Bathtub and Shower Installation in Denver: Rough-In, Valves, Drains
Bathtub and Shower Installation in Denver
Bathtub and shower installation in Denver, tiled custom builds, prefab surrounds, valve rough-in, drain connection, waterproofing. Deft Plumbing handles the work the tile guys don't: setting the valve at the correct depth, prepping the mortar bed under the tub, and pressure-testing the supply lines before drywall closes. Flat-rate quote. Licensed and insured. Call (720) 880-8064.
Tiled Shower & Tub Installations
Custom tile showers require a properly sloped shower pan, a waterproof membrane (we use Kerdi or liquid-applied systems), and a valve rough-in set to the correct depth for your tile thickness. We install Moen, Delta, and Kohler pressure-balancing and thermostatic valves and verify the rough-in depth before your tile contractor starts. Getting this wrong means tearing out finished tile to fix it — a mistake that costs three to five times more than doing it right on the first pass. When a build is really just setting a fresh valve behind existing tile for a Golden homeowner, we can often swap the cartridge or rough-in without opening the wall at all.
Prefab Surround & Tub Combo Installation
Prefab acrylic and fiberglass surrounds are a cost-effective option for full bathrooms. We remove the old unit, inspect the subfloor and drain for rot or damage, install the new tub with a properly mixed mortar bed underneath, and connect the drain, overflow, and supply lines. A tub installed without a full mortar bed will flex underfoot and crack its drain seal within a few years. If the existing drain doesn't align with the new unit, we rework the trap and tailpiece to fit rather than forcing a connection that will leak.
Tub-to-Shower Conversions
Converting a bathtub to a walk-in shower changes the drain location, requires a new valve position, and needs a curbed or curbless pan with proper waterproofing at every floor-to-wall transition. We handle the full plumbing scope — capping the tub spout supply, relocating the showerhead riser to the correct height, and installing a linear or center drain set at the right elevation for the finished tile surface — so your tile contractor can start on a properly prepped substrate. If you're removing the tub entirely rather than combining the two, our dedicated shower installation service covers standalone prefab and tile-and-pan builds start to finish.
Common Failure Points and What Good Work Looks Like
Most shower and tub failures trace back to three mistakes: valve rough-in set too shallow or too deep for the finished wall thickness, missing or improperly lapped waterproofing at curbs and floor-to-wall transitions, and a tub installed without a full mortar bed. Good work means the valve body sits flush with the finished wall plane, the mortar bed fully supports the tub floor with no voids, and every drain collar lands at the correct height for the tile or pan surface. We don't move on until those details are confirmed — because once tile goes up, correcting them costs 10 times as much.
Bathtub and Shower Installation FAQs
Can I install a new bathtub in my existing shower space?
Yes, as long as the rough opening is large enough. Standard tubs are 60 inches wide by 30 or 32 inches deep, so we check your existing footprint first. From there we assess the drain location, current valve rough-in height, and subfloor condition. Sometimes the drain needs to move a few inches, which means opening the floor. We scope that work upfront so there are no surprises once the tub is delivered and sitting in your driveway.
How long does a typical shower installation take?
A prefab tub-shower combo swap — demo, subfloor check, mortar bed, and fixture install — typically takes one full day. A tiled walk-in shower is multi-phase: our rough-in work runs 4 to 6 hours, then the tile contractor does their portion, and we return for trim-out (valve trim, showerhead, threshold connection) once tile is complete and cured. Total calendar time is usually 5 to 10 days depending on your tile contractor's schedule.
Do you handle plumbing for small bathroom remodels?
Yes — small remodels are a core part of what we do in Aurora and across the Denver Metro. We relocate drains, run new hot and cold supply lines, rough in for new vanities, and return to install all fixtures once finishes are in place. We work with homeowners managing their own subs and with GCs who need a plumber to hit a schedule. Every connection is made to code before the walls close.
What's the difference between a pressure-balancing valve and a thermostatic valve?
A pressure-balancing valve — required by code in all new shower installations — reacts to sudden pressure drops, like a toilet flushing on the same line, and keeps the hot-to-cold ratio constant so you don't get scalded. It does not hold a precise set temperature. A thermostatic valve maintains an exact preset temperature regardless of pressure changes and is typically used in custom showers with body sprays or separate volume controls. For most residential installs in Aurora, a pressure-balancing valve is the correct and code-compliant choice.
How do I know if my subfloor needs replacing before a new tub goes in?
Soft spots, visible rot at the drain ring, or a springy feel when you walk near the tub are the obvious signs. We also inspect along the tub's long wall during demo — that area absorbs the most water from a slow-leaking surround. If we find rot, we stop and show you before continuing. Replacing a section of subfloor during demo costs far less than pulling a brand-new tub back out after installation.
Do I need a permit for a bathtub or shower installation in Aurora?
A straight fixture swap — same location, same type — generally doesn't require a permit in Aurora or most Denver Metro municipalities. Move the drain, relocate the valve, or change the shower footprint, and a plumbing permit is required. We pull permits when the scope calls for it and handle the inspection process. Skipping a required permit can complicate a home sale inspection down the road, so it's always worth confirming before the work starts.
Need Bathtub and Shower Installation?
Contact Deft Plumbing for a free, upfront quote. No surprises, no hidden fees. We're licensed, bonded, and insured for your protection.
Call (720) 880-8064 or request a free estimate online.
Related Services
Natural Gas Piping — Licensed gas plumber for gas line installation, repair, and leak inspection in Denver and Arvada. Permit-pulled, code-compliant, insured. Call (720) 880-8064. Primary and Back-Up Sump Pumps — Sump pump installation, annual maintenance, and emergency repair in Arvada and the Denver metro. Battery backups, sewage ejector pumps too. Insured. Call (720) 880-8064. Small Homeowner Remodels — Plumbing for owner-managed remodels in Denver. Bathroom rough-ins, kitchen relocations, fixture installs. We work on your timeline. Call (720) 880-8064. Water and Drain Piping Repairs — Emergency water and drain pipe repair in Denver. Burst pipes, frozen lines, corroded galvanized replacement, and PEX re-pipes. Call (720) 880-8064.Service Areas
We provide bathtub and shower installation services across the Denver metro area, including Aurora, Lakewood, Arvada, Westminster, Thornton, Broomfield, and more.