How Much Does Shower Pan Replacement Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $900 - $2,300
Replacing a shower pan costs an average of $1,620. Your price can fall as low as $530 or as high as $4,600, depending on the size, material, and more.
Shower pan replacement costs $900 to $2,300 for most, or $1,620 on average. Although it might seem like a small detail, the shower pan is essential to your shower installation. You can choose from various options—whether you’re looking for a basic model that gets the job done or an eye-catching, custom design. Here’s what you can expect to budget for a shower pan installation based on size, type, and other factors.
- Average
- $1,620
- Low end
- $530
- high end
- $4,600
Shower Pan Replacement Cost by Size
The cost to replace a shower pan can range from $530 for a small, basic pan to $4,600 for a large, custom pan.
Many showers are standard sizes, like 32 by 32 or 36 by 36 inches. Square shower pans for these dimensions generally cost $150 to $250 or $150 to $600, respectively. If you have a shower-tub combo and the space is 48 by 48, the cost bumps up from $200 to $700.
If your shower size is not standard, then you’ll need a custom pan made just for you. Depending on the materials, custom shower pans cost $900 to $2,000 or more.
| Shower Pan Size in Inches | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 32 by 32 | $150–$250 |
| 36 by 36 | $150–$600 |
| 48 by 48 | $200–$700 |
| Custom | $900–$2,000 |
Shower Pan Installation Cost by Type
Shower pans come in many materials, and the type you choose will have one of the biggest impacts on your project costs. You can choose a traditional pan in a muted color or go for a showstopping design by opting for a luxurious, natural stone pan.
The most affordable type of shower pan is fiberglass, which starts at $150. The costliest options include tiled shower pans, which can reach $3,500.
| Shower Pan Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $150–$450 |
| Acrylic | $200–$600 |
| Natural stone | $150–$950 |
| Cast iron | $800–$1,300 |
| Custom tile | $900–$3,500 |
| Custom stone | $1,200–$2,000 |
| Hot mop | $225–$500 |
| Poured mud | $350–$650 |
| Tile-over | $500–$800 |
Fiberglass
Fiberglass pans are an affordable option that’s lightweight and inexpensive to repair. It costs $150 to $450. However, it’s not as durable as other options, scratches easily, and requires special cleaners.
Acrylic
Acrylic pans range between $200 and $620. It’s a good option if your budget allows for it because it’s corrosion-, scratch-, and scuff-resistant. It’s also lightweight and durable.
Natural Stone
Natural stone pans are $200 to $950 and are very aesthetically pleasing with a luxurious vibe. There are various stone options available, including solid or cultured marble, natural stone resin, or anthracite, a type of coal. The downside is that depending on the type of stone you choose, you may have to stick to a rigid maintenance and cleaning schedule.
Cast Iron
Cast iron pans cost $800 to $1,300 and are a very durable option. Although you may immediately think of the color black when you hear “cast iron,” shower pans are available in different finishes, including gray, white, and cream tones.
These pans retain heat and don’t leak, although they’re on the higher end of the price range and are very heavy. You will most likely want to hire a professional shower installer.
Custom
If you have a specific vision in mind, or if your shower size is unusual, then you can opt for a custom-made shower pan. Custom shower pans cost $900 to $3,500 for tile projects and $1,200 to $2,000 for stone projects.
Hot Mop Shower Base
A hot mop shower pan costs $225 to $500 and lasts 15 years. It’s one of the most durable options for shower bases because it’s made with layers of hot tar and felt. It’s waterproof, so even if your shower pan did crack, you wouldn’t have to worry about leaks damaging the space below the shower.
Poured Mud
Poured mud shower bases can also double as a shower pan, but some homeowners opt to tile over them. This option costs $350 to $650 and is made with cement mortar, a waterproof membrane, and metal mesh or rods.
Tile-Over Pans
Tile-over shower pans are named as such because they can handle the additional weight of tile on top. If you try to tile over a regular pan, it may crack. So make sure to grab a tile-over pan if that’s what you plan on doing. These run between $500 and $800.
You should also factor in the additional cost of a tiler finishing the tile job on the pan. This costs $25 per square foot, including materials and labor.
Shower Installer Costs
Hiring a local shower installer to replace your shower pan ensures the job is done right, but it does come with its own set of costs. It takes a shower installer around four hours to install a shower pan. Expect labor costs to run $350 to $570.
The labor involved includes removing the old pan (if there is one), preparing the area for new installation, proper waterproofing, and fitting in the new pan. If you have difficult-to-access plumbing, expect the labor cost to be on the higher end.
Additional Costs to Consider
When installing a new shower pan, you’ll want to consider a few additional costs. One of the biggest things you’ll need to check is whether your shower base is good as-is; otherwise, you’ll need a replacement.
Prep
If you’re replacing your shower pan, you’ll need to factor in the cost to remove the old one. Junk removal costs on average $240, but can vary depending on the size or your shower pan.
Additionally, if you need to install new plumbing or move plumbing for your new shower pan, it costs $600 to $1,600. On the other hand, adding a new drain line is $1,000 to $7,000.
Labor
It takes a shower installer around four hours to install a shower pan. Expect labor costs to run $350 to $570.
