Top Signs Your Bathtub Needs to be Replaced

May 01, 2021

\Whether you spend a lot of time taking baths or not, having a functional bathtub is pretty important. Unless you live in a home with a stand up shower, you’re still going to need to get into the tub to bathe. What you don’t want is to step out of the tub and find that your floor is covered in water—putting you in an inconvenient and potentially hazardous situation. At EnviroSafe our skilled plumbers proudly provide tub and shower valve services, including tub replacements. Keep reading to learn the top signs your bathtub needs to be replaced, and remember that for all your bathroom plumbing and general plumbing services, EnviroSafe is the company you can count on.

5 Signs That It’s Time to Upgrade Your Tub

1. Leaks: The scourge of all plumbing equipment, leaks are also the top sign that it’s time to get a new tub. Keep in mind that water leaking out of your tub is not only dangerous to your person and destructive for your bathroom, it can cause damage to other parts of your property as well. When your tub springs a leak, water can end up seeping into your foundation and – if your bathroom is on the second floor – other parts of your home. That’s why if you are consistently seeing pooling water on the floor when you get done in the tub/shower, it’s always best to call a plumber, just to be safe. To test whether your tub is leaking or not, fill the bottom with water and put in your drain stop. If you check back in an hour or so and find there is water on your floor, or noticeably less water in the basin, then you’ve got a leat on your hands.
2. Visible Damage & Cracks: Although a bathtub that is chipping or cracked does not automatically mean you have a leak, it’s a strong sign that you may have one soon. On top of this, there is also the aesthetic factor to keep in mind; a cracked tub is simply ugly and unpleasant to look at. And of course, it’s important to consider that if your tub is already damaged now, it could become even more damaged every time you step in it, which is dangerous for anyone who uses it. The last thing you want is an ugly tub with jags and cracks that could cut someone. Your tub may not be completely unusable, but if there are visible cracks, it probably won’t be long till it’s no longer operational, so it’s usually better to just upgrade now.
3. Stains: Another of the biggest aesthetic concerns when it comes to bathtubs is staining. Almost all bathtubs arrive in that light, porcelain-white color you are used to. Over time, however, your tub is likely to experience water stains, particularly if you live in an area with hard water, where mineral deposits often build up on appliances. While you may be able to get rid of some of these stains with some heavy duty cleaning products and good old fashioned hard work, this gets progressively harder the older your tub gets, and there comes a point where your tub is so old, the amount of work you are putting in just isn’t worth it. To save on the cost and time it takes to clean your tub, and to improve its appearance, replacement may be the better option.
4. Mold & Mildew Growth: The average bathtub stains don’t look great, but they don’t pose any risk either. However, if there is mold and mildew growing around your bathtub, it is important to act ASAP, as this will affect more than your tub’s appearance. Mold and mildew can thrive in any environments that are humid and rich in moisture, and when mold spores get into the air, they can also make their way into your lungs, leading to health issues including coughing, sneezing, sore throats, watery eyes, headaches, nausea, and even joint pain. There are certain cleaning products you can buy that specifically get rid of mold, and it never hurts to install an indoor air quality device to improve your air overall. However, if this problem keeps occurring, you may need to call a plumber to replace the tub entirely.
5. Functionality Issues: At the end of the day, taking a shower or bath shouldn’t be any harder than it has to be—if anything, it should be comforting and relaxing. However, sometimes your needs may change, making your current tub less functionally practical than it used to be. Whether you are experiencing mobility issues, need something that works better for children, or simply don’t like the way your tub looks in your bathroom, our plumbing experts at EnviroSafe have you covered. Call us to upgrade to a walk-in tub, to install a tub with lower edges, or to purchase a larger size tub today.

EnviroSafe is available by phone at (856) 208-5108, or you can contact us online. Remember, we are available 24/7 for all your emergency plumbing needs!