An old tray that’s cracked, yellowed, or just doesn’t suit your refurbished bathroom anymore — replacing it fixes the problem in one visit. But this is not a job where you yank the old tray out and set the new one straight in: it has to come out carefully so the tiles and drain pipes stay intact, the trap and waste connection need checking, and the new tray must be installed with proper sealing. In blocks on Ursynow, flats on Wola, new builds in Bielany — each building has its own little drainage surprises. If you’d rather avoid the mess of demolition and the chance of a leak, call in a professional. We replace trays all the time and know the kind of issues hiding under an old shower.

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 the replacement works

1. Inspection: we check the condition of the old tray, how it is mounted (frame, legs, brick plinth), and access to the trap and drain pipe.
2. We turn off the water and disconnect the waste. The apron panel comes off if there is one.
3. Removing the old tray: we carefully disconnect the trap and lift the tray from its frame. If it was fixed with adhesive or expanding foam, we cut it loose while protecting the walls and floor.
4. Drain check: we inspect the pipe, trap, and fall. If the trap is old or clogged, we replace it. If the gradient is not right, we adjust it.
5. Base preparation: we level the surface, repair the screed if needed, or install a new frame.
6. Fitting the new tray: we assemble the frame or legs, level the tray, and connect the new trap to the drain.
7. Flow test: we fill the tray with water, check how quickly it drains, and inspect every connection for leaks.
8. Sealing: we 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, let us know — this changes the time needed.
• Take a photo of the current drain connection — it helps when discussing the details with the technician.

A real case from Warsaw

We 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. We 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. We 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. We 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 (compatible with Grohe, Hansgrohe, Geberit and similar).

Frequently asked questions

Book the replacement

We replace shower trays all over Warsaw: we take out the old one, prepare the base, and install the new tray with a full drain check. We work with acrylic, steel, and ceramic — any size and shape. Fixings and sealant are included. Get in touch and we will set up a convenient date.