Santa Ana homes built before the 1970s in areas like French Park, Heninger Park and Park Santiago often have cast-iron tubs set in mortar with galvanized supply lines. Replacing these units requires cutting back to sound subfloor, installing new cement board, and applying multiple layers of waterproof membrane before the new pan or tub goes in. Failure to address the original drain slope during this step is the most common cause of leaks we see six months later.
Shower replacements in single-story homes near the Santa Ana River or in the Lacy and Artesia Pilar districts frequently involve rerouting 1-1/2 inch ABS waste lines that were run with insufficient pitch. We always camera the line before finalizing the new trap arm location and use a two-piece clamping drain to allow future access without tearing out tile. Orange County inspectors now require a 15-minute flood test on every new shower pan before tile work begins.
Walk-in tub conversions are popular with owners in the Santa Ana Triangle and Flower Park because many 1920s–1940s bungalows have narrow doorways. We measure the actual opening first, then order a unit that can be broken down into sections for transport. These jobs also require upgrading the existing 1/2 inch supply to 3/4 inch and adding a dedicated 20-amp GFCI circuit when a built-in heater is included.
Tubs and Shower Installation and Replacement Services We Offer
✓Cast Iron Tub Removal
Full demolition and haul-away of old cast-iron tubs common in pre-1970 Santa Ana homes, including floor repair and new subfloor installation.
✓Shower Pan Replacement
Complete removal of failed pre-formed pans followed by new mortar-bed or foam-pan installation with proper slope and clamping drain.
✓Walk-In Tub Installation
Conversion of standard tubs to low-threshold walk-in units with door seals and optional hydrotherapy systems sized for narrow Santa Ana doorways.
✓Tile Shower Rebuild
Full gut and rebuild of leaking tile showers using modern waterproofing membranes and linear drains for improved performance in older homes.
✓Accessible Shower Conversion
Zero-threshold shower installs with fold-down seats and grab bars to meet aging-in-place needs while maintaining local building code compliance.
Tubs and Shower Installation and Replacement Cost in Santa Ana, CA
| Service | Typical Range | What Affects It |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Alcove Tub Replacement | $1,200–$2,400 | Price varies with tub material and whether subfloor repair is required |
| Shower Pan Replacement | $1,800–$3,200 | Higher end reflects tile demolition and new waterproofing system |
| Walk-In Tub Conversion | $3,500–$6,500 | Includes electrical upgrade and door unit; access constraints affect cost |
| Full Tile Shower Rebuild | $4,000–$7,500 | Depends on linear footage, drain style, and whether walls must be reframed |
Ranges are typical for Santa Ana, CA and confirmed with an exact written quote before any work starts.
How it works
- 1
On-Site Assessment
We measure the existing opening, inspect supply and waste lines, and check for rot in Santa Ana homes where moisture has reached the subfloor.
- 2
Old Unit Removal
Demolition of the tub or shower, careful disposal of debris, and protection of surrounding finishes before any new work begins.
- 3
Rough-In and Waterproofing
New drain and supply lines are set, followed by cement board and liquid or sheet membrane waterproofing with required flood testing.
- 4
Final Install and Testing
New tub or shower is set, all connections completed, and the system is pressure-tested before tile or surround work starts.
Pricing
Upfront written quotes provided after inspection; final price depends on access, material choices, and any hidden rot or pipe work discovered during demolition.