How to fit a shower tray? Step-by-step guide

Looking to save on your renovation and planning to fit the shower tray yourself? Don’t worry, it’s not all that difficult! If you keep a few basics in mind, you’ll handle it quickly and smoothly. How do you install a shower tray? Check out our short step-by-step guide and get inspired!

Step 1: Preparing the tools

It’s hard to do any job without the right tools. So before you get stuck in, make sure you’ve everything you’ll need to hand. What to remember? You’ll need:

• shower tray — sized to suit the space and the needs of its future users;
• waste trap and drain pipes — sized to match the tray and the bathroom plumbing;
• a spirit level — with a length close to the tray’s dimensions;
• sanitary silicone — depending on your aesthetic: transparent or in a colour matching the tray or the grout in the bathroom;
• a drill and bits — charged, with adequate power;
• screws and wall plugs — buy these in advance if they’re not included with the tray;
• a pipe wrench — sized to suit your home’s plumbing;
• a tape measure — to help accurately align the individual components.

Step 2: Preparing the area

Before installation, make sure the place where the tray will go meets the necessary requirements. The surface must be water-resistant and level, which you can check with a spirit level. Also ensure it’s clean, so the components you’re fitting will bed in properly.

Step 3: Positioning the shower tray

Place the tray in its intended position to confirm it really fits, then install the legs included in the set. Use a spirit level to ensure it’s sitting level. If not, be sure to adjust the height of the legs. After making adjustments, check again with the spirit level to confirm it’s spot on. Don’t skip this step — efficient drainage during showers depends on it. All good? Set the tray aside for a moment so you can install the waste trap.

Step 4: Fitting the waste trap

Fitting the shower tray won’t be possible unless you first take care of drainage. That’s why you should start with the waste trap. Make sure it’s watertight (e.g., tested under running water at the basin) and a good fit for the waste outlet. Next, match the waste pipe to the plumbing in the wall and then connect it to the trap. After fitting the trap, place the tray in its final position to check everything lines up.

Step 5: Fixing the shower tray

If everything lines up and the tray is level, it’s time to fix it permanently. For a low-profile shower tray, start by joining the upper and lower parts of the trap. Be sure to carry out a leak test by pouring about a litre of water into the drain. With a dry, clean cloth or some paper, wipe the entire trap and the pipe underneath — if any water droplets appear, it means there’s a leak and it needs correcting. If everything’s fine, carry on. Fix the legs to the floor permanently with silicone, running a small bead around their bases. This will stop them from moving. Then weigh the tray down, e.g., with a bucket of water, so it stays put, and move on to fitting the side panel.

Step 6: Sealing

Once the tray is fixed, apply sanitary silicone around the edges of the tray to prevent water leaking. Ensure it’s spread evenly and neatly, and that it adheres well to the surfaces. Now it’s time for a break — follow the instructions on the silicone and wait for it to dry properly.

Step 7: Testing

When the silicone has cured, it’s time for the big test. Run water into the tray and check for any leaks. All good? Time to finish up!

Step 8: Finishing up

Clean the tray so it’s ready for use. This is also the moment to install the shower enclosure, if one is planned. And that’s it — enjoy your newly installed shower tray!

The above step-by-step tips will make your work much easier. Best of luck!