How To Install a Pivot Shower Door

Learning how to install a pivot shower door or pivot bathtub doors starts with accurate measuring. Use the following guidelines when you're installing a shower door:

• Measure the height (A) of the enclosure from the top to the threshold.
• Measure the width (B) from wall to wall. Take a measurement at both the top and bottom of the enclosure. Use the highest number for your width.
• Measure the depth (C) of the threshold.

Tip: Make sure that your pivot shower door or pivot alcove shower doors have room to swing open without hitting any obstructions.

Once you know the size of your shower enclosure, it's time to choose the right shower door. There are three main types of shower doors that are relatively easy to install: pivot, bypass and frameless. Different materials such as glass, metal, and plastic can also determine the ease of installing a shower door. For example, glass shower doors are popular but can be heavy. It’s wise to get help when installing glass shower doors.

If you are replacing an old shower door, you’ll need to remove it first. Here are the basic steps:

• Cover bathroom floor with plastic sheeting or a drop cloth.
• Use utility knife to remove caulking around the shower door.
• Unscrew any screws.
• Gently pull the door away from the wall.
• Use a hammer and pry bar to remove the door from the floor.
• Clean the area and let dry.

Learning how to install shower doors starts with the right tools and materials. When installing a shower door make sure you have a:

• Measuring tape
• Miter saw
• Drill
• Drill bit
• Screws and anchors
• Rubber mallet
• Level
• Pencil
• Caulking gun and waterproof caulk
• Screwdriver
• Safety glasses
• Protective gloves
• Shower Door
• Door handles
• Towel holders
• Setting block (optional)

Tip: If you have ceramic tile, use a 1/4-inch masonry drill bit. If you have fiberglass, use a 1/8-inch drill bit.

Preparation is a key component in successfully learning how to install shower doors. First, get the pivot shower door track ready for installation:

• Measure the threshold.
• Mark this measurement on the shower door’s threshold track.
• Carefully cut the threshold track with a miter saw.
• Smooth the cut end with a file.
• Set aside.

Tip: Check the manufacturer’s directions before you cut. Some may require you to adjust your measurements.

• Position the fixed panel wall jamb against wall 1 inch from the edge.
• Use a level to make sure it is plumb.
• Tape the fixed panel jamb to the wall with painter’s tape.
• Mark the mounting holes.
• Remove the fixed panel jamb.
• Drill into the markings on the enclosure wall at low speed.
• Tap wall anchors into the holes with a rubber mallet.
• Hold the fixed panel wall jamb back against the wall.
• Secure it with screws.

Tip: Before drilling, put an X of masking tape over the tile to keep the bit from sliding around.

• Insert the threshold track you cut in Step 1 into the fixed panel wall jamb.
• Make sure the threshold track’s high side faces the outside of the shower.If it fits, mark its location and remove the track.
• Clean the threshold thoroughly with rubbing alcohol.
• Apply a bead of silicone sealant along the entire edge where the bottom track meets the wall.
• Insert the track again and press it securely on the threshold.
• Wipe away any excess sealant with a rag.
• Place the flat spacer seal into the threshold.
• Carefully insert the fixed shower door panel into the wall jamb.

Tip: Use some painter’s tape to keep the track in place.

Next, install the pivot wall jamb. The pivot wall jamb has an inner and outer part.

• With the open ends of each part facing, join them together.
• Place the assembled wall jamb over the threshold track.
• Using a level, mark the top and bottom edges of the pivot jamb.
• Remove the assembled pivot jamb.
• Place the outer wall jamb back on the wall.
• Drill into the markings on the enclosure wall at low speed.
• Tap wall anchors into the holes with a rubber mallet.
• Screw in the outer pivot jamb.

• Carefully set the pivot panel on its side with the hinge bracket facing up.
• Press the pivot pin into the hinge panel.
• Spread the brushing sleeve over the pivot pan and onto the hinge bracket.
• Install the inner wall jamb onto the hinge bracket.
• Make sure the pivot jam is flush with the pivot pin.
• Screw in a temporary screw to keep the pivot panel stable.

Starting at the bottom of the shower:

• Insert the inner wall jamb attached to the pivot door into the outer wall jamb.
• Remove the temporary screw.
• Rest the pivot panel on a setting block to align the panels.
• Drill pilot holes into the pivot wall jam
• Secure with screws.
• Remove setting block.

• Dry install the L bracket clamp to get the right placement for the drill holes.
• Mark the drill holes for the screws with a pencil.
• Drill the holes.
• Insert anchors and secure the L Bracket with screws.
• Press and snap the cover to the L Bracket over the fixed panel.

Tip: When drilling, make sure to use the right bit for masonry or tile.

• Attach the shower door seal strip to the bottom of the fixed panel door and cut to fit.
• Install the threshold cover and any magnetic seals.
• Apply silicone caulk around the bottom edges of the pivot shower door glass.

Attach any shower door handles, towel bars or any other bathroom safety accessories to complete your shower door installation. Next, test your new shower door.

• Run the shower for a minute or two.
• Check around the bottom and sides of the new shower door for any leaks.
• If needed, apply more silicone caulk. Let the caulk dry and test again.