Replacing a bath with a walk-in shower

How much does it cost to replace a bath with a walk-in shower?

MyJobQuote puts replacing a bath with a walk-in shower at £1,000 to £5,000 for most jobs. Within that, removing the bath is typically £150 to £300, repairing walls and floors £150 to £600, and electrical work for the shower £150 to £300 (MyJobQuote). A level-access shower, with no tray at all, is typically £2,500 to £7,000 (MyBuilder). For the full breakdown, see how much a walk-in shower costs.

How do you replace a bath with a walk-in shower?

1. Survey the bathroom: pipework, waste route, water pressure and the floor.
2. Turn off the water, disconnect the taps and waste, and remove the bath and its panel.
3. Move or adjust the waste and water pipes for the shower tray and valve.
4. Prepare the floor and walls, including a riser or former for a low-profile or level-access shower.
5. Waterproof the shower area.
6. Fit the shower tray, or lay the floor to fall to a drain.
7. Tile the shower area or fit waterproof wall panels.
8. Fit the shower valve, shower head and glass screen.
9. Seal, test for leaks and clean up.

Will a shower tray fit where the bath was?

Usually, yes. A standard UK bath is 1700 x 700 mm, and shower trays are made in the same size, so a walk-in shower can fill the bath's footprint exactly. A shorter tray, such as 1400 mm, leaves room for a vanity unit or storage at the end.

Is your bathroom suitable for a walk-in shower conversion?

• Water pressure. A mixer shower needs good hot water flow. With a weak combi or a gravity system, an electric shower or a pump may suit better.
• Waste fall. A low-profile tray needs enough fall to the waste pipe. Sometimes the tray sits on a riser.
• The floor. Timber floors may need strengthening or a former for level access.
• The walls. Tiles around the bath often need replacing, as matching old tiles is hard.

Why people replace a bath with a shower

The most common reasons are easier access, a more modern look and more space in a small bathroom. For anyone who finds it hard to step over the side of a bath, a walk-in shower with a seat and a grab rail can make bathing safe again.

Should you keep a bath somewhere in the house?

If the bath you are removing is the only one in the home, think about who lives there now and who might buy later. Families with young children often like a bath. If there's a second bathroom with a bath, the question goes away.

Help with the cost

If someone in the home is disabled, a Disabled Facilities Grant from the council can pay for a level-access shower, up to £30,000 in England, and the work may be zero-rated for VAT (GOV.UK). Read our guide to wet rooms for elderly and disabled people.

We replace baths with walk-in showers across Doncaster. See bath to shower conversions and book a free design visit for a fixed price.

Frequently asked questions