Shower and Bathtub Installation in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A new shower or tub is only as good as the plumbing behind it. Drain location, valve depth and pan waterproofing decide whether it works for years or leaks in months.
Planning a shower or tub project?
Say whether you are replacing a fixture or changing the layout.
(754) 320-541224/7 phone lineReplacement or new layout?
A like-for-like swap keeps the drain and valves where they are. That is the simpler job. A new layout moves the drain, and in a slab home that means cutting concrete, which raises cost and time.
Slab homes are common in Fort Lauderdale. A shower drain sits in or under the slab, so moving it is a bigger task than in a house with a crawlspace. Ask the plumber early whether your plan changes the drain.
| Project | Plumbing work | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Tub to shower conversion | New valve trim, drain and a shower pan | Waterproofing and slope |
| Replace a tub | Disconnect, set the new tub, reconnect the drain | Access to the drain trap |
| New shower valve | Open the wall, replace the valve body | Matching the trim kit |
| Walk-in shower | Low-curb pan, linear or center drain | Floor slope and waterproof membrane |
| Add a shower | New supply, drain and vent lines | Permit and venting |
| Replace a shower head or arm | Simple fixture swap | Thread seal and leaks |
Details that prevent leaks
Most shower leaks come from the pan or the drain connection, not from the faucet. The pan must slope toward the drain, and the membrane must be continuous. Tile is not waterproof. Water gets through grout, so the layer under the tile does the real job.
Flood test before tile
A pan can be filled with water and left for a period to see if the level drops. This test catches a bad drain seal or pinhole before tile hides it. Ask the plumber whether a flood test is part of the job, and ask the tile installer to wait for the result.
- Plan the layoutMark the drain, valve and head locations. Confirm the wall and floor structure.
- Rough inThe plumber sets the valve at the right depth and installs the drain and vent.
- InspectRough-in work often needs a city inspection before the wall is closed.
- Waterproof and testThe pan or tub is sealed and tested for leaks.
- FinishTrim, head and spout are installed and the flow is checked.
Common problems that start a project
A drip that will not stop is often a worn cartridge. Water that goes cold or hot when someone flushes may need a pressure-balancing valve. A tub that drains slowly may have a hair clog or a damaged trap. For clogs, see drain cleaning. If you see a stain on a ceiling below a bathroom, treat it as a possible leak and read about leak detection.
Fixtures, access and ordering
Order fixtures before the plumber opens the wall. The valve body, trim kit and shower head must match, and a delay in shipping can leave a bathroom unusable for days. Ask whether the plumber or the installer is responsible for confirming the rough-in measurements, and keep the manuals for the warranty.
What changes the price
- Layout change
- Moving a drain costs more than replacing in place.
- Slab or raised floor
- Cutting concrete adds time.
- Valve type
- Pressure-balancing and thermostatic valves cost more than basic ones.
- Fixture choice
- Large tubs and multi-head showers need larger supply lines.
- Permits
- Many layout changes need a permit and an inspection.
Ask who supplies the fixtures and who is responsible if a fixture arrives damaged.
Questions people ask before they call
Yes in most bathrooms. The plumber changes the drain and valve, and the installer builds a shower pan.
A simple valve swap can take part of a day. A conversion or layout change takes longer because of the waterproofing and cure times.
Layout changes and new drains usually need a permit. A fixture swap may not. Ask the contractor.
A worn or non-balancing valve cannot hold temperature when other fixtures are used. A pressure-balancing valve solves it.
A cracked pan, a failed drain seal or a bad membrane. The source often needs a test to find.
Some designs allow service from the front. Replacing the valve body usually needs wall access.
Bathroom plumbing project?
Tell the dispatcher what you want installed and whether the walls or floor are open.