How to Install a Steam Shower

Co-authored by Schannon Yodice

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 References

A steam shower is a luxurious addition to any bathroom, but you might be surprised to learn that you can actually do much of the installation yourself. Our how-to guide will walk you through everything from prepping the space to finishing the walls around the shower unit, so keep reading!

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^{[1]
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Research source} A steam shower unit is designed much like a refrigerator in that it is a sealed unit and you slide it into place and it requires no silicone seams.
Ensure that the room containing the steam shower unit is built from mold resistant drywall, and provides necessary ventilation in order to prevent buildup of moisture in the room.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Schannon Yodice
Tile Installation and Design Expert

Expert Interview} Excess moisture can grow molds, mildews, and other structural damages. A single exhaust fan is sufficient for almost all residential steam shower installations.^{[3]
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Ensure that the electrical supply for the steam shower unit is GFCI protected, due to the proximity of electricity and water in the unit. The size of the line will depend mostly on the size of your steam generator. Typical sizes of steam generators range from 3000 Watt to 6000 Watt. These would require 240 Volt, 40 Amp line, or 30 Amp for smaller steam generators. Electrician services may be needed in this step, in order to prevent electric shocks.
Typical assembly time for a two person steam shower unit should be 2-4 hours for two people.^{[4]
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^{[5]
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Expert Source

Schannon Yodice
Tile Installation and Design Expert

Expert Interview} Steam shower units will require a hot water supply and a cold water supply to feed the shower heads and jets as well as the steam generator. The steam generator uses cold water to generate steam. These connections will be 1/2" flexible line connections in most cases. These flexible connections allow you to slide the steam shower to access the components and also for servicing.^{[6]
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Steam shower units have a 1.5 inch (3.8 cm) flexible hose connection for a drain. This simplifies the drain connection as the existing location of your drain can be used so long as it is within the footprint of your steam shower unit.^{[7]
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Schannon Yodice
Tile Installation and Design Expert

Expert Interview}
Typically seven to ten legs can be individually adjusted to provide a stable and level base.
Any construction material that you use to finish around the steam shower must be mold resistant and suitable for wet conditions.

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Do I need a water heater when installing a steam bath tub?

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Either your tub has a steam generator built in or, yes, you need a specialized steam generator for the bath (a water heater will not create steam). Make sure the door to the bath is air tight, and the attached room is very water resilient. Install a fan that pushes fresh air into the steam room from the attached room or outside source, and provide an exit vent low to the exterior of the structure. It will vent the cool, moist air, but leave as much steam and heat high as possible.

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What size should the water heater be for the shower?

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A steam generator is needed, not a water heater. The size is determined by the cubic footage of the steam room multiplied by a multiplier for the room's wall materials. There is also a multiplier if a wall is an exterior wall. Figure out your cubic footage (length x width x height) and then add half again to that figure (300+150 = 450 ft3). For example, my 300 ft3 room needs a 450 ft3 generator, which is about a 10kW generator. Your manufacturer can best recommend the unit you'll need for your space.

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Where can l get a manual for the j-2006 steam shower?

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The manufacturer of that shower is long gone (2009). I had no luck locating a manual for it.

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Tips

When installing items like door handles, orient the pieces of the handle so that the set screws and fasteners that hold the handles together are on the outside of the steam shower as opposed to inside the steam shower.

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