How to Install New Bathroom Shower Fixtures

Installing new bathroom shower fixtures may not seem like the easiest of DIY jobs, but planning carefully and ensuring that you have all the correct equipment to hand can make proceed smoothly.

Step One - Assess the Current Situation

Before determining which bathroom shower fixtures that you wish to install, examine the type of bathroom fixtures and the position in which they are presently fitted. If merely replacing a bathroom, replacing like-for-like fixtures will be the most straight-forward way to do so as the pipes required will already be in place.

If installing a new bathroom or amending the position of the fixtures, use the pipe and voltage detector to make sure that you can place the fixtures where you wish without danger of affecting any existing pipes and/or wires.   

Step Two - Preparation

Before starting any of the work you plan to undertake, make sure both the water and electricity supply to the bathroom are turned off. If appropriate, also drain the water tank.   

When working in limited space, it is prudent to remove any unnecessary items from the vicinity so that they do not cause an obstruction during installation of the new bathroom shower fixtures. All the equipment and tools that you need should be readily available and at hand so that work is not left half done.  

Step Three - Remove Old Fixtures

If you have retained the instruction manual for the original bathroom shower fixtures, keep this at hand to refer to whilst removing the existing fixtures. It can also be used to determine what tools should be used for each particular job and what all of the pipes and hoses that you uncover relate to. Taps and shower heads should be relatively easy to remove with a wrench, enabling you to measure the dimensions to ensure that your new fixtures will fit. It is important that you undertake the removal of fixtures with care to prevent causing any damage to pipes which can result in damaging leaks.

If you need to remove an electric shower unit, do so carefully. Make a note of where all the wires and pipes behind it are located to ensure that you fit the new unit correctly.   

Step Four - Fit New Fixtures

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to help you fit the new bathroom shower fixtures and do not be tempted to omit any step that seems insignificant.

If installing a fixture that requires drilling tile, such as a rail riser or safety rail, measure several times to ensure that you get the correct dimensions and do not make any mistakes that cannot be rectified, if necessary, make a note of the result. Use the pipe and voltage detector to check it is safe to drill. In order to stop the drill bit from skidding across the tile, mark the correct position with masking tape and use a slow speed.  

Step Five - Accessories

If installing a rail for a shower curtain, make use of the pipe and voltage detector to ensure there is nothing behind the wall that will be damaged by the drill.

If fitting a shower screen, be aware of the points where water can gather when the shower is in use and bear this in mind when applying sealant to ensure that it is watertight.