Get matched with top tub and shower conversion pros in Corning, CA

Yes, and no. Your shower, toilet, and sink all connect to the same main drain, but the secondary drains going from each fixture to the main drain are usually separate. This isn’t always the case—especially in older homes—but since toilets contain black water and showers, tubs, and sinks have grey water, toilets are more regulated and come at a greater risk of contamination. It’s best to keep these drains separate using individual waste collection for this reason.

Use mortar underneath the shower base. The mortar holds the shower pan in place and creates a level surface when spread properly. If your flooring is not level, you would need to use shims to create a level surface before moving forward with the mortar and base installation.

Note that installing a shower pan on an uneven surface can eventually lead to cracks and leaks.

You can install a shower pan liner over plywood using the steps outlined above. However, before pouring the mortar pre-slope or installing a premanufactured slope product, check the condition of the plywood. The subfloor should be stable, level, and free of rot or other damage. You’ll need to repair damaged sections before pouring the mortar.

Whether replacing a bathtub with a shower affects your home's value depends on several factors, with the most significant being whether it's the only tub in the house. Removing the sole bathtub can lower a home's value because many prospective buyers, particularly families with young children or pets, require at least one.

However, a tub-to-shower conversion can also increase home value. A modern walk-in shower is often seen as an upgrade in a secondary bathroom and can be a desirable feature for its accessibility and style, appealing to older homebuyers or those without children. The overall impact is also influenced by your local real estate market and its typical buyer demographic.

If your bathroom layout allows, installing both a freestanding bathtub and a separate shower can be an ideal solution that appeals to the widest range of potential buyers.