How To Add a Shower to a Freestanding Tub

Adding a shower to a freestanding tub may seem like a daunting project, but the process is manageable for those with basic plumbing skills and the right tools. In this article, we’ll explore the steps to add a shower to your freestanding tub, plus some expert tips and considerations. This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey demonstrates the process in the video above.

Project Overview

Adding a shower to a freestanding tub typically involves installing a new faucet with a diverter, a showerhead, and a shower curtain rod. You’ll also need to connect the new fixtures to your existing plumbing and make sure you have proper drainage. While the project can usually be completed in a few hours, the exact time may vary depending on your skill level and the complexity of your bathroom’s plumbing.

Cost Considerations

According to Angi, the cost of adding a shower to a freestanding tub is typically about $1,000, plus any plumbing expenses. This estimate includes the necessary fixtures, such as the tub filler with a diverter and showerhead. Prices may vary depending on the materials you choose and whether you opt for professional installation. Professional installation will add another $400–$2,000 on average, depending on how complex the installation is.

Tools and Materials Needed

To complete this project, you’ll need the following tools and materials:

• Adjustable wrench
• Close-quarters tubing cutter
• Cordless drill/driver
• Level
• Locking pliers
• Pipe brush
• Plumber’s putty
• Propane torch
• PVC pipe saw
• Shower curtain rod and supports
• Showerhead and arm
• Soldering materials (flux, lead-free solder)
• Teflon tape
• Tub filler kit with diverter
• PVC primer and cement

Preparing for Installation of a Shower Into a Freestanding Tub

Proper preparation is key to a successful shower installation. In this phase, you’ll assess your bathroom’s layout, turn off the water supply, and prepare the existing plumbing for the new fixtures.

Pro Tip: Richard Trethewey, This Old House plumbing and heating expert, advises that any plumbing fixture should have a separate service shutoff. Before cutting into any supply line, shut the water coming into the house first. As Richard explains, once the main is off, “open up all the sinks upstairs” to relieve pressure, then open the faucet nearest your work area: “some of the last water will drip out, but we won’t get all of it. So when we cut it, we’ll catch it in a shallow pan.”

Assessing Your Bathroom Layout

Before starting the installation, evaluate your bathroom’s layout to determine the best placement for the shower fixtures. Consider the location of the windows, the direction the tub faces, and how the shower curtain will hang. Trethewey works with a homeowner who placed her clawfoot tub on a former sleeping porch, demonstrating how to adapt the installation to unique spaces.

Pro Tip: Richard Trethewey, This Old House plumbing and heating expert, knows that bathroom layout decisions require patience: “It’s like piecing together a puzzle. Sometimes you have to draw it a hundred times to get everything to fit.”

Shutting Off Water Supply

Safety is paramount when working with plumbing. Start by turning off the water supply to the bathroom at the main water valve or well pump. This step prevents any water flow while you’re working on the pipes. In addition, open the taps to drain any remaining water in the lines, ensuring a dry work area.

Pro Tip: Richard Trethewey, This Old House plumbing and heating expert, advises caution when turning off a ball valve: “Don’t jerk it… If you ever can’t move that thing, you don’t want to force it because there’s nothing between us and the full city water pressure.” The yellow-handled ball valve is typically located near the water meter, close to the front foundation wall.

Preparing Existing Plumbing

To prepare for the new fixtures, you’ll need to modify the existing plumbing. This typically involves cleaning the exposed water supply pipes with an emery cloth, then cutting the pipes to the appropriate length using a close-quarters tubing cutter. You’ll also need to prepare the pipes for new fittings by cleaning and applying flux.

Installing the Shower Components

With preparation complete, you can begin installing the new shower components.

Connecting Water Supply

To connect the water supply to your new tub filler and shower, first solder male adapters onto the hot and cold water supply pipes. Wrap the threaded portion of each adapter with Teflon tape, and install shut-off valves onto the adapters. Connect the tub filler to the shut-off valves using flexible supply lines.

Don’t skip wrapping the threads with Teflon tape to prevent leaks. Ensure that the soldering creates tight and secure connections, minimizing the risk of water damage in the future.

When soldering the male adapters, start by cleaning the pipe with emery cloth, then apply flux to both the inside of the fitting and the outside of the tube. Apply heat to one side of the fitting, wait for the flux to bubble, and then apply the solder to the opposing side—the heat will draw the solder right around the joint for a complete seal.

Setting Up the Drain

Proper drainage is a must for your new shower setup. To install the drain, cut the existing drainpipe slightly below the floor surface. Then, install a PVC fitting onto the drainpipe using PVC primer and cement. Place a chrome-plated escutcheon over the fitting for a finished look. Connect the tub’s drain assembly, including the overflow tube.

The overflow tube diverts water back into the drain if the tub overflows, protecting your bathroom flooring.

Mounting Shower Fixtures

With the plumbing connections in place, you can now mount the shower fixtures. Install the tub filler to the tub wall. Next, attach the showerhead to the shower arm and mount the shower arm to the tub filler. Install an adjustable ceiling bracket to support the shower arm. Use a level to ensure the shower arm is perfectly plumb before securing it.

Installing the Shower Curtain Rod

Trethewey demonstrates how to install a circular shower curtain rod that complements the clawfoot tub’s vintage style. Choose a shower curtain rod that matches your tub’s style and size. A circular or oval rod that surrounds the entire tub is often the best choice for clawfoot tubs. Make sure the rod is made of a durable, rust-resistant material such as chrome-plated brass that will resist rust and stand up longer over time. Additionally, think about how the rod complements other fixtures and finishes in your bathroom.

To install the shower curtain rod, attach the rod to the shower arm using the provided brackets. Use a level to ensure the rod is perfectly horizontal. Install additional ceiling supports to hold the rod securely in place. Hang the shower curtain on the newly installed rod.

Maintenance and Care of Your Freestanding Tub with Shower

To keep your new shower setup functioning properly and looking great, follow these maintenance tips:

• Regularly clean the tub filler, showerhead, and curtain rod to prevent the buildup of soap scum and mineral deposits.
• Check for leaks periodically and address them promptly.
• Replace the shower curtain liner as needed to prevent mold and mildew growth.
• Inspect the Teflon tape on connections and reapply if any leaks are detected.

Regular maintenance keeps your new fixtures in good condition and makes sure they continue to function efficiently. By periodically inspecting and addressing potential issues, you can prevent more significant problems and prolong the lifespan of your shower setup.