Hey there! Lillie here, your friendly bath renovator. Converting a sink to a shower is one of the most common DIY projects I‘m asked about. I totally get the appeal – it seems like an easy way to add a shower without major construction. But there‘s a lot more to consider than just screwing on a showerhead.
In my 10+ years of experience, I‘ve learned sinks and showers have very different needs. Trying to make a sink work as a shower usually ends up causing problems down the road. But with the right modifications, it is possible in some cases.
In this guide, I‘ll walk you through everything I‘ve learned so you can decide if converting your sink is the right choice. I‘ll also give tips to do it as safely as possible if you decide to take the plunge!
Why Sink Faucets Don‘t Work Well for Showers
Let‘s start with why sink faucets aren‘t designed for showering in the first place. There are a few key reasons:
Water Pressure
Showers need strong water pressure to feel refreshing and rinse out shampoo. Most experts recommend a shower head pressure between 45-60 PSI. Standard bathroom sink faucets provide only 20-40 PSI.
Water Flow Rate
In addition to pressure, you need ample water flow for a satisfying shower. Target flow rates are around 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM). Sink faucets deliver 1-2 GPM.
Exposure to Moisture
Sink faucets aren‘t built to get soaked multiple times a day like shower fixtures are. The constant moisture can damage the materials and internal parts over time.
Drainage
The small sink basin won‘t contain all the shower runoff, causing leaks onto your floor and potential water damage.
Easy Hose Attachment
Attaching a shower hose to a sink faucet is tricky. You‘ll usually need to install a diverter valve behind the wall.
So those are the main reasons a standard bathroom sink faucet can‘t just be swapped for a showerhead. But with some modifications, you may be able to transform it into a serviceable shower.
Tips for Converting a Sink Faucet to a Shower
If you understand the risks but still want to try converting your sink, here are my tips to do it as safely as possible:
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Consult a plumber first – An experienced plumber can assess your existing fixtures and plumbing to see if they can accommodate showering. This professional advice could prevent disasters down the road.
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Upgrade to a rainfall faucet – Look for a "wet rated" or rainfall-style faucet explicitly designed for sink showers. This will be more water resistant.
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Increase water flow – Replace the aerator with a higher flow model rated for at least 2.5 GPM. But get a plumber‘s advice before making changes that could overload pipes.
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Add drainage – Install a small tile section with center drain or route the drain line directly into the sink trap. Proper drainage prevents flooding.
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Use a handheld shower head – Handheld heads with pause buttons allow you to easily control water usage and prevent overflows.
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Keep water pressure low – High pressure stresses plumbing and can accelerate wear on a sink faucet. Keep it under 50 PSI.
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Inspect often for leaks – Since it‘s not designed for showering, inspect all connections regularly for minor leaks before they become big problems.
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Expect faster wear and tear – The average shower fixture lasts 10-15 years. You may need sink shower repairs or replacement much sooner.
The Bottom Line
I‘d sum it up this way – converting a sink to a shower can be done, but isn‘t always the best idea if you want a trouble-free, long-lasting shower. For the best results, have a professional install a shower fixture designed specifically for the purpose.
But for a rental apartment or temporary solution, a DIY sink shower may be worthwhile if you use caution and consult experts. Just be ready for more repairs and replacements. Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to help.
