Low. While some cosmetic tasks may be suitable for a skilled homeowner, critical elements such as plumbing connections, dedicated electrical circuits, and proper waterproofing demand licensed professionals to ensure code compliance, prevent moisture damage, and ensure safety.
A walk-in steam shower conversion involves complex integration of plumbing, specialized electrical systems, advanced waterproofing, and precise enclosure construction. It requires careful planning, adherence to multiple code disciplines (Building, Plumbing, Electrical), and often multiple inspections to ensure safety and durability in the DuPage County climate.
Project Guidelines & Rules
Permitting & Planning
2 Rules
Obtain all necessary permits from your local building department prior to commencing work.
2024 IRC R105.1, Illinois Plumbing Code Part 890.110, 2023 NEC 90.1(B)
Verify compliance with manufacturer's installation instructions for all steam shower components, which are considered part of the approved design.
2024 IRC R104.1 (Duties and Powers of the Building Official), 2024 IRC M1301.1 (Appliances General)
Plumbing System Requirements
4 Rules
Steam generator water supply shall be accessible, equipped with an approved shutoff valve, and if required, a backflow prevention device.
Illinois Plumbing Code Part 890.610 (Water Supply Protection), IPC 605
Pressure relief valve discharge piping from the steam generator must terminate in an approved indirect waste receptor with an air gap, not directly connected to the drainage system.
Illinois Plumbing Code Part 890.1330 (Pressure Relief Devices), IPC 504.6, IPC 802.1.1
Shower drain and trap sizing must comply with drainage fixture unit (DFU) requirements and be properly vented.
Illinois Plumbing Code Part 890.340 (Drainage Fixture Units), 890.1070 (Traps), 890.1140 (Vent Stacks and Vent Headers)
Hot and cold water distribution piping for the shower valve must adhere to material, sizing, and anti-scald requirements.
Illinois Plumbing Code Part 890.620 (Water Distribution Sizing), 890.630 (Materials), IPC 408.3 (Antiscald valves)
Electrical System Requirements
5 Rules
A dedicated branch circuit, properly sized and protected by an overcurrent device, is required for the steam generator.
2023 NEC 210.20, 210.21, 422.12
All electrical outlets, lighting fixtures, and fan units within the bathroom and especially within the steam shower enclosure must be Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected.
2023 NEC 210.8(A)(7) (Bathrooms), 406.9(C) (Wet Locations)
Luminaires, switches, and controls located within the shower or steam enclosure must be listed for wet locations and installed according to their listing.
2023 NEC 410.10(D) (Luminaires in Shower Areas), 404.4 (Wet Locations)
All exposed non-current-carrying metal parts of electrical equipment and the steam shower enclosure must be effectively bonded and grounded.
2023 NEC 250.104 (Bonding of Piping Systems), 250.122 (Equipment Grounding and Bonding)
Adequate working space and accessibility must be maintained for the steam generator and associated electrical equipment.
2023 NEC 110.26 (Working Space and Access)
Enclosure Construction & Waterproofing
6 Rules
Walls and ceiling of the steam shower enclosure must be constructed with water-resistant backing panels suitable for tile or other approved finishes in a wet, high-heat environment.
2024 IRC R702.4.2 (Water-Resistant Backing Panels), R702.4.3 (Nonwater-Resistant Backing Panels, if used with membrane)
A continuous vapor retarder or vapor barrier (Class I or II) must be installed on the warm-in-winter side of the steam shower enclosure walls and ceiling, behind the water-resistant backing panel, critical for DuPage County's climate.
2024 IRC R702.7 (Vapor Retarders), R702.4.2.1 (Vapor retarder for tub and shower walls)
All penetrations through the vapor retarder and waterproofing membrane (e.g., for steam heads, controls, shower valves) must be properly sealed to prevent moisture migration.
2024 IRC R702.4.3 (Implied waterproofing best practice)
The shower receptor or pan must be constructed of approved materials, sloped a minimum of 1/4 inch per foot to the drain, and include a continuous, waterproof membrane extending at least 3 inches above the finished curb.
2024 IRC P2709.2 (Shower Receptors and Compartments), Illinois Plumbing Code Part 417.5.2 (Shower receptors, walls and floors)
Insulation of exterior walls and ceiling cavities surrounding the steam shower is highly recommended to improve energy efficiency and prevent condensation.
2024 IRC R402.1 (General), R402.2 (Insulation and fenestration requirements)
Glazing for steam shower doors and enclosures must be safety tempered glass, installed to retain steam effectively, and meet specified thickness requirements.
2024 IRC R308.4 (Safety Glazing), ASTM C1048
Ventilation Requirements
2 Rules
A mechanical exhaust fan, sized appropriately for the bathroom volume, is required and must discharge directly to the outdoors.
2024 IRC M1507.3 (Recirculation), M1507.4 (Exhaust Air), M1507.2 (Exhaust Discharge)
Consideration should be given to the overall bathroom ventilation strategy to manage humidity generated by the steam shower, even if the steam enclosure itself is sealed.
2024 IRC M1501.1 (General for Mechanical Ventilation), M1507
