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How to Remove Shower Wall Surround

A common issue with tiled shower wall surrounds is that water can seep through the grout between the tiles. In time, the drywall behind the surround wall will become saturated and deteriorate which can promote mold growth. The best way to fix this is to remove the old wall and replace it. Here, our bath experts explain how to remove shower wall surround.

Remove Shower Fittings:

  1. Remove the shower head, faucets, and water handles.
  2. If you are going to use a pipe wrench to twist the faucet, make sure to put cloth around it first to prevent scratching the stainless-steel surface.

Cut Along the Edges of the Shower Surround Wall:

  1. Place the tip of the utility blade on the silicon caulk along the edge of the surround wall.
  2. Sink the blade into the caulk and pull down.
  3. Make sure you cut all the way through the caulk and the drywall underneath it.
  4. Cut through the caulk all the way around the edge of the wall surround.
  5. This includes cutting the caulk in the back corners and along the bottom and ceiling of the shower area.

Remove the Bottom Section of the Shower Surround Wall:

  1. Make sure you are wearing safety glasses. This part will produce a lot of debris from the drywall that can get into your eyes.
  2. Also make sure you wear safety gloves. The edges on the ceramic tiles will be as sharp as glass and can easily cut through your skin once the tile is broken.
  3. Start at an edge where the surround wall meets the regular drywall.
  4. Place the chisel so you can pound it in behind the first column of tile.
  5. Remove the entire first column of tiles.
  6. Take the hammer and knock out a row of tile about hallway up through the wall.
  7. Make sure to knock the head of the hammer through the tiles and drywall behind it.
  8. Place the claw side of the hammer or the curved end of a crowbar into the opening you’ve created with the hammer.
  9. Make sure the claw part of the hammer is inserted through the holes and behind the drywall.
  10. Gently force the lower section of drywall off of the screws or nails holding it to the studs by lifting the backend of the hammer handle up so the claw end pushes out against the backside of the surround wall.
  11. Remove the bottom section once it is loose.

Remove the Top Section:

  1. Reach up and gently pull the upper section away from the wall until it’s from the screws and studs.
  2. Take the section down and carefully set it aside.

Remove the Back Wall:

  1. You are going to repeat the same procedure as the side wall.
  2. Punch out of a row of tiles halfway up the wall.
  3. Gently tug on the wall until it pulls through the heads of the screws.
  4. Pull it out of the tub area and set it aside.

Repeat the same procedure on the third side of the wall to remove the entire shower wall surround.

And that completes our step by step instructions for how to remove a shower wall surround! The next step of your project would be to install a new wall and enjoy your newly renovated shower. If you need help with this project or the next steps feel free to reach out to PJ Fitz today!

Tools & Materials

  • Pipe Wrench
  • Screwdriver
  • Allen Wrench Set
  • Cloth
  • Utility Knife
  • Hammers
  • Crowbar
  • Chisel
  • Safety Gloves
  • Safety Glasses

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