Repair your leaking shower
Before completely replacing your existing shower or bathtub, see if it can be salvaged and fixed. If you see water stains or wet drywall in the vicinity of your shower you may have a shower leak. Tracking down the leak may take you some time but it has to be done before further damage is done to your home. Many times these issues are occurring over a long period of time and there is water damage that needs to be addressed.
Tools and materials needed to effect the repairs according to an online article in http://www.doityourself.com include: Pry bar, Greenboard sheetrock, Tile, Grout, Tile adhesive, Fan, Screwdrivers, Drywall saw, Caulk and Caulking gun.
If you have tile on the inside of your shower enclosure you will want to look for any loose tiles with possible mold around it. Push on the tile to feel if the wall is mushy behind it. If the tile is loose go ahead and pull it off. It is possible that you will find wet drywall behind the tile. Often tile grout is corroded or tiles are cracked and water seeps around and under the tile further compromising the surrounding area and allowing water to wick into floor areas. The other issue may be that the shower pan is not properly caulked to the wall.
The second step involves removing te damaged drywall and shower pan. Pull off all tile around the pan and any additional loose tile. Cut away damaged dry wall and throw it away. Remove the shower pan by unscrewing any screws attaching it to the studs or floor. It should lift out without breaking. You can reinstall the same pan once the area is dry and sealed. You will want to bring in fans and wait several days for the entire area to dry thoroughly.
While your area is drying you can shop for matching tile if you were unable to salvage the tile you removed. If your tile is no longer available this may be a good time to get creative and purchase a tile that will form a contrasting or decorative pattern. You may also want a new shower pan at this time as well, but that is all dependent on the condition of your old one and personal preference.
The next thing to do is to cut the sheetrock to size to snug up to the existing sheetrock. Nail it to the studs and tape and float the seams.
If the sub-floor is completely dry you may want to paint a sealant and mold-killing paint on the floor before re-installing your old or new shower pan. Re-install the pan with the same attaching hardware as before.
