How to Remove a Shower Tray: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you want to replace or repair your existing shower tray, ensuring its safe removal is key to avoiding damage to the tray and the surrounding floor and walls.

If that’s something you’d like to do, read this article fully as over the next couple of sections, we’re going to show you every step that you need to take to safely and effectively remove your shower tray. On top of that, we’ll also go over:

• The tools and materials you’ll need for the job
• What to do once your shower tray has been removed

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

There are a number of tools and materials you’ll need to safely and effectively remove your shower tray. Some recommendations include:

• Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
• Wrench or pliers
• Utility knife or silicone remover tool
• Plastic scraper
• Safety gloves and goggles
• Drill with screw attachments (if screws need to be removed)
• Drop cloths or protective floor coverings
• Sealant (if reinstalling a new tray)
• Measuring tape (to check the fit for a new tray)
• Caulk remover (optional)
• Bucket or container (for catching any water or debris)
• Plumber's tape (for resealing any connections if needed)

Preparation Before Removing a Shower Tray

Before you start removing your shower tray, you need to make sure you’re fully prepared. This typically involves:

Turning Off the Water Supply

The first step you need to take is to shut off the water supply to your shower. That way, you can avoid any accidental leaks or water damage while you’re working on removing the shower tray. 

Disconnecting the Waste Pipe

In order to remove the shower tray, you first need to disconnect the waste pipe to ensure that the tray can be completely separated from the plumbing. To do that, locate the waste pipe, remove any covering or panels, and unscrew the waste pipe connection.

Clearing the Area Around the Shower Tray

Before removing the tray itself, you’ll need to clear the area to make space for the removal process. This involves removing the shower door if there is one, covering the floor, and moving any furniture or obstacles out of the way.

How to Remove Old Sealant From a Shower Tray

If you’ve already learned how to properly seal a shower tray, now is a good time to learn how to remove it. To do that, you need to follow the following three steps:

Use a Utility Knife or Scraper

Start off with removing the majority of the sealant using a utility knife or scraper. While doing so, practice safety at all times so that you don’t hurt yourself in the process. Do that until most of the sealant has been removed.

Apply Heat (Optional)

If the sealant is stubborn, you can also apply heat to loosen it. Usually, any hairdryer at maximum heat should do the job just fine.

Clean Residual Sealant

Once you’ve removed the majority of the sealant, focus on cleaning up any residual sealant until there is none left. This will ensure that the shower tray can be safely removed without resistance, and it will also prevent any future leaks or issues when installing a new 1200 x 800 shower tray (or any other tray for that matter).

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing the Shower Tray

Once you’ve removed the sealant, it’s time to start the shower tray removal process. Here’s what you need to do, step-by-step:

Loosen the Shower Tray

First, try and slowly wiggle the shower tray out of position. Be careful not to cause any damage to the surrounding structure or the tray itself. Once you’ve loosened the shower tray, removing it should be fairly easy.

Dealing With a Stuck Shower Tray

If your shower tray is stuck and wouldn’t get loosened, it may be stuck due to additional sealant or debris along the edges, or it might be securely attached to the floor or wall. If it’s the former, some additional wiggling should do the job. If it’s the latter, you’ll need to detach it from the floor or wall that it’s attached to.

If you’re still facing difficulties, consider reading further on how to remove a stuck shower tray without causing damage to the surrounding area.

Lift and Remove the Shower Tray

Once you feel that your shower tray is completely out of position, simply lift and remove it. And you’re done.

What to Do After Removing the Shower Tray

Once your shower tray has been removed, before installing a new one (in case you’ve already bought one), there are a couple of things you need to do first, including:

Inspect the Area for Damage

Take a good look around where the shower tray was sitting and try to see if there are any signs of structural, cosmetic, or water damage. That way, you can repair any damages before the new shower tray is installed.

Clean the Floor and Walls

Once the area has been inspected and any repairs have been made, it’s time to clean the area thoroughly. A clean surface ensures a better seal and helps avoid future issues with the new tray installation.

Prepare for a New Shower Tray Installation

With the area now clean and inspected, you’re ready to prepare for the installation of your new shower tray. This typically involves checking the new tray for existing damage, taking a second look at the plumbing, and preparing the tray base.

Tips for a Smooth Shower Tray Removal Process

Removing a shower tray is generally straightforward. To increase your chances of success and minimise your chances of causing unnecessary damage, here are a couple of tips for a smooth shower tray removal process:

• Take your time and avoid rushing through the process
• Use the right tools for the job, such as a utility knife, pry bar, and sealant remover
• Be patient with stuck trays and use gentle pressure to loosen them
• Wear protective gear, including gloves and goggles
• Keep the area dry to prevent slipping and mess
• Work with a partner if the tray is large or heavy

Final Thoughts / CTA

Removing a shower tray can be a challenge, especially for people who have never done it before. Fortunately, with the help of a few tools and the correct information, you should be able to remove your shower tray quickly and safely.

If you’re looking for a suitable replacement to your existing shower tray, at Plumbworld, we offer a large variety of shower trays to suit a variety of design preferences, functional needs, and budgets.