Thanks for commenting.
Haha, yeah you're correct: use a short Sawzall blade. After I shorted a wire with a massive carbide tipped blade I went to Home Depot to discover that a 15' coil of Romex is $28 fukn dollars!!!
Wire is expensive. Tubs are installed early in the building process and hide a lot of stuff between the the fiberglass and the studs. It’s easy to cut into stuff when you can’t see it. Hopefully you’ll be able to get it repaired easily enough.
great music
Thank you
Why can't you use the same vibrating tool you used to cut the drywall to cut the tub enclosure?
The multi tool will cut the tub, it would just take about 5 times longer than a sawszall. If it’s all you have, it will work.
@@friendlyneighborhoodtileguy Thank you for answering. I do have both tools, but haven't yet tried cutting out a tub and wanted your feedback.
How much does a job like this typically cost today? I have the same shower and would like to remove it and add a free standing soaker tub.
Costs are going to vary wildly depending on location and quality of installer. You’re wanting to replace a tub/shower with just a free standing soaking tub?
You’re the 1st one I’ve seen that uses a short blade….one of my concerns is accidentally cutting a electrical line or plumbing pipe.
Be careful, there’s a good chance that something is behind the shower you don’t want to hit.
How much did this cost?
Removing a shower is part of the project. This particular project was $9,500 for everything.
Now show us how to replace it without having to replace the tile🤔 I have a fiberglass tub enclosed. Beige😝 I want a white one. I also have that same beige tile😝 But want to cover it with another product. How do you replace the tub enclosure with a better/newer one that won’t have me ripping up tile???
I don’t think there’s a way to do what you’re wanting. I wouldn’t recommend it anyway. You have to have continuous waterproofing behind the tile. There’s no way to add waterproofing behind tile that is already installed.
👍🏻
Thanks
I need to borrow Lou. He is super fast! Cut that whole tub out in 30 seconds! I need to do the same here as the wifes taking off for 3 days. She wants a 'professional' to do it on my almost poverty pension. Not gonna happen.
Just be careful, good luck with your project.
So how the heck do you get a new fiberglass shower in 🤔
Hopefully you install a custom tile shower instead
contractor to contractor....... nice....
Thanks
You lost me at "Without destroying the bathroom". That's called taking the fun out of it
If the plan is to tear out the whole bathroom have fun. If you’re only wanting the shower replaced, be careful and have a plan.
Thank you for the video, but the lack of respiratory and eye protection while cutting fiberglass is a big mistake. Everything else was appreciated 👍
Thank you
One problem a lot of these showers like lions fiberglass showers are caulked on every stud so it's a lot more difficult this shower you did was not caulked in when they're caulked in you cannot do a clean job like this very difficult and time-consuming
I guess I’m happy that showers aren’t installed that way around here. I bet it makes them very difficult to remove though.
That's the way the factory recommends the installation keeps the walls from being flimsy because they're so thin
Everything is changing in construction they're making everything lighter and thinner so even the methods for install are changing I like so many for your old school methods and attitude problem is one guy goes to McDonald's and orders a hundred cheeseburgers you walk in and want one you're not getting the quality you should.
People that call me aren’t getting a McDonald’s cheeseburger. I’m selling Ruth’s Cris steaks. There’s a huge difference in quality, experience and cost.
Everything is getting made cheaper doesn't matter what brand and a construction is changing and installation is changing it's a fact the McDonald's thing was just a analogy for people who don't know construction.
Eye protection!
Sure