A shower tray may seem simple, but if it’s fitted badly — out of level or with a slow drain — you can end up with a stain on your neighbour’s ceiling in a month. In refurbished flats on Mokotow, new developments in Wilanow, old blocks on Praga — the job stays the same: the tray has to be level, the waste must run properly, and the joint to the wall has to stay watertight. If you’ve already bought a tray and don’t want to gamble on a DIY fitting, call a professional. We handle this work all the time and know exactly where things tend to go wrong.

How much does installation cost

The cost depends on what the tray is made of (acrylic, ceramic, enamelled steel), how it is mounted (factory frame, adjustable legs, brick plinth) and how awkward the drain connection is. Low-profile trays with almost no space underneath are a separate job — in many cases the screed has to be chased out to fit the trap. Current rates for all bathroom work are in the table below. Fixings and sealant are included; the tray and trap are provided by the client.

How the installation works

1. Site inspection: we check where the drain outlet sits, the floor fall and the distance to the waste stack. We make sure there is enough room under the tray for the trap.
2. Assembling the frame or legs: if the tray includes a frame, we put it together according to the manufacturer’s instructions and level it. If a brick plinth is required, we build the base and leave it to set.
3. Dry fit: the tray is placed in position without sealant so we can check the level and line up the waste outlet with the drain pipe.
4. Trap connection: we install the trap and connect it to the drain using a flexible or rigid pipe. We check the fall — at least 2 cm per metre.
5. Flow test: we pour water into the tray, watch how it drains and inspect each joint for leaks.
6. Sealing the wall joint: we apply sanitary silicone around the whole perimeter where the tray meets the wall. If the tiles are already fitted, we fill the gap neatly.
7. Fitting the apron panel (if supplied): we install the decorative panel and make sure the trap can still be reached for maintenance.

Common mistakes

• Not checking the fall on the drain pipe — water runs away slowly, dirt builds up in the trap and the bathroom starts smelling.
• Setting the tray without a spirit level — water sits in one corner instead of running to the outlet.
• Using general-purpose silicone instead of sanitary silicone — it goes black and gets mouldy within months.
• Sealing the apron permanently with no access to the trap — if it blocks, the panel has to be broken out.
• Supporting the whole tray on expanding foam — the foam expands unevenly, the tray leans and the base bends under load.
• Skipping the leak test before sealing — the leak only shows up after the job is finished.
• Connecting the drain without a trap with a water seal — sewer smell comes straight into the bathroom.

Important: any work on water supply and drainage needs care. One bad connection can lead to leaks and flood the flat below. If you are not sure of your plumbing skills, it is better to call a professional.

What to prepare before the visit

• Buy the tray and trap — make sure the waste hole diameter matches (usually 60 or 90 mm).
• Check whether the frame and legs come in the set or need to be bought separately.
• Confirm that the drain outlet is in the correct spot and has not been covered with concrete.
• Clear the bathroom of furniture and belongings — the technician needs room to work.
• If an old tray or bathtub is still there, tell us in advance — removal is priced separately.
• Make sure there is access to the waste stack and shut-off valves in case the water has to be turned off.
• Check whether the walls around the tray are already tiled — this changes the order of work.
• For low-profile trays (rim under 5 cm), check the screed depth — chasing may be needed.

A real case from Warsaw

We were called to a flat on Mokotow. The owners had bought a low-profile 90 x 90 acrylic tray and wanted it fitted where an old cast-iron bathtub had stood. The issue was that the drain outlet had been set up for the bathtub — too high for a slim trap. We had to chase the screed, drop the pipe by 4 cm and reroute the connection. The tray was installed on its factory frame, levelled accurately and connected to a trap with a proper water seal. We filled it with water — it drained in seconds and every joint stayed dry. The wall joint was finished with sanitary silicone. The whole job took about three hours, including the drain modification. A week later the owners confirmed that everything was working perfectly (compatible with Grohe, Hansgrohe, Geberit and similar).

Frequently asked questions

Book the installation

We fit shower trays across Warsaw — acrylic, steel and ceramic, in any size and shape. We come with tools, fixings and sealant. We test the drain before closing any access. Get in touch and we’ll arrange a suitable date and time.