You use bathtubs daily or more than once a day, depending on your household size. Bathtubs are one the most durable fixtures in your home, but they can break down over the years. With porcelain chipping and cleaners damaging plastic, there are many signs that you need a new bathtub.
1. Noticeable Leaks
Ignoring leaks in your bathtub will lead to foundation damage and organic growth. A puddle on the floor after a bath means a leak in your bathtub. Not all leaks are visible, but you can fill your bathtub and plug the drain to see if the water level drops.
2. Visible Chipping and Cracking
Bathtubs can chip from wear and tear, but you should patch any chips quickly. Moisture will seep into your bathtub and create cracks the longer a chip exists. If your bathtub has cracks or chips, it’s more likely to rust or leak and may need a replacement.
3. Staining of Tub
Stains start from hard water and build up soap scum over time. Stains destroy the protective finish of your bathtub. You’ll notice a ring of dirt, which will be hard to remove. The best options are refinishing or replacing your bathtub.
4. Age of Tub
Bathtubs use various materials, but they all eventually start to break down. Bathtubs will show their age in different ways and become uncomfortable to use. Plastic bathtubs will feel rough from cleaners, and ceramic bathtubs will chip and crack.
5. Recurring Mildew
It’s time to call about bathtub replacement if chips appear, but some cracks may not be noticeable. Mildew can grow when water is present, but recurring growth means there are tiny cracks allowing moisture into your bathtub. Mildew is a health risk but will also ruin your aesthetics and home’s resale value.
6. Accessibility
Getting in and out of the bathtub is harder as you get older. Your bathtub could lack rails and non-slip surfaces, or the sides may be too high. If you have mobility issues, you may want to replace your bathtub with a walk-in tub or a shower.
7. Size and Comfort
Older homes usually have older bathtubs, which use smaller dimensions and may be uncomfortable to sit in. Older tubs are skinnier and shorter than present-day bathtubs. A soaking tub is deeper and larger than many bathtubs.
8. Out-of-Date Color
Bathtub aesthetics of the early twentieth century aren’t the same as today. Bright colors such as blue, pink, or mint green were popular for bathtubs between the 1920s and the 1970s. Colorful bathroom fixtures date your home and hurt the resale value. This, alone, is a good reason to replace your bathtub.
There are many reasons to replace your bathtub, from aesthetics to damage. If you are thinking about replacing your bathtub in Truckee, CA, call us at CMJR Construction for a bathroom estimate today.
