Installing a Shower in Your Mobile Home: An In-Depth Guide for You

Hey there! Upgrading to a new shower is one of the best ways to improve your mobile home. As an expert in home remodeling and mobile home upgrades, let me walk you through everything involved in removing that old tub and installing a fresh, new shower. I‘ll provide plenty of tips and details to ensure you get the perfect custom shower solution.

Choosing the Right Shower Unit

The first step is picking out the ideal shower unit for your mobile home‘s bathroom. Here are some of the most popular options along with the pros and cons of each:

Fiberglass Showers

Fiberglass shower surrounds are super common in mobile homes for good reason—they check all the boxes:

• Low cost ($300-$800 installed)
• Lightweight construction won‘t strain walls
• Easy installation even for DIYers
• Resists mold with smooth, non-porous surface
• Durable and resistant to scratches
• Custom sizing available for tight spaces

The only downside is fiberglass can look a bit cheap next to higher-end finishes like tile. But a fresh coat of paint makes these units look great. I recommend fiberglass for most mobile home shower projects.

Acrylic Showers

For a bit more panache, acrylic shower walls offer a glossy, elegant look. Key features:

• Attractive shine resists soap scum and hard water buildup
• More flex than fiberglass, making custom sizing easier
• Low maintenance and easy to keep clean
• Resistant to impacts like dropped bottles
• Higher cost than fiberglass, averaging $1000-$1500 installed

Acrylic makes for an affordable spa-like vibe. Definitely splurge if your budget allows!

Tiled Showers

Of course, you can‘t beat the classic look and feel of genuine ceramic tile. But tile has some downsides for mobile homes:

• Heavy and often requires wall reinforcement
• Difficult installation with precise layout
• Grout requires sealing to prevent mold buildup
• Higher cost averaging $4000+ to contract out
• Existing tub may be hard to remove without damage

If done right, however, tile creates a stunning, custom shower space. Just be prepared to put in extra time and money.

Prefab Shower Stalls

For quick, simple installation, prefab shower stalls are a convenient option. Features include:

• Super fast installation—usually clicks together in under 2 hours
• Compact size with some models under 3 feet square
• Lower cost than custom builds, averaging $800-$1500 installed

The tradeoff is less ability to customize size and layout. Carefully measure before purchasing any prefab unit.

Overall prefab shower stalls are best for simple upgrades or small spaces. I don‘t recommend them for master bathrooms.

Walk-In Showers

For ultimate convenience, you may want to consider a large walk-in design. Key perks include:

• No obstructions like doors or lips to step over
• ADA compliant models work for all mobility levels
• Open feel showers larger bathrooms
• Benches and shelves can be incorporated

The catch is walk-ins require much more space—at least 36-42 square feet. Structural support and correct pitching to drain are also crucial. If you have the room, a walk-in shower can be amazing, but work with an expert installer.

Average Costs to Install Shower in Mobile Home

Here‘s an overview of typical price ranges to install a new shower in a mobile home bathroom:

Type of Shower	Average Cost Range
Fiberglass Shower Insert	$500 – $1500
Acrylic Shower Surround	$800 – $2000
Ceramic Tile Shower	$3000 – $5000
Prefab Shower Stall	$1000 – $2000
Walk-In Shower	$4000 – $7000

I always recommend getting at least 3 quotes from reputable local contractors to find the best deal. You want an experienced installer familiar with the unique requirements of mobile homes.

The specific costs for your project will depend on factors like:

• Demolition and removal of old tub
• Plumbing modifications needed
• Structural work/reinforcement of walls
• Type of shower and size
• Materials selected like tile, fixtures, accessories
• Overall complexity of the install

Ideally, set your shower budget ahead of time so you can choose the design and features that fit both your space and budget. This will help avoid any costly surprises down the line!

Mobile Home Plumbing 101

Working with the plumbing in a mobile home is different than a standard house. Here‘s a quick rundown of what to expect:

• Smaller pipe sizes – Usually 1⁄2 inch diameter pipes
• Plastic piping – PVC, CPVC, or PEX instead of copper
• Lower water pressure – Around 45 PSI compared to 60 PSI average
• Use of joints and elbows – For flexibility during transport
• Difficult access – Pipes and drains run under floors

The smaller size and tight spaces make DIY work more challenging. My advice is to have a professional handle any significant plumbing changes.

For showers, use fixtures designed for mobile homes. You‘ll need a compact tub/shower faucet, smaller drain assembly, and low-flow shower head. Carefully plan all supply and drain line connections to match your new shower.

Also be sure to securely cap any abandoned plumbing lines. Leftover pipes can leak and cause major damage if not properly closed off.

