How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Shower Pan in 2024?

Whether you are a quick shower person or a long shower devotee, the condition of your shower pan can make a difference in your bathing experience. A damaged baseboard, loose floor tiles, or a wet bath mat can hardly allow you to unwind and feel joyful afterward. Even though shower pan replacement is not the most inspiring project and may feel like a burden, it is a must-do thing. Ignored water leaks can result in multi-thousand dollar structural repairs compared to the cost of a shower pan, which may seem like a zilch. Your replacement expenses can be determined by multifold factors, like the pan size and material it is made of. Hence, don’t freak out over the project till you know what it can set you back. 

How much does it cost to install a shower pan? The average price is $1,600, falling in the range of $900 to $2,500. Homeowners on a shoestring budget can find pocket-friendly options running at $500. Those who fancy high-end materials should be ready to spend $4,500+. 

The price of replacing a shower pan

Shower Pan Replacement Cost Breakdown

Once in the market, homeowners may feel stuck with the wide selection of shower pans. Today, the latter are available in numerous materials and sizes to ensure everyone’s needs are met. Each choice can affect the total cost to install a shower pan and, thus, your budget. Let’s break down your possible expenditure into crucial aspects.

If you can’t decide what shower pan fits your bathroom and budget, use the MyHomeQuote platform. It serves as a bridge between homeowners and licensed contractors across the country. Put forward your request in the form below. 

Material

When selecting the right shower pan for your bathroom, pay heed to the material it is made of. All the options come with different durability, installation complexity, and price tags. Please note that some premium materials cost more upfront and require more labor and expertise for installation, meaning your total expenses may feel overwhelming. Banking on the option you select, the cost to build a shower pan can land between $150 and $3,600 for materials only. 

Labor

Installing an off-the-shelf shower pan can take licensed contractors about 4 hours. Usually, they charge from $340 to $580 for such a project. If the shower pan is located in a hard-to-reach area or requires special equipment to replace, this can add to the labor cost to install a shower pan, augmenting the overall expenditure. Besides installation complexity, contractors can factor in all extra services like repairs and upgrades needed during the replacement process.

Existing Shower Pan Removal

The material your current shower pan is made of determines what approach professionals need to follow. Waterproofing membranes and sealants can also affect the process, as these materials must be carefully removed to avoid damaging underlying structures. While some shower pans can be easily lifted out, others require significant effort to pry or break apart. That’s why the total shower base installation cost can be increased by $160 to $360, comprising debris disposal. 

The price of replacing a shower pan by key aspects

Major Factors Affecting the Cost to Replace a Shower Pan

Each shower pan stands out with specific features and quality, reflected in the cost. It’s crucial to evaluate prime factors like type and dimensions to understand why shower pan prices differ. Considering these aspects, you can apply critical thinking to select the best shower pan for your bathroom.

Shower Pan Cost by Size

When the bathroom footage allows, homeowners tend to choose larger shower pans for increased comfort. But they often don’t make allowance for the fact that oversized models come with a higher overall shower pan price. Not only do they require more materials and labor to install, but they also call for more intricate plumbing work and waterproofing measures, adding to the expense. The same can be said about custom bases. On the other hand, smaller shower pans are more cost-effective to replace. 

The cost to install shower base by size

Shower Pan Cost by Type

No matter how minimalistic or sophisticated your bathroom design is, you can locate a shower pan that fits it to a tee. Your choice of type can range from a classic base in subtle hues to more extravagant options like luxurious natural stone pans. Bear in mind that the material you choose will affect not only your shower’s aesthetics but also the installation and maintenance cost. 

Natural stone pans are typically more expensive due to their premium quality and unique appearance. The cost of replacing a shower pan with tile can be higher compared to installing a prefabricated base. 

If you fancy a few options but are unsure which one can match your budget, take advantage of MyHomeQuote. Fill in the questionnaire to get up to 5 bespoke quotes from local contractors. 

The price of replacing a shower pan by type

Custom Shower Pan Cost

Tailor-built shower pans are the best bet for those with unique design ideas or non-standard shower dimensions. The cost of a custom shower pan falls between $230 and $700, based on the exact type. When choosing between a hot mop base and a poured mud one, note that it will impact the overall cost and functionality of the replacement project.

Hot Mop Shower Pan Cost

A hot mop base comes with a waterproof layer and can be combined with a pre-made pan or tiled mortar bed. This type is highly durable and can last up to 15 years. The hot mop shower pan costs between $230 and $500 on average. 

Poured Mud Shower Pan Cost

The base of this type can serve as both a shower pan and a base for tiling as it is comprised of cement mortar and waterproof membrane, along with metal mesh or rods for added stability. You should be ready to spend between $350 to $700.

Shower Pan Installation Cost

If you go for a mud shower pan, a contractor can charge you anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour. Any extra features like edging variations or benches can set you back $90 to $550. 

When you select a hot mop type, the labor cost to install a shower pan and surround can land between $230 and $560, as a rule of thumb. Shower pan liners alone cost between $25 and $70, depending on the material. On top of that, it is worth checking whether your local building codes require getting a plumbing permit.