15 Shower Replacement Kit Nightmares (and How to Avoid Them)

I don’t know what’s worse FOMO (the Fear of Missing Out) and NOT replacing your nasty one piece fiberglass or tile shower or FOSU (the Fear of Screwing Up). And as you know FOSU can make you worry about putting ‘good money after bad,’ and paralyze you from taking any action at all.

So, if you’re looking for a shower replacement kit for a tub to shower conversion, or a shower to shower replacement and don’t want to get burned with a system which is cheaper – or harder to maintain than what you have, what can you do to protect yourself?

Read these 15 shower replacement kit nightmares, and even more importantly the practical steps you can take to make sure they don’t become YOUR nightmares. Let’s take a look.

Shower Replacement Kit Nightmare #1 – Your newly purchased system (which looked WON-DER-FUL in on-line pictures) is even cheaper than the one you replaced

There’s a Greek phrase, ‘caveat emptor.’ This means ‘let the buyer beware.’

I’m sure we’ve all fallen in love with images of a product (or Internet girlfriend…..just joking there….) on-line, clicked the buy button, then excitedly opened up the package when it arrived and thought, “Couldn’t I have been smarter than buying this sight, unseen?”

Then you ‘try’ to call the e-commerce site and lo and behold, you can’t even find a phone number on their site to call. Ouch! So, what can you do to make sure the shower system you buy isn’t cheap, and you don’t get buyer’s remorse?

How to avoid nightmare #1 – Get samples, or visit displays of shower kits (if possible)

If you can’t get samples of the shower surround panels, or shower pans, it’s NOT a good sign. That’s your clue to ‘not pass GO and certainly DO NOT give them your $200 (ok, it’ll be more than $200 when buying a shower kit). Find a company who will send samples. And when you get them feel how likely you think they’d be to crack, chip, or scratch. Are they wafer-thin or will they be durable?

And better yet, see if there’s local showrooms where you can see what the seams look like between panels, and how sturdy the base feels in a full display. If the shower pan jiggles around more than a belly dancer with a hairy beer-belly (yes, bad visual, I know…), or if the doors wobble to and fro… run, run as fast as you can.

Shower Replacement Kit Nightmare #2 – If it don’t fit, it may too late to acquit!

You ‘thought’ your existing shower was standard size until you found out – what ‘looked’ like a 48” or 60” width wasn’t what you thought it was. Now you’re stuck with a base, wall panels, and door which can’t be returned (or you’ll end up eating exorbitant restock fees)!

How to avoid nightmare #2 – Demo first, then buy

While you’ll be going out on a limb to demo the tub or shower first (and doing this will render your shower non-operable shower for longer), it’s the safest way to get accurate measurements and make sure you’re buying a shower pan, walls surrounds, and glass door which WILL work even if your existing shower isn’t the size you thought it was.

Also – once everything is removed there are often strategies (like reframing, buying a trimmable shower pan, or purchasing wall panels which can be cut to fit) which can allow you to do a ‘David Copperfeld’ and transform a custom space – into a standard one (if you, or your contractor) is smart enough to use these tricks.

Shower kits can have flexibility if you choose the right system.

Shower Replacement Kit Nightmare #3 – You ‘settled for’ an uninspired shower replacement kit design, only to find out, after the fact, you could’ve been a ‘fashion contender!’

Isn’t it funny after you get in the market for something (like a new car, new carryon luggage, or a shower remodel kit) you get so focused on it, you see new choices EVERYWHERE (ok…. maybe the Internet ‘trolling’ by advertisers fuels this a bit as well).

The only problem is if you bought the first thing you saw (for example you picked up a ‘basic-looking white plastic shower kit at a home center because you were there buying something else) it may be too big a hassle to return it, and you end up living with BOR-ING for years and years to come.

Fortunately, this problem is solvable if you’re a thoughtful (not spur of the moment) buyer.

