Shower & Bathtub Installation in Meridian, ID
Shower and bathtub installation covers the plumbing behind a bathroom upgrade: setting a new tub, installing a shower valve, relocating drains for a tub-to-shower conversion, and connecting everything to code. The tile and finish work may be done by others, but the plumbing has to be right before the walls close.
We work with homeowners and with remodel contractors, and we offer free estimates on planned bathroom plumbing.
Common shower and tub projects
Most bathroom plumbing jobs fall into a few categories.
| Project | What the plumbing involves | Things to plan for |
|---|---|---|
| Tub replacement | Remove old tub, set new one, connect drain and overflow | Wall and floor access around the tub. |
| Tub-to-shower conversion | Move or resize the drain, install a shower valve and pan | Drain location and slope. |
| Shower valve replacement | Replace the valve body and trim | Access through the wall behind the valve. |
| Adding a second shower head or body sprays | Larger valve and supply capacity | Water heater and pipe sizing. |
Scope varies with the existing layout. Confirmed on site.
Anti-scald valves are required, and for good reason
The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), which Idaho's plumbing code builds on, requires showers and tub-shower combinations to have a pressure-balancing or thermostatic valve. These valves prevent sudden temperature swings when someone flushes a toilet or runs a dishwasher.
The code also calls for a limit stop set so the valve cannot deliver water hotter than a safe maximum. That protects children and older adults from scalding.
Older two-handle shower valves often lack this protection. Replacing one during a remodel brings the shower up to current code and makes daily use safer.
Remodels of 1980s bathrooms in Eagle are a common time to replace an older two-handle valve with an anti-scald model.
Temperature swings, drips, and stiff handles in older Ada County bathrooms, including homes near Old Town Meridian, often trace back to a worn cartridge or a valve without pressure balancing.
Hard water and shower valves
Meridian's water runs 6.70 to 10.16 grains per gallon depending on your zone, according to the city's 2024 report. That scale builds up inside shower cartridges, which is why handles stiffen and temperatures drift over time.
A cartridge replacement usually fixes a dripping or stiff shower. When the valve body itself is corroded, or parts are no longer made, replacement is the better choice. A water softener slows this wear throughout the house.
Fitting plumbing into a remodel schedule
The plumbing happens in stages, and timing matters.
- Demolition first, so the plumber can see existing pipes and the drain.
- Rough-in next: drain, valve, and supply lines set before walls close.
- Inspection of the rough-in where a permit is required.
- Tile and finish work by the remodel crew.
- Trim-out last: handles, shower head, and final testing.
Homes over crawl spaces often make drain relocation easier, because the plumber can work from below instead of cutting the floor.
Before you buy a new tub or shower valve
A few checks up front prevent the most common surprises on install day.
- Measure the alcove and the doorway, since a one-piece tub has to fit through the bathroom door.
- Confirm drain side, left or right, for an alcove tub.
- Match the valve brand to the trim you want, since trims are rarely interchangeable.
- Check the water heater size before adding a large soaking tub or extra shower heads.
- Ask about the valve's temperature limit setting.
If a bigger tub or multi-head shower is in the plans, a larger water heater may need to come first so the new fixture can actually fill with hot water.
What affects the cost of shower and tub plumbing
Bathroom plumbing is priced by scope and access.
- Keeping the existing drain location versus moving it.
- Valve type and the number of outlets.
- Access from a crawl space or through finished ceilings.
- Tub weight and whether it needs extra floor support.
- Permit and inspection where required.
Planned bathroom plumbing comes with a free estimate. Call (208) 679-8357 to set one up.
New shower or tub in Meridian?
Call for a free estimate on your bathroom plumbing.
Shower and bathtub questions
Can you convert my tub to a walk-in shower?
Yes. That usually means adjusting the drain and installing a new shower valve and pan, with tile done by you or your contractor.
Why does my shower temperature change when someone flushes?
The valve is not pressure balancing. A pressure-balancing or thermostatic valve fixes that and is required by code on new installs.
Do you do the tile work too?
We handle the plumbing. Tile and finish work are usually done by a remodel contractor, and we coordinate with them.
How long does a shower valve replacement take?
Often a few hours, depending on access through the wall behind the valve.
Do I need a permit for a new tub or shower?
Many bathroom plumbing changes are permitted work. The plumber confirms and handles it.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes, for planned shower and bathtub projects.