Installing a shower panel can be a smart home improvement decision. The shower panels are 100% waterproof, making them remarkably more durable than traditional bathroom tiles.
The panels are also low maintenance due to their mold resistance. That’s a stark contrast from regular tiles, which often require aggressive cleaning to strip them of stubborn mold stains.
Shower panels are incredibly versatile, too, and can be customized to fit any bathroom space. While the panels may attract a high upfront cost, they make up for that with their extended durability and ease of maintenance.
However, proper installation is critical to unlock the benefits of shower panels. Here’s a comprehensive guide to installing shower panels in your bathroom.
1. Gather Necessary Tools
While the idea is to install shower panels with minimal tools, you need certain basic materials and implements to get the job done. Those include;
- The shower panel itself
- Adjustable wrench
- Wall anchors
- Mounting brackets
- Adhesives and sealants (common alternatives to mounting brackets)
- Drills
- Screwdrivers and screws
- Tape measure
- Plumber’s tape
- Pipe sealant tape
- Level
- Utility knife
NOTE: You may require additional tools depending on the desired installation technique.
2. Identify the Installation Site
Shower panels are quite versatile and may be customized to fit any surface in your bathroom. That said, pick a spot that can safely support the panel’s load.
Note that skillfully installed shower panels can last up to 25 years. So, keep that in mind while selecting the ideal installation site.
It’s also prudent to install a shower panel in a spot that’s closest to existing plumbing fixtures, particularly the water source. Other key considerations include comfortable height and the types of utilities in the wall cavity.
3. Disconnect the Water Supply
Installing a shower panel with the water lines connected can not only mess up your workspace, but it could also lead to costly moisture damage and cause undue water shortage.
Therefore, shut off the water supply before getting down to the actual installation work.
A good practice is to disconnect the water from the plumbing mains.
4. Remove the Old Shower Panel
This step isn’t necessary if you’re installing a shower panel for the first time.
If it’s a replacement, you’ll need to remove the older fixture. That goes for the entire system, including old showerheads, taps, and wall shelves.
5. Sand Down the Spot
Removing the older shower panel will expose a rough, uneven surface. It’s important to sand the wall down before installing a new panel.
Utilize this opportunity to replace old tiles and wallpapers. Any bumps on the wall can adversely impact the workmanship, especially if you plan on using adhesives.
6. Clean the Place
Sanding down the wall and dislodging older tiles will inevitably create debris in your shower. Dispose of these materials and wipe the walls clean.
Dust and debris can significantly diminish adhesive bonding.
Besides, why work in a dirty place when undertaking one of the most exquisite home improvements?
7. Measure and Mark
Using a tape measure, proceed to measure the area that the new shower panel would cover. Mark strategic dot points on the perimeter, taking note of locations that would require cutouts.
Be sure to take accurate measurements.
An allowance of 1 – 2 inches on the higher side is acceptable. Just ensure the measurements aren’t smaller, or you’ll incur losses when purchasing another shower panel.
8. Drill Holes in the Wall
If your shower panel requires mounting brackets, you’ll need to create holes to use in installing the brackets.
Drill holes on the dot points you marked in step (vii) above.
Remember to use a drill that’s compatible with the size of the screws and wall anchors which your shower panel came with.
9. Apply Adhesives
You’ll require adhesives at some point, even if your shower panel is designed to be installed with mounting brackets.
Adhesives provide a watertight seal, protecting your precious shower panels from moisture damage. They’re particularly recommended for smaller enclosures.
Choose a strong, silicone-based waterproof adhesive. Then, apply a generous amount of the product on the back of each panel, spreading it uniformly throughout the surface.
10. Install Mounting Brackets
Install mounting brackets into the drilled holes and tighten them. Then, insert wall anchors into the brackets.
That should provide a solid base for holding your new shower panel.
11. Fix the Panels
Carefully fix your shower panel into the brackets, tightening the brackets as you go.
If you’re using adhesives, this step would require gently but firmly pressing the glued panels onto the wall. Start from the bottom and work your way down.
Whichever method you prefer, use a spirit level to ensure the panel is straight before tightening or pressing it against the wall. Some shower panels come with a tongue-and-groove system, enabling you to join them together into one continuous watertight surface.
12. Trim the Panels
If you made an error while measuring your wall’s perimeter and the panels turn out to be larger, you can trim their edges using a utility knife.
13. Test for Leaks
A leaky shower panel can damage your shower walls, besides racking up your water bills over time.
So, before tightening any screws or gluing the panel, turn the water back on and test for any plumbing leaks.
Be sure to also check that all three basic water functions of your shower panel – rainfall, body jets, and handheld – are working alright.
14. Apply Sealant
Sealant prevents water from seeping behind your shower panels and causing moisture damage to the installation wall.
Gently apply a high-quality sealant along the edges of every panel, paying keen attention to the seams and corners.
Be especially vigilant when applying sealant around fixtures, as these areas usually provide an easy pathway for water ingress.
15. Wind Up the Process
If everything looks great so far, you can reinstall the plumbing fixtures and enjoy your new shower panel.
Remember to clean the panel with water or other safe cleaning products before use. This helps to strip it of dirt and adhesive residues from the installation project.
Final Thoughts
While the process of installing a shower panel may appear straightforward, it’s best to enlist professional assistance rather than do it by yourself. Getting your shower panel installed by an expert helps to avoid common rookie mistakes, such as improper surface preparation and the wrong choice of adhesives.
Shower panel installation technicians may also play a critical role in recommending the best panel for your bathroom. Besides, you get to unlock generous warranties if defects emerge within a given duration following the installation work.
When scouting for a shower panel installation expert, insist on certified technicians. Prioritize professionals with a trail of positive reviews from their previous clients.
