www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk

Hi,
I recently cracked my shower tray - one of the legs had given way because I think it wasn't fitted properly - and the movement eventually caused it to crack. It's an alcove type shower - plasterboard walls on 3 sides, tiled from shower tray to ceiling. I'm trying to keep the cost of repair down and wondering what's best to do. My bathroom is completely tiled and I don't have any spare ones, but I don't particularly want to re-tile the whole bathroom. I've successfully removed the shower tray without damaging any tiles, which was a feat in itself. However, I can see that getting a new tray in is going to be be almost impossible, especially getting the 3 sides (not sure what they're called - upstands?) up behind the tiles. So, I'm contemplating trying to remove the bottom row of tiles by raking out the grout, cutting through the plasterboard and pulling tiles and plasterboard off together. I'd need to salvage the tiles by removing the attached plasterboard and adhesive (easy?). I'm thinking I could then board the bottom row again, install new tray and seal along top edge, tile down to the tray again and seal. I'd probably have a professional install and plumb the tray but I may do some of the prep work myself. Is this feasible? Thanks for any suggestions.

As you have got the old one out, replacement with the same sized shower tray (with legs) shouldn't be that difficult..provided you get a tray Without upstands...

..remove all traces of silicone from around the base of the tiling, put the shower tray in place with the legs on the lowest setting, wind the legs up (they're adjustable) until you're about 3mm below the tiles, silicon in well around the gap, smooth off..leave twentyfour hours to cure..

..unless I'm missing something?

No, you're not missing anything. I suppose that's the easiest thing to do. I was going to go for an identical replacement tray, with upstands, because of the extra watertightness. With it being an upstairs bathroom, and the fact that floors in these modern houses seem to give a little, I thought that that would be a wiser choice but I'll definitely think about it. I know that what I was proposing will be more work but is it do-able do you think?

The only problem would be if or when you crack a tile...

I agree, that's the risky bit. Having said I don't have any replacement tiles, I'm not 100% certain - it was tiled before we bought the house, so I'd need to check the shed, garage, attic, etc.

Would your advice be different if I found replacements?

Sight unseen...quite possibly...

Have you got a Multitool mate? If you have you might well get away with what you're trying to do. If you haven't you're almost certain to break - or at least chip - your existing tiles.