How to avoid nightmare #3 – Don’t assume big box stores are your only choice!

Let’s face facts, big box stores are focused on turning their inventory. So, what does that mean? It means they buy what they believe ‘most people’ want! Maybe it’s molded white subway tile look shower surrounds, a white shower pan, and a shower door with chrome hardware. And they buy them in bulk. This saves you money (a good thing). However, it usually guarantees you a boring look (a bad thing).

However, what can you do if you don’t want a ‘generic-looking,’ shower replacement kit? Here’s what:

Look for specialty bathroom distributors who focus on selling shower replacement products. See how many wall panel patterns they stock. See if you can choose multiple styles of shower doors – from bypass, to sliders, to pivoting doors, or walk in shower screens. See if you have choices in trim profiles and the door finish hardware.

For the wall panels, see if you can get gloss AND matte finishes. Are there stone, marble, and tile patterns which DO NOT looked stamped out of a mold? Is white, shiny, and ‘plasticky’ your only option?

Shower Replacement Kit Nightmare #4 – The installation is blowing everyone’s mind!

A great product can become a lousy product if it’s improperly installed.

And a ‘cost-effective’ product can become uber-expensive if you’re paying for labor costs separately and it’s taking your contractor FOR-EVER to figure out how to do it. And the more he (or she) gets frustrated, the more stress you’re feeling and wondering, “Are they actually doing this right? What’s going to happen if the job fails?”

How to avoid nightmare #4 – Watch videos, get written installation instructions and know ‘who you gonna call’ if the proverbial crap hits the fan!

While I never became a Boy Scout and am still saddened I don’t have a few more ‘badges’ to show off in my life (and don’t you feel sorry for me?), I’ve heard the Boy Scout’s motto is to ‘be prepared.’ I think this same motto should also apply whether you’re a DIY homeowner, or contractor installing a shower replacement kit.

And here’s 4 ideas to take to make sure you don’t (literally) pay for your lack of knowledge later (after you’ve purchased the system which is a PITA to install):

• Idea 1 – Request written installation instructions for your shower remodel kits. 
• Idea 2 – Watch videos – YouTube is a god-send.

• Idea 3 – Think Ghostbusters…..know ‘who you gonna call.’ I wish I could guarantee you the crap wouldn’t hit the fan in your bathroom remodel. However, ‘once the patient is opened up’ (‘err the demo is done) sometimes you ‘get’ (sarcasm intended) surprises which make what you thought would be a simple job far harder. And while videos and written installation instructions are good – they ARE NOT written about the craziness which is your home. This is where buying through a shower replacement kit supplier who has actual humans you can call with installation questions can be invaluable. Don’t buy until you know – ‘who you gonna call’ if the crap hits the fan.

• Idea 4 – Read product and contractor reviews – Unfiltered customer input can be worth its weight in gold. What are other’s experiences? How promptly does the supplier or contractor handle problems?

Shower Replacement Kit Nightmare #5 – You never regretted having a window so much, until you learned there was no solution to work around it with the shower kit you purchased!

While your existing tub/shower window may not be in ‘tip-top’ shape, or provide the privacy you’d like, I’d argue the right bathroom window and surrounding trim (like a glass block window, or frosted vinyl replacement window) can make your shower safer, keep mold away, and improve your mood (dark bathrooms without windows are depressing bathrooms).

However, with that being said, standard shower replacement kits purchased in home centers often have no product solutions to work around existing windows. So, what can you do?

How to avoid nightmare #5 – Know your window trim kit solution

About a third of owners looking to do tub to shower conversions, or shower to shower conversions have existing windows in their shower or tub alcoves. So, not having a plan to either improve and/or work around the existing window is NOT a sound strategy.

However, with better wall panel systems you’ll find window trim kits to waterproof around your surround AND keep your window. And the last thing I’d recommend (especially if you’re doing an age in place or accessible shower) is to cover the window with wall panels. They’ll not only make the bathroom darker but also increase the chance of falls. In addition, covering a window with a wall surround panel is uber-tacky if you look at the window (with the wall surround behind it) from the outside.

