Ready To Say Goodbye? 6 Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Bathtub
As homeowners, we can get used to any number of “quirks” in our homes. Maybe there’s a little drip to the faucet. Maybe our sink or toilet drains are too old and lead to breakdowns. Maybe the tub is chipped and cracked, but only a little. But how do you know when those quirks are something you can live with and when those little issues are rather symptoms of a bigger issue. Sometimes those smaller issues might be signs that you need to replace the faulty appliance. Here are a few signs it’s time to replace your bathtub.
Cracks
Cracks are unsightly in anything but can be especially problematic with bathtubs. Even small cracks will eventually turn into leaks. And small cracks will only get worse over time, expanding the more pressure is exerted on them, leading to leaks. If your bathtub is cracked, there’s no question it will need repairs, but if you see several small cracks, it’s probably time to replace them.
Leaks
As stated above, small cracks can lead to leaks, which can spread across your bathroom floor while you bathe and cause the water level to drop while bathing. Leaks, like cracks, will only get worse the longer they’re neglected. Leaks can also come from problems with pipes. If you’re noticing puddles of water around your tub, or a leak from the ceiling below your bathtub, you’re likely dealing with leaks, and it may be a good idea to replace the bathtub and fix any issue with the plumbing.
Mold or Mildew
Mold grows on damp, dark surfaces, while mildew can grow on wood, tiles, drywall, and more. Both of these issues can be a problem for your bathroom, where the steam generated can create humidity and moisture. Mold is dangerous to breathe in and dangerous for the structure of your bathroom and home in general. If you have mold or mildew in your home, you’re dealing with a serious issue.
The first step is to get rid of the mold or mildew. Take a look at the grout between your shower tiles or at the wooden window ledges of your bathroom. If you notice that the grout is now black or splotchy or that there’s white fuzz growing on the wood, call a professional to remove the issue. From there, however, you may need to replace anything that was contaminated — including your bathtub.
Tub Stains
Reddish-brown rust stains or grey hard water stains can make your tub look dirty at all times. Sometimes these stains can be cleaned with regular maintenance, but it can reach a point where the tub stains seem to just be a part of the tub. If you’re no longer able to clean tub stains, your tub has likely passed its expiration date, if you will. It may be time to replace the tub.
Drain Issues
Sometimes drains can be clogged by too much hair or the like, especially if you bathe pets in the tub or shave in the tub. This can be avoided by removing the plug from the drain and cleaning it out, but if you’re finding that your drain clogs too easily and too often, it could be that the tub is too dated, the drain is damaged, or the pipes are too small. This could be an issue of plumbing, which Bathroom Pros can also help with, or it could be an issue of a dated tub that needs to be replaced.
Accessibility Needs
Maybe your tub was fine at one point in your life, but you’ve since suffered an injury or developed a condition that makes mobility a little more difficult; you may not be able to use the same tub you once did. Bathroom Pros also offers walk-in tubs for easier accessibility, as well as grab bars, bench seating, hydrotherapy jets, and more. If you need your bathroom to be a little more ADA compliant, we have you covered, still with top-notch bathroom products that have the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.
Is it time to replace your bathtub? Bathroom Pros offers full bathtub replacements rather than flimsy liner systems. We can install walk-in tubs as well as tubs that can offer you a true luxury spa experience, including aromatherapy diffusers, mood lighting, and hydrotherapy jets.
Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your own bathtub replacement.