The short answer
Replace a shower pan when it is cracked, flexing, leaking or no longer draining properly. Most replacements remove the old pan and the lowest part of the walls, fix any water damage underneath, set the new pan level on a solid base, connect the drain and seal the walls back over the pan's edge. Prefabricated pans can often be installed in a day or two.
Signs your shower pan needs replacing
- Cracks or crazing in the shower floor
- Soft, spongy or flexing spots when you stand on it
- Water stains on the ceiling or wall below the bathroom
- Loose or cracked tiles and failing grout near the floor
- Water pooling instead of draining
- A musty smell that comes back no matter how often you clean
Your options
Replace the pan only
Works when the walls are sound and the new pan fits the same footprint and drain location. The bottom of the wall still has to be opened so the new pan can be sealed under it.
Replace the pan and walls together
Often the cleanest result. A matched base and wall system, like the prefabricated systems sold by Showers4Less, seals as one unit and avoids grout lines.
Tub-to-shower conversion
Swap a bathtub for a shower base in the same space, usually with a lower step-in. Popular for aging in place. Compare shower types.
Low-threshold or roll-in base
If anyone in the home uses a walker or wheelchair, consider a low-threshold or barrier-free base now. See our ADA and handicap shower guide.
Shower pan materials
- Acrylic: warm to the touch, easy to clean, widely available in standard sizes.
- Fiberglass: usually the lowest-cost option, lighter duty.
- Solid surface and cultured stone: heavier, very durable and stone-like.
- Tiled mortar bed: fully custom size and shape, with a waterproof liner or membrane underneath. Takes the longest.
What affects the cost
- Pan size and material
- Whether the walls are replaced too
- Water damage found under the old pan
- Moving or changing the drain
- Permits, where required
- Grab bars, seats and other safety upgrades
Simple prefabricated shower pans can start under $2,000 installed. For an accurate number, get an itemized quote.
Need a new shower pan? Get an accurate quote.
Shower pans, shower replacements, tub-to-shower conversions, roll-in and ADA showers and walk-in tubs, installed by factory-certified installers. Tell us about the project, or call and talk to a real person.
Questions to ask any installer
- How much of the wall comes out, and how will the new pan be sealed?
- What happens if you find water damage underneath?
- Is the installer factory-certified for this product?
- What warranty covers the pan, and what covers the labor?
Compare local pros on our list of the best bathroom remodelers in Denver, or browse bathroom remodeling across Colorado.
Common questions
Can you replace a shower pan without removing tile?
Usually not completely. The pan sits under the bottom edge of the wall tile or panels, so at least the lowest row of tile, or the wall system, normally has to come out to seal the new pan properly. Skipping that step is a common cause of leaks.
How much does shower pan replacement cost?
It depends on the size and material of the new pan, what damage is found underneath, drain changes and whether the walls are replaced too. Simple prefabricated shower pans can start under $2,000 installed. Water damage to the subfloor or walls adds cost, so get an itemized quote.
What is the difference between a shower pan, shower base and shower tray?
They are names for the same thing: the floor of the shower that slopes to the drain. "Pan" can also mean the waterproof liner under a tiled shower floor.
Can a shower base replace a bathtub?
Yes. A tub-to-shower conversion removes the tub and installs a shower base in the same space, commonly a 60-inch base to fit an alcove tub space, often with a lower step-in.
How do I know my shower pan needs replacing?
Cracks, soft or flexing spots, water stains on the ceiling below, loose tiles near the floor, musty smells and water that pools instead of draining are all signs. A leak under the pan should be fixed quickly, before it damages the subfloor.
Is it safe to DIY a shower pan replacement?
Experienced DIYers do it, but the waterproofing details are unforgiving and a mistake can mean hidden water damage. Plumbing changes may also need a permit. Most homeowners hire a pro.
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