Shower tray replacement in Warsaw: removing the old, fitting the new

How much does replacement cost

The replacement price includes taking out the old tray, preparing the base, and installing the new one. The final cost depends on the type of old and new tray, the state of the drain below, whether the waste pipe has to be moved, and how much finishing is needed (sealing, tile cutting). If the old tray was set on a brick plinth, the dismantling takes more time. Up-to-date prices for all bathroom jobs are listed in the table below. Removal, fixings, and sealant are included in the replacement price; the new tray and trap are provided by the client.

How it looks in the appWhat a “Shower tray replacement” request looks like in the appDescribing the job is quick: the service, a photo of the old shower tray and an estimate on screen. Next come the address and a convenient time. Handymen who work for themselves see the job. You end up with a few offers and decide yourself who to go with.Service and a photoAddress and a day that suits youOffers from handymen, you chooseStep 1 of 5BathroomShower tray replacement600–1000 zł · per jobEstimate≈ 600–1000 złPhotos: show what needs doingNext Step 2 of 5Where?Warsaw, TargówekWhen suits you?WeekdayWeekendAny dayDescriptionCracked shower tray needs to be replacedSend request 3 offersShower tray replacementWarsaw, TargówekSentTRTomasz R.620 złI’ll bring sanitary silicone, charged separately.ChooseDPDmytro P.830 złTaking the old parts away is extra.ChooseMKMarek K.940 złFrom the photo it’s a typical job.ChooseOrder in the app

What it costs and how to book: plumber in Warsaw.

Why replacing a shower tray takes longer than installing one

A new tray on a ready waste is straightforward. The old one has to come out without wrecking the walls.

• Enclosure on old plugs. Doors and panels come off, and rusted screws often snap.
• Tray tiled in or set in mortar. The panel is broken out without touching the tiles around it.
• Scaled-up trap. The old trap under the tray is usually only fit for replacing.
• Damp underneath. Removal often reveals a wet screed or mould that has to dry before the new tray goes in.
• Disposal of the old tray and enclosure is charged separately.

If the tray is going into a new bathroom, shower tray installation is enough.

How the replacement works

1. Inspection: they check the condition of the old tray, how it is mounted (frame, legs, brick plinth), and access to the trap and drain pipe.
2. Tradespeople turn off the water and disconnect the waste. The apron panel comes off if there is one.
3. Removing the old tray: they carefully disconnect the trap and lift the tray from its frame. If it was fixed with adhesive or expanding foam, they cut it loose while protecting the walls and floor.
4. Drain check: they inspect the pipe, trap, and fall. If the trap is old or clogged, they replace it. If the gradient is not right, they adjust it.
5. Base preparation: they level the surface, repair the screed if needed, or install a new frame.
6. Fitting the new tray: they assemble the frame or legs, level the tray, and connect the new trap to the drain.
7. Flow test: they fill the tray with water, check how quickly it drains, and inspect every connection for leaks.
8. Sealing: they apply sanitary silicone along the wall joint, install the apron panel, and make sure the trap is still accessible.

Common mistakes during replacement

• Rough removal: wall and floor tiles get damaged, which means extra tiling repairs.
• Keeping the old trap: it is already clogged or worn out and starts leaking or smelling after a few weeks.
• Not checking the drain fall after removal — the new tray gets fitted, but the water drains slowly.
• Installing a tray of a different size without preparing the base, gaps, uneven areas, and exposed wall sections are left behind.
• Using general-purpose silicone instead of sanitary silicone, it goes black and grows mould within months.
• Skipping the leak test before sealing the wall joint — the leak shows up only after all finishing is done.
• Sealing the apron permanently with no access for maintenance, when a blockage happens, the panel has to be broken open.

Important: work on the drain and water supply needs care. One bad connection can mean a leak and even flooding the flat below. If you do not have plumbing experience, better call a professional.

What to prepare before the visit

• Buy the new tray and trap — make sure the waste hole diameter matches (usually 60 or 90 mm).
• Measure the old tray: if the new one is a different size, tell the technician in advance.
• Check whether the new tray includes a frame and legs or whether these need to be purchased separately.
• Clear the bathroom of furniture and belongings: access is needed on all sides.
• Make sure there is access to the waste stack and shut-off valves, the water will need to be turned off.
• Prepare a place for the old tray — it has to go somewhere (waste removal is charged separately).
• Check the condition of the wall around the tray, if tiles are held in place by old silicone, they may come loose during removal.
• If the old tray is sitting on a brick plinth, mention it in the request: this changes the time needed.
• Take a photo of the current drain connection — it helps when discussing the details with the technician.

Shower tray replacement in practice: a Warsaw case

Tradespeople were called to a flat on Ursynow. The bathroom had an old 80 x 80 enamelled steel tray, the enamel was cracked and there were rust marks on the base. The owners had bought a new 90 x 90 acrylic tray and wanted it installed in the same spot. Tradespeople removed the old tray and found a cement brick plinth underneath, along with a trap in very poor condition: a cracked elbow joint and dirt all through it. Tradespeople dismantled the plinth, cleaned the area, and replaced the trap with a new slim model with a water seal. The new tray was fitted onto its factory frame, levelled, and connected to the drain. Because the new tray was 10 cm wider, one wall tile had to be cut. Tradespeople filled the tray: the water drained quickly, and every joint stayed dry. Sanitary silicone was applied around the edges. The whole job took about 3.5 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Can I fit a tray of a different size?

Yes, but you need to allow for the drain connection and the condition of the wall. A wider tray may mean trimming tiles. A narrower one will leave part of the wall exposed, and that section will need finishing.

Does the trap have to be replaced?

If the old trap is more than 5–7 years old or clearly worn, yes — replace it now. Saving on the trap costs more when it starts leaking a few months later.

Will tiles be damaged during removal?

That depends on how the old tray was installed. If the silicone was applied over the tiles, it can be peeled away carefully. If the tiles overlapped the tray rim, there is a risk of chipping the bottom row.

How long does replacement take?

A standard like-for-like replacement takes 2–3 hours. If the plinth has to be dismantled, the drain rerouted, or the size adjusted, allow 4–5 hours.

What happens to the old tray?

The technician removes it and leaves it in the flat. Carrying it out to the street or to a skip is a separate service.

Can I switch from a tray to a walk-in shower?

Technically yes, but that is a different scope of work: floor waterproofing, a linear drain, and screed modification are all required. Discuss it with the technician beforehand: they will assess it on site.

Does the drain pipe need modifying for a new tray?

Not in every case. If the new tray waste diameter matches the old one (60 or 90 mm) and the fall is correct, no modification is needed. The technician checks this during inspection.

Which tray is better: acrylic or steel?

Acrylic is lighter and warmer underfoot, but it scratches more easily. Enamelled steel is more hard-wearing and lasts longer, but it feels colder and makes more noise when water hits it. The right choice depends on your budget and what matters more to you.

Can the tray be replaced without removing wall tiles?

In most cases, yes — as long as the new tray is the same size or larger. If it is smaller, the exposed section of wall will need finishing.

Book the replacement

Tradespeople replace shower trays all over Warsaw: they take out the old one, prepare the base, and install the new tray with a full drain check. Tradespeople work with acrylic, steel, and ceramic: any size and shape. Fixings and sealant are included.