Permits
If your area requires a permit for installing or replacing a shower pan, it may cost $30 to $500. Check with your local offices for more information.
Shower Base Replacement
Shower base replacement would be a good idea if your shower pan leaks. The leaking from the pan likely caused damage to the base, and you may notice cracks. If you need to replace the base, it’ll cost $225 to $650.
Drain Location
While easy to go unnoticed, your shower drain location plays a big role in the overall layout of your shower. Your drain feeds into your home’s plumbing, so its location impacts the type of shower pan you can select. If you do need to change the layout of your shower (and in turn the drain location), you’ll need to hire a plumber to make the appropriate plumbing changes. Plumbers cost on average $45 to $200 per hour, but your contractor may also bundle this cost into the total for replacing your shower pan.
Accessible Features
If you need an accessible pan, it’ll cost $700 to $1,000. These shower pans have a low threshold and textured or slip-resistant flooring to make the shower more accessible and safer for those who use a wheelchair or walker.
Additionally, you might want a slip-resistant shower pan to keep you and your family safe. These special slip-resistant surfaces have better grip and cost $200 to $620.
New Shower Door
If you need a new shower door, it’ll cost $600 to $1,350 for materials and labor. You might go with sliding, swinging, corner, or side doors—whatever shower door option best fits your needs. Alternatively, you might opt for a shower with no door. In this case, you should consider installing additional drains.
DIY Shower Pan Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
If you decide to take on the installation yourself, your shower pan installation costs will only have to cover the required materials and supplies. This will include your new shower pan ($150 to $700), shower drain assembly ($50 to $70), and plumber’s putty ($3 to $6). Your pan installation may also require mortar ($10 to $20). The final cost can be $220 to $2,000 or more. If you opt for a basic fiberglass pan, it’ll cost $220 to $520 to DIY this project.
If you have plumbing experience and are open to tackling this DIY project, there’s a chance you can get this done on your own. However, there are many downsides to an improperly installed shower pan. The unit can deteriorate faster and not last the usual 10 to 15 years—or if you miscalculate the condition of your shower base—you might end up with a serious leak on your hands.
The cost of fixing water damage and mold remediation will quickly become higher than hiring the right person to get the job done right the first time. So with that in mind, if you don’t have any plumbing experience, or if you’re unsure about how to install a shower pan, it’s a good idea to hire a local shower installer.
Shower Pan Replacement vs. Repair
Replacing a shower pan can be a significant investment, and in some cases, it is more cost-effective to fix some minor repairs.
Repair is the better option for minor cracks and leaks. These can often be addressed with epoxy or other waterproofing materials that seal the damaged areas effectively. The cost to fix a leak yourself is low—you can get a simple shower repair kit for $10 to $30.
It’s better to replace the shower pan when:
The shower pan has severe damage, such as large cracks and leaks.
The shower pan is old and showing signs of wear and tear.
You’re renovating your bathroom and want to update the look of your bathroom.
There are mold or mildew issues, which indicate that the shower pan isn’t effectively containing water.
How to Save on Shower Pan Replacement Costs
One way to save on shower pan replacement costs is to do it yourself. For a DIY job, you should have prior plumbing experience.
But for many, it may simply be safer and more time-efficient to hire a pro. In that case, here are some other ways you can save on costs:
Use a prefabricated pan: Custom-made shower pans can be much more expensive. Prefab options are affordable and easier to install, saving both on time and labor costs.
Choose a more affordable material: Rather than opting for a luxurious, marble pan, consider going for something more economical like fiberglass or acrylic.
Remove the old pan yourself: If you’re comfortable doing so, you can remove the old pan and prepare the area, reducing the amount of labor required by the pro.
Bundle services: It may save you some money if you get all of your shower and bathroom remodeling jobs done at the same time by the same company. After all, the pan is just one part of the final cost to install a shower, which is $3,200 to $10,300.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can replace just the shower pan and leave the shower base as-is. However, you may need to replace both if the pan is leaking and causing damage to the base, like cracks. In this case, getting a new pan won’t fix your problems because you’ll eventually notice water damage in your home.
Plumbers replace shower pans, shower liners, drains, and drain traps. But if you want to tile over your pan, you’ll need to call in a tiler after the plumber installers the pan. Alternatively, you may be able to hire a shower installer to complete the entire job from start to finish.
You should replace your shower pan every 10 to 15 years to avoid degradation. It’s best to do the replacement before you notice the signs of a pan going bad, like water leaking onto the bathroom floor. Avoid potential water leaks and mold problems by changing out your shower pan before the end of its lifespan.
To know if your shower pan is bad, keep an eye out for signs that your shower pan is leaking. For one, if your pan moves under your feet, then it’s likely that there’s damage below it. Other signs of serious damage include visible cracks or if you notice the pan moving up and down when you step in and out of the shower.
Moreover, you should take quick action if you notice water stains on the ceiling or seams below the shower. If the base of your shower is always leaking, or if you have moldy grout by the base, call in a pro to get it checked out.
The shower base is below the pan, while the pan is the floor of the shower that you stand on. Shower bases are the substructure, and similar to the pan, they have a slight angle to allow the water to flow into the drain. It’s an important part of the shower, but you can’t see it.