How to Remove a Shower Door

For this type of shower door, slide the doors to one side. Use a screwdriver or electric drill to remove the screws holding the center guide in place, and remove the guide.

Lift out the doors one at a time. While one person might be able to handle a door, you’re less likely to damage the door, walls, and floor if two people lift the doors out one at a time.

Use a screwdriver or electric drill to remove the remaining screws that attach the frame to the wall. Remove all screws, regardless of the type of track you have. Some models will have bottom, side, and top pieces with screws, while others may only have a top and bottom track.

Use a utility knife to gently cut and break the caulk seal around the frame. Be careful not to scratch the shower’s surface. You’ll use caulk remover and a plastic scraper later on, so it’s okay if a small amount remains.

Tap one side of the frame header (the top piece) from underneath until it starts to move. Then, tap the frame header from underneath on the other side. Continue to do this until the top piece comes off.

The wall jambs (side pieces) are next. Wiggle the wall jambs to see if they’re loose. Some may come away easily, while others may have adhesive or caulk still holding them in place. Continue to give them a good shake until they come loose. 

If you’re having trouble with the side jambs, try warming the caulk or adhesive with a hairdryer to soften it and loosen its grip.

Hold the utility knife at a 90-degree angle to cut the caulk and break the seal along the bottom rail. Again, be careful not to cut the shower's surface. You’re going to see some grubby grime underneath the rail, but it won’t be there for long.

Use a plastic scraper or an old credit card to scrape off the remaining caulk. If it’s not coming off, you can use the hairdryer again to heat and soften it as you’re scraping it off.

Some caulk may be very difficult to remove. Use commercial caulk remover according to the manufacturer’s instructions to remove the caulk from the wall and shower base.

Use silicone caulk and a caulk gun to fill in the screw holes in the shower sides and base.

After the caulk has set, wash the area covered by the door frame with a clean rag and a shower cleaner.

Hang a tension rod, curtain rod hooks, a shower liner, and a shower curtain. You don’t necessarily need a curtain if you use a liner. You can also install a new shower door if you’re looking for an upgrade.