Replacing a bathtub with a walk-in shower is one of the most common bathroom projects. It can make a bathroom easier to use and look more open. It also involves plumbing, waterproofing and sometimes the floor structure, so it is more than a cosmetic change. This guide explains what is involved and when a permit applies.
Key takeaways
- A conversion usually changes the drain and valve, which means plumbing work.
- Moving concealed piping needs a permit in the City of Las Vegas.
- Waterproofing is the part you cannot see and must get right.
Option A: keep the tub
Keeping the tub and updating around it, for example with new tile, a new faucet and fresh caulk, is simpler. Replacing a faucet that is not concealed in a wall, resurfacing shower walls and replacing a fixture in the same place without changing concealed piping are listed as permit-free work in the City of Las Vegas guide.
Option B: convert to a shower
A conversion removes the tub and builds a shower in its place. The drain usually moves or changes size, the valve may be relocated, the walls are waterproofed and tiled or paneled, and the floor is sloped to the drain. Glass enclosures, benches and niches add to the scope.
Side-by-side comparison
| Keep the tub | Convert to shower | |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing changes | Usually none behind the wall | Drain and valve usually change |
| Permit in City of Las Vegas | Often not, if fixtures stay in place | Likely, when concealed piping changes |
| Waterproofing | Existing system | New system must be built |
| Access | Step over the tub edge | Low or no threshold possible |
| Bathing | Tub available | No tub in that bathroom |
Which one fits
A conversion suits households that rarely use the tub or want easier access. Keeping a tub often matters in a home with young children, and some owners prefer to keep at least one tub in the house. If this is the only bathroom, plan how long it will be out of service.
When a permit applies
The City of Las Vegas guide requires a permit to alter piping inside a wall, ceiling or beneath a floor, and to relocate existing plumbing during a remodel. A tub-to-shower conversion often does both. Replacing fixtures in the same location, without changing concealed piping or penetrating fire-rated construction, is listed as exempt. Clark County’s code likewise requires permits for altering plumbing systems. See When You Need a Building Permit in Las Vegas.
Tip: Ask each bidder to describe their waterproofing method in writing and to photograph it before tile goes on. It is the most important part of a shower and the hardest to check later.
Order of work
- Demolition of the tub and surrounding walls.
- Plumbing rough-in: drain and valve changes.
- Rough plumbing inspection, if permitted.
- Shower pan or sloped floor and waterproofing.
- Tile or wall panels.
- Glass, fixtures and trim.
- Final inspection and punch list.
Ventilation matters too
A shower adds moisture. The City of Las Vegas guide lists installing bathroom fans as mechanical work that needs a permit. If the bathroom has no fan, or a weak one, include ventilation in the scope.
Choosing the shower design
Decide early on the shower size, the location of the valve and shower head, and whether you want a bench, niche or handheld spray. A curbless shower, with no step at the entrance, often needs the floor recessed or rebuilt so water flows to the drain, which adds scope. Glass doors and panels are usually measured after tile is finished. Put every choice in the scope so all bidders price the same shower.
Hire licensed trades
The City of Las Vegas notes that only licensed plumbers and electricians, along with owners working on their own homes, may legally do plumbing or electrical work in Nevada. For a conversion with several trades, a licensed general building contractor may coordinate the work. See General Building Contractor vs. Specialty Contractor.
Common mistakes
Skipping the permit when the drain moves, choosing finishes before confirming the drain location and not planning ventilation are the most common mistakes. Another is assuming a new glass door will fit an out-of-square opening without measuring after tile.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the bathroom out of service?
It varies with the scope. Ask each contractor for a schedule, including inspection timing.
Can I just replace the tub with a new tub?
A same-location replacement without changing concealed piping may be simpler. Confirm with your building department.
Does the whole bathroom need new tile?
Not always, but matching old tile can be hard. Decide before demolition.
For the kitchen equivalent, read Kitchen Remodel Order of Work, Step by Step.