How to Install a Shower Enclosure in Your Bathroom

Choosing a new shower enclosure is the first step in making your dream bathroom a reality. The modern frameless enclosure is a magnificent addition to a bathroom instead of the old bathtub-shower. You may notice that the most beautiful bathrooms tend to have one installed in them. Not only does it make a washroom space seems bigger, but it also adds glamour to a home.
 
However, installing a shower enclosure is hard requiring professional work. This guide is for those who feel confident that they can do it on their own.
 
Beginner's Guide to a Shower Enclosure

Before anything else, here is a little description so you better understand what a shower enclosure truly is. It is a standalone cubicle that has one or two doors for accessing it, and it encases the shower within. It has two functions other than just beautifying a bathroom,

a. To prevent the water from splashing out
b. To channel the wastewater through the outlet pipe

There are various kinds of enclosures, including quadrant, square or rectangular, walk-in showers, wet-room glass panels, and shower cabins. The shower enclosures usually come with a shower tray in them as well, upon which the entire frame rests.
 
Here’s a step by step explanation of the installation process of a shower enclosure.

Preparation

Once you are done choosing the ideal shower enclosure, it is time to unpack the thing and check for any damage, since it is easier to check for faults before the installation is done. Make sure you have the following parts in the package:

• Slide bar
• Slide bar bracket
• Glass panel (S)
• Channels or frames
• Doors
• Door handles
• Shower tray
• Shower tray waste
• Pipe for water supply
• Pipe for waste outlet
• Drain pipe
• Shower hose
• Floor tiles
• Cement and PVA glue (if the fitting is done without a riser kit)

To prevent damage due to water, turn off the main supply of water before proceeding with the installation while ensuring that the tray is watertight. Also, choosing a firm place for installation is required. Finish all work related to plumbing before commencing to fit the enclosure.
 
Installing a Shower Tray

 Before you begin installing the shower tray, here are a few things to determine.

• Correct measurement of the entire bathroom
• Size of the tray you need to get
• Distance between the basin and the toilet
• Space required for the bathroom door to be opened completely  

Choosing the right style, shape and material of the tray is important as there are many varieties available in the market. Then comes the fitting process and there are two ways to do it.
 
a. Place the tray on a solid floor that is levelled and install it on the top of the fitting that connects the plughole to the waste pipe in case it is flushed with water
b. Or, you can simply install the tray over the top and if the pipe is placed above the floor, then raise the tray slightly above the floor.

Keep in mind that the tray needs to completely level, otherwise, it can make the tiling appear uneven.
 
Installing a Shower Enclosure

Now comes the final step. The channels must be fixed to the wall of your bathroom. Then you need to decide on which side of the enclosure you want your door installed. The door will be attached to this side, while on the other side, the panel will be fixed permanently. Both panels remain positioned on the outside of the tray and the handles are attached. The edges are sealed with a silicone sealant and you have your shower enclosure ready for use.

This post is intended to help you avoid mistakes so your shower enclosure is perfectly installed. Remember to keep the essential installation tools handy so the absence of any of them does not hinder the smooth flow of the process. However, if you find the steps difficult to manage, it's better to consult professional shower glass installers near you.