Personal project

Custom Shower Installation

Problem: Design and install a fully tiled shower to the Massachusetts plumbing code (2022).
Date: 2022
My role: Did all of the work myself
Tools: Circular saw, table saw, jig saw, chop saw, hammer drill, impact driver, orbital sander, wet saw, laser level
Result: A functional shower built to code, ready for use in a residential property

Process

Researched the Massachusetts plumbing code in effect in 2022 and the relevant building codes to inform the design.
Installed the P-trap, vent pipe, water supply and all other code-required components for the shower's plumbing.
Built the structural framing with 2x4s and plywood.
- Tools used: circular saw, table saw, jig saw, chop saw, hammer drill, impact driver, orbital sander.
Installed the insulation, including in the shower bench.
Calculated the best cuts and corners for the PVC liner to use the most material while creating the fewest holes in the liner.
Built a jig to fill and pitch the mortar in the shower basin.
Cut and installed the cement backer board required for tiling.
Installed tiles on the walls and bench.
- Used a trowel to apply thinset to the cement board and the back of the tiles.
- Cut tiles to size with a wet saw.
- Used a laser level and spacers to keep the tiles aligned.
Installed the floor tiles and grouted the walls and floor.

A visually appealing, fully functional shower built to the Massachusetts plumbing code, ready for use in a residential property. I did every step myself.