Providing Adequate Structural Support

One crucial consideration unique to mobile homes is providing enough structural support for your new shower. Here are some key ways to reinforce walls and floors:

• Sistering studs – Adding secondary studs next to existing ones
• Header boards – Extra support across top of framing
• Thicker surrounding materials – Double up backerboard or use cement board
• Blocking – Short boards between studs give more shear strength

Most shower units don‘t require full wall demolition—just carefully removing sections around the plumbing. That way you can add reinforcements without major reconstruction.

If possible, avoid external walls, which have less existing support. Definitely get an expert opinion if you have any concerns about adequacy of the structure.

For walk-in showers, structural work may involve:

• Complete wall removal and rebuild
• New engineered floor joists
• Concrete reinforcement of flooring
• Steel or laminated posts at corners

Walk-ins require extensive expertise in structural engineering and framing.

Ventilation Tips

Proper ventilation is absolutely essential when adding a shower in any home, but especially in a mobile home. With less thermal mass, moisture can saturate wall cavities leading to mold, mildew, and rot.

Here are my top recommendations for ventilating your new shower space:

• Install a ceiling exhaust fan vented directly outside
• Use an exterior fan rated for high humidity (at least 50 CFM)
• Make sure ducting has smooth straight runs and no kinks
• Put fan on a separate switch from the lights
• Run fan for 30+ minutes after showering
• Also consider a recirculating ventilation fan to control localized moisture

You‘ll also want to prep all the surrounding surfaces:

• Waterproof drywall using RedGard or a similar membrane
• Use mold-resistant materials like Fiberock AquaTough or DensShield tile backer
• Seal all connections and joints thoroughly with silicone caulk
• Avoid showering on outside walls if possible

Take the time up front to overbuild your moisture defenses—it will pay off for years to come!

Step-By-Step Installation Guide

Now let‘s walk through the complete installation process for adding both prefab and custom showers:

Installing a Prefab Shower Stall

Prefab shower stalls make replacement a snap! Follow these steps:

Prep the Area

• Turn off water supply lines and drain the existing tub
• Remove adjacent walls / flooring to create space for new unit
• Address any structural or ventilation issues

Reroute Plumbing

• Plan new supply and drain locations to match stall
• Install compact mobile home shower valve and drain assembly

Install Shower Pan

• Verify pan dimensions fit space
• Level and shim pan as needed
• Adhere pan to floor with silicone caulk

Assemble Surrounds

• Test fit walls and trim to size if needed
• Apply adhesive to joints and seals with trim strips
• Attach panels to studs with provided screws
• Seal all seams thoroughly

Add Finishing Touches

• Install showerhead, hardware, shelves, and curtains
• Use silicone caulk around base and all edges
• Run water to check for leaks!

Be sure to follow all the manufacturer‘s instructions. And take your time sealing this puppy up—any leaks now mean headaches down the road.

Converting Existing Tub to Custom Shower

For a fully custom shower, you can convert that old tub into a walk-in design:

Gut the Area

• Turn off water supply and drain the tub
• Disconnect supply lines and cut above tub drain
• Remove tub lip if needed and cut apart tub with sawzall

Construct New Base

• Build 2×4 curb and slope subfloor to drain
• Line with waterproofing membrane
• Pour lightweight concrete reinforced with mesh

Plumb Shower Fixtures

• Reroute supply and drain lines to new valve location
• Install mobile home shower system and solid pan

Build Surrounds

• Waterproof walls with RedGard and cement board
• Tile walls or install waterproof shower panels
• Bench and/or shelves for accessories

Finish Details

• Install fixtures like body sprays, showerhead, etc.
• Seal all penetrations and edges thoroughly
• Let cure fully before using shower

Converting existing tub to walk-in shower takes some expertise—especially the waterproofing. Don‘t hesitate to hire a pro if you lack experience.

Top Tips for Mobile Home Showers

After all these projects, here are my top expert tips:

• Carefully measure available space before buying any materials
• Confirm adequate structural support and access to plumbing
• Use only mobile home-rated shower components
• Check on required permits for DIY shower installs
• Seal, seal, seal—leave no gaps anywhere
• Properly ventilate with a strong exhaust fan
• Consider mold-resistant surround materials
• Bracing and grab bars improve accessibility
• Call a contractor for structural modifications or complex plumbing

And most importantly—make sure you enjoy your new mobile home shower! A soothing steam shower or luxurious soaking tub can make all those hours of work worthwhile. Here‘s to many years of happy bathing!

Let me know if you have any other questions. I‘m always happy to help a friend upgrade their home. Reach out anytime!