Learn about window trim kit options by reading How to Remodel a Bathroom with a Window in the Shower or Tub Alcove.

Shower Replacement Kit Nightmare #6 – You don’t know what sealant or adhesive to use

Even if you use the proper installation tools, trim pieces, and backer boards behind the shower surround panels, if you use the wrong adhesives and sealants your shower may not be waterproofed properly – or stay adhered to the walls. Fortunately, it’s not hard to make sure you don’t have this problem.

How to avoid nightmare #6 – Get a ‘complete shower kit’ so you KNOW you are using the right stuff!

One way sellers of shower replacement kits make their products ‘appear’ more cost-effective is the old ‘batteries-not-included’ strategy. Or in the case of shower replacement kits – sealants and adhesives not included.

Before buying, make sure you’re going to get EVERYTHING you need. Not only adhesives and sealants, but also a strainer cover for the drain and finished profiles for the ends of the wall surrounds.

Shower Replacement Kit Nightmare #7 – The flimsy shower pan cracks. Ouch!

Just like the foundation of your home, shower pans usually aren’t sexy. However, they are what everything else above it (the wall surrounds, glass doors) depends on. If the base fails, you’re up a creek without a paddle as ‘they’ say (whoever they are).

And if you’ve been living with a squeaky shower pan, or are worried yours will crack any day, when you’re investing in a new system you need to put these concerns behind you. But how, you may be wondering?

How to avoid nightmare #7 – Get a sturdier shower pan with a robust warranty

TO make sure you’re comfortable with the shower pan ‘test drive’ it (ok, not literally) by walking on an actual base in a showroom or at least by requesting a product sample. This will help you know how sturdy – and slip resistant it feels. Also ask about the warranty. The reality is…..

Cheap bases don’t have long warranties

If your budget allows I’d recommend a solid surface shower pan or contemporary reinforced acrylic pan for sturdier choices.

Shower Replacement Kit Nightmare #8 – Due to a health condition, or accident, what you recently bought no longer works

As the funny (if it’s happening to ‘someone else’) Nationwide commercial below says, “Life comes at you fast.” Life IS NOT predictable.

And if you- or a loved one gets upended by a health condition, or accident, the shower kit with the tall shower curb may become a barrier which is too tall to climb. So, what can you do to cover your bases for an uncertain future?

How to avoid nightmare #8 – Low profile shower pans with optional ramp kits

No one likes to think about curve balls like this – but here’s 2 realities for all of us:

• Father time is undefeated.

• We’re not getting any younger.

And if you’re attempting to do a tub to shower conversion for an aging parent (who is arguing they don’t need it), and you know they’re not getting any younger (although they’re in denial about this fact) – why not show them this sturdy and stylish shower pan with a 1 1/6” profile which is also available with a ramp kit (just in case) it’s needed down the road.  They will help eliminate bathroom nightmares if your shower no longer works for a loved one.

Shower replacement kit nightmare #9 – You find out your drain location doesn’t work with the shower pan you purchased

Drains – while NOT a sexy part of a shower remodel, can become a source of unexpected costs. And if after the demo is completed you THEN discover the drain hole for the shower pan doesn’t match with your existing drain, it can be a pocket-draining experience (plumbing contractors aren’t cheap).

So, how can you protect against this bad surprise?

How to avoid nightmare #9 – Wait to order your pan until after demo

The most conservative way to make sure you don’t have a drain location problem is to not order your shower pan until after the demo is done. That way you can measure the location of your drain from the studs to the center of the drain hole.

If you can’t afford to wait until after demo, you may be able to get measurements if you have an unfinished floor below or you’ll need to guestimate where the drain needs to be (without extra plumbing costs) with the existing shower in place. And remember if you do this to add the approximate thickness of the finished materials (which will be removed) on your side walls to get a close estimation.

