For many years, standard home construction in the U.S. included tub/shower combo units. It was generally accepted that a typical home only needed one bathtub. Today, you may find more than one bathtub in a home.
However, many people end up not using their tub at all, especially when they don’t any children. Older people and those with disabilities may find that their tubs become all but useless. Bathtubs are more difficult to get in and out of and are less safe.
There are also some homeowners who want a more streamlined and modern look to their bathroom when doing a bathroom remodel. Modern bathrooms design tends toward a separate tub and shower combo if space allows.
There are a range of benefits to converting a tub into a walk-in shower. The most obvious is enhanced accessibility. With a walk-in shower, you don’t have to step up over a high tub wall. For people with limited mobility, including seniors or those with disabilities, this can make all the difference and increase independence in self-care. Tub use is also more likely to result in accidents or injuries. You could slip and fall when getting in and out of the tub.
A tub/shower combo in a small bathroom can feel overwhelming and take up most of the limited space. Replacing the tub with a walk-in shower opens up the area and makes it feel more spacious, especially when the shower has a glass door.
Showers use much less water than tub bathing, even when you let the water run for a while. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that while a five-minute shower can use up to 25 gallons of water, a tub takes 70 gallons to fill it up. This can make a big difference in your water usage over time.
Converting a bathtub into a shower is not a simple DIY project. You should have experience with demolition, plumbing, and general remodeling work before attempting this type of project.
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Before starting your tub-to-shower conversion, make sure that it actually can be done. Double-check that a walk-in shower will fit in the space. You need at least 30 square inches of floor space and at least 15 inches between the toilet and the shower front. Evaluate the plumbing to ensure it can accommodate the change. The easiest way to accomplish this conversion is to use a prefab shower kit.
Renovating a bathroom can generate lots of trash. Before you start your demolition work, rent a roll off dumpster. This will eliminate the stress of managing your old tub, drywall, bathroom tile, and floor debris. Have the dumpster delivered right onto your driveway to make it easy to toss all your trash and waste as you work.
Before installing a shower, you have to first remove the existing tub. Turn off the water supply and electricity to the space before beginning work. Fixtures, drywall, and wall tile should be removed first. Disconnect the plumbing and then loosen the bathtub from the floor and walls. You can then remove the bathtub and take it out of the room.
A walk-in shower will require some prep to the walls and floor for additional plumbing, wall tile, and a floor pan. You may also need to patch or level the floor before installing any of the shower components. Your new shower should be framed using wood or metal studs. This framing will provide the supports for the shower walls, new plumbing, and the shower fixtures.
Shower bases range from those level with the bathroom floor to ones with a slight step in called a curbed entry. You’ll have to connect the shower drain and then install the pan. Leveling is crucial here to ensure the shower drains properly. Make sure that you have a slope of 1/4 inch for every foot so that the water flows into the drain correctly.
Install water-resistant backer board on the walls to prepare for the new tile. You can also add a waterproof membrane before tiling. Grout carefully and completely using an unsanded or epoxy grout.
Install the showerhead, faucets, handles, and other accessories such as storage racks or grab bars. Test all your connections to ensure there are no leaks.
Seal the grout and joints to prevent water leakage. You can use a waterproofing grout add-in product to provide extra protection for the grout. Finally, caulk the seams. Use painter’s tap to create a straight guide line. Once you’ve applied the caulk, use a wet finger to wipe along the line to remove any excess caulk and create a rounded smooth bead. Remove the painter’s tape while the caulk is still wet.
You can breathe new life into your bathroom space with a tub-to-shower conversion. When you remove a clunky tub, your bathroom will feel roomier and more open.
Families with young children may find a bathtub essential, but if you never use your tub, you’ll get more out of a shower in your bathroom. If the tub is the only one in the home, be aware that removing it and replacing it with a walk-in shower could lower the value of your home slightly.
How much does it cost to convert your tub into a shower? You can expect to spend between $1,500 to $10,000. The final cost depends largely on how large the shower area is and the finishes you choose, including fixtures, tile, and the glass doors. You can save money by using a shower kit that includes the shower pan and side walls.
Discount Dumpster will make your bathroom remodel hassle-free with a rental dumpster delivered right to your driveway. We have a large selection of all sizes of dumpsters with quick availability, so you can get to work right away. Toss your old bathtub, fixtures, and pipes into your dumpster to keep your work area clean and safe. Call us today for a free quote and to learn more about our service and offerings.
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