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David1624 · Mar 20, 2008, 09:19 AM

What is the best way to remove a one-piece shower stall? I believe it is made out fiberglass Would using a reciprocating saw work best or can these things come out in one piece. I don't need to salvage it because it is rather gross, so I don't mind a demolishing project.

amricca · Mar 20, 2008, 09:50 AM

It went in in one piece so it must be able to come out that way. Look for how it was installed and un-install it. Of course since you don't care about salvaging it, you could just cut it up and rip it out, whatever it trakes. Remove all the plumbing fixtures so you don't accidentally break something and have a flood.

ballengerb1 · Mar 20, 2008, 12:53 PM

A recipriocating saw or even a jig saw works best. The stall is nailed along a flange and pulling the nails is a pain and then the removal in one piece even a bigger pain. I usually cut each wall into two pieces and take the floor in two. Be aware that most all one piece stalls have some gypsum board sandwiched between the inner and outer wall fiberglass, you will get some huge clouds of dust so wear a masket and goggles and try to seal or vent the room.

massplumber2008 · Mar 20, 2008, 03:59 PM

Hi all:

David... cut that shower into 3 pieces. Cut at middle, then at the base about 3 inches off shower floor.(leaves 3 pieces... ;) ).

Be very careful not to go too deep with the sawzall blade as you might cut a WIRE or a PIPE.. (especially at side and back wall for wire, wet wall for pipes... ok?).

Then, you will need to disconnect the shower drain. Here, if old, may be leaded in drain... or may be a rubber donut at drain (this can be pulled out with a needlenose pliers.. maybe? ). If lead, or hard to remove parts, cut a 6 inch hole around the shower drain (again, not too deep... floor is only 1/4" thick with ribbing.. ok?). Then remove the base and then decide how to work on getting drain off. Let us know if drain is leaded on (hard, silver ring around pipe in drain)... have a trick or two to get off... ok?

There you go... my two cents! Get back to us with information... hope this helped somehow... MARK

.

the1unv · Mar 20, 2008, 09:02 PM

I will just say if you cut it apart be VERY careful.! I had an employee (yes this is a true story) who was doing just that... he cut into the exhaust fan wire... it sparked fairly big I guess... he jumped... tripped on the toilet... fell into the pedistal sink... ripped it off the wall... hit his head on the door knob and bled all over... when I got there the lady was crying because she thought I was going to charge her to fix all the damage... I was thinking about crying cause I new what was going to happen to my work comp. payments. :-))... Just be careful..
Mike

DarleneP · Dec 13, 2011, 04:33 PM

Question, I am remodeling my bathroom, and I have a one piece shower unit upstairs and one piece tub unit upstairs. Would it make more sense for me to use a reciprocating saw and cut around the edge and just pull it out manually instead of cutting it up into pieces.

ma0641 · Dec 13, 2011, 06:39 PM

If fiberglass, use a saber saw or a sawzall to cut it apart. What will you be installing and will the new unit fit through the doorway?

ballengerb1 · Dec 13, 2011, 06:49 PM

Yep, ma is correct. I normally use my recip saw with a demolition blade

massplumber2008 · Dec 14, 2011, 04:22 AM

Hi Darlene

Cut the shower and tub into multiple pieces. It will make removal and disposing of the pieces easier and will also allow easier access to the pipes/drains,OK?

Just be sure to read all of the posts in this thread as each has a little information that you will find helpful.

Mark

DarleneP · Dec 14, 2011, 06:35 PM

I will be installing a corner shower unit. Trust me I am reading all I can about remodeling! I know how to replace the valve, I was just curious on the best tools to remove the shower unit. So, I think I will cut it into three equal pieces and used the reciprocating saw along the edges to pull it out. Will not be cutting into the dry wall too deep cause I don't want to mess up any wires, pipes, or anything else hidden behind it. Now the one piece unit tub may be a little difficult will post a picture of it on here along with the shower unit I will be removing once I get batteries for my camera. Thanks a bunch everyone.

massplumber2008 · Dec 14, 2011, 07:13 PM

Glad to help Darlene! Also, for what it is worth, when I posted my answer this morning there were not any answers to the question you asked and now I see this thread and somehow MA0641 and Ballengerb1 posted YESTERDAY? I wouldn't usually do that... POSTS MUST HAVE BEEN MERGED GUYS! *OUCH*

Anyway Darlene, as you can see there are plenty of skilled guys (and some gals, too if you stick around) that are glad to help so pop back anytime, OK?

Mark

timriter · Aug 17, 2013, 12:07 PM

I've removed all the walls on a three sided, one-piece shower stall, but would love some ideas on how to remove the pan. Thanks!

massplumber2008 · Aug 17, 2013, 03:40 PM

DIsconnect the drain assembly face plate (and screws) and then unscrew the strainer assembly (tub basket) using two screwdrivers across the crossbars of the strainer assembly (or use pliers inserted into strainer)... see image below:

After removing these, the rest of the tub can be cut in half and easily removed (be careful of wires in the wall).

Mark