Another way to minimize the chance of errors with approximate dimensions is to use a trimmable shower pan. One such line is the solid surface shower pan below.

Shower replacement kit nightmare #10 – Your doors are as flimsy as a politician speaking ‘the truth’ (sarcasm intended)

As we all know (no matter what side of the ‘aisle’ – so to speak you’re on) politicians have a flimsy association with ‘the truth.’ And while flimsy truth-telling may still keep them in office (until the next election), if you end up with a flimsy shower door, you’ll be stuck with it waaaay past the next mid-term elections!

What can you do to not get stuck with a flimsy shower door?

How to avoid nightmare #10 – Do your research before you buy

First, you’ll want to identify features of a flimsy shower door.

One is that the door thickness will be ¼” or thinner.

Second, the door will likely have a frame around it (and yes, many cheap framed doors have evil U tracks at the bottom you ‘get to,’ clean).

Better quality doors are thicker. I’d suggest a minimum thickness of 5/16.”

A better quality shower door is frameless. It’ll also have a more contemporary look.

To learn how to choose the best alcove shower replacement kit (and shower door which often comes with it), watch the video below.

Shower replacement kit nightmare #11 – You don’t think about safe shower accessories until it’s too late

While it can be cheap to buy (and install) a shower kit with molded walls which comes with a plastic towel bar, soap and shampoo ledges which stick out of the molded panels and the panel is glued onto moisture resistant green board, if you end up needing a safer shower with grab bars and a fold down seat you may have no visually appealing way to anchor these accessories years later.

However, the good news is this problem, doesn’t have to be your problem.

How to avoid nightmare #11 – Plan ahead before you install

Do these two things to ensure you can add safety accessories later:

• Install wood blocking or OSB behind your shower surround panels
• Use flat wall panels which aren’t molded. Then it’ll be simple to add grab bars or fold down seats at a later date.

Shower replacement kit nightmare #12 – Your shower door operation is messed up!

I could imagine Larry the Cable Guy saying….

“If you have a pivoting shower door which bangs into your toilet (or wipes out the girl with no teeth you picked up at the truck stop last night), you might be a redneck.” Or…

“If you have a sliding shower door which gives you the ‘cold shoulder’ because you have to jump in the shower to turn it on (while sporting your glorious 6-pack abs….’er I mean beer belly), you might be a redneck.”

How a shower door operates (whether it slides, pivots, or has a walk-in design) has a tremendous impact on whether you’ll be cussing it out (even though it can’t speak to you) on a daily basis.

So, how can you make the right shower door choice?

How to avoid nightmare #12 – Know which operating style best suits you!

The first way to not get mad at your shower door is to buy a shower replacement kit where you can choose ANY operating style which makes sense for your space. This could include a bypass door (where two doors slide), a sliding shower door (when only 1 door slides), a pivoting door (which opens into the bathroom), or a partial glass walk in shower door. When you buy shower kits with doors you’ll also know the entire system will work together.

The other way to stay away from this nightmare is to read How to Choose a Glass Shower Door or Wall.

Shower replacement kit nightmare #13 – You find out you’re in a bad place because you need a custom shower kit

So – when did you realize the ‘home with character’ you bought would transform into your own personal version of the 1986 movie The Money Pit? And if you’re not familiar with this movie I’ve included a scene below for laughs (of course that’s assuming it’s NOT YOUR HOUSE)

And if you purchased the ‘older home with character’ you’ve likely figured out ‘off-the-shelf’ products rarely work.

And if you have a custom tile shower in your old home, you’ll often end up paying A LOT more when you find out the standard shower kits will not work for you.

So, what can you do?

How to avoid nightmare #13 – Looking at custom options that WON’T cost you an arm and a leg

I’ll bet your mother never taught you ‘custom’ can be a dirty word, but many homeowners learn this new ‘swear word’ when they get onto the ‘battlefield’ known as bathroom remodeling. And if you learn you have a custom shower you may be wondering how to lessen your economic pain and hold onto your hard-earned dollars. Here’s 3 smart tips:

• Tip #1 – Read How to Find a High-Quality Custom Shower Replacement Kit which DOES NOT Cost you an Arm and a Leg. This article has practical tips and product recommendations.
• Tip #2 – Buy shower wall surround panels which can be cut to fit any size. With 2’ wide click lock shower wall panels you can pay the same amount for an odd-sized shower wall (let’s say one that’s 68”) as you will for a common 60” shower surround wall. Custom shower kits are possible if you choose the right system.
• Tip #3 – Look for trimmable shower pans. These pans can be cut to fit and save the cost and lead times of custom shower pans.

Shower replacement kit nightmare #14 – You can’t get the shower door finish which compliments your other bathroom products in the standard kit you’re looking to buy

To save money many manufacturers supply their shower replacement kits with chrome shower doors. The problem with chrome is it spots easily and doesn’t match with the popular hardware finish choices including brushed nickel, matte black, and brushed brass.

So, what can you do about this problem?

How to avoid nightmare #14 – Pay attention to the details before you buy

Before buying a shower replacement kit system (which includes a shower base, shower surround wall panels, and a door) pay attention to the door finish. Ask the if you can also get brushed nickel shower doors, matte black doors, or even brushed brass. There’s no reason you can’t make sure your bathroom vanity and shower door flows together… if you pay attention to the details.

Shower replacement kit nightmare #15 – You click ‘buy’ only to find out -after the fact – what you want is out of stock. Then you can’t find a ‘human’ (or number to call) to refund your money!

I don’t know about you, but this problem is happening to me at an alarming rate. In this age of e-commerce, AI, and ‘communicating’ with bots and the ‘so-called ‘benefits of ‘frictionless’ Internet transactions, there are more sales being done where you never talk to a human. And what can become a major frustration is there’s no one to talk to after the ‘e-commerce platform’ has taken your money, and you find out what you want is out of stock.

And, quite frankly, buying a shower replacement kit IS different than buying a pair of running shoes or top on Temu. When you’re buying a shower kit you may be coordinating tradespeople you’ve been chasing for months to do your job. You may be trying to install the vanities, light fixtures, and new toilet which have taken over your garage and forced you to park in the driveway for months.

So, how can you NOT get yourself into an ‘out-of-stock’ problem which throws your life and project into a tailspin?

How to avoid nightmare #15 – Work with a company where you can talk to an actual person!

Before ordering online (if that’s your preference) do the following:

• See if you can find a phone number on your potential vendor’s site.
• Call and see if you’re able to talk to a human.
• If human contact is not your suppliers ‘jam’, I’d choose an alternate supplier. That’s NOT a good sign!

Another (novel) concept is to place the order over the phone (with a real live Shower Specialist). This will give you a chance to find out if technical support is available (and how you’d connect with someone if you need it) and ask shipping or installation questions.

Are you better prepared now to not be the victim of shower replacement kit nightmares? Do you need help?

Do you feel after reading this article you’re in a better position to buy a custom or standard size shower replacement kit? Do you have questions about your project?

If so, call a Shower Specialist so you’re not ‘guessing’ and then end up watching your hard-earned dollars go down the drain (and yes, that bad shower pan WAS intended). Call 877-668-5888 or request a Free Design Consultation.

And if you’re in the Northeast Ohio (Cleveland, Akron, Lorain, Elyria etc.) and want an estimate or advice from a professional bathroom remodeling contractor call 216-658-1270.

And finally, if you’re a bathroom contractor, a kitchen and bath showroom, or multi-unit property owner (or buyer) looking to purchase standard or custom shower kits or stylish shower walls call me at 888-467-7488 or visit the wall panel dealership or multi-unit wall panel supply areas of our site.

Thanks for reading.

Mike