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Kitchen & Bath Blog

6 Reasons for Shower Replacement


For many homeowners, their shower is their sanctuary—a place to let all the worries of the day wash down the drain. However, when that sanctuary starts to show its age, serenity can quickly turn to stress. From leaky fixtures to chipped tiles, how do you know when it's time to replace your shower? 

Leaky Fixtures   

Leaks are bad news across the board. Not only do they add to your monthly water bill, but they can also lead to mold growth and staining. Leaks that occur when the shower is on can be caused by something as simple as the showerhead coming loose from is fitting, hard water buildup, or a worn seal. These issues are usually resolved relatively quickly, and you might even be able to fix them yourself. However, a leak that occurs while the shower is off is more complicated and will likely require a professional to diagnose and repair. If you see signs of a leak occurring behind the wall, notify a professional plumber right away. Depending on the nature of the leak, how long it's been happening, and the extent of the damage it's caused, you may have to replace the shower entirely. 

Mold  

The warm, humid environment produced by your shower is perfect for bacterial and fungal growth. If you see black or green spots accumulating on various parts of your grout, tile, or shower fixtures, then you have mold. Not only is it unsightly, but mold can also cause a variety of health problems, including allergies, rashes, and respiratory problems. You can do your best to clean the mold as it arises, but it's notoriously difficult to eliminate completely. Mold can find its way behind shower tiles and into the interior of fixtures, and once it's there, you're better off giving your shower a complete overhaul. Once you have your brand new shower, here are some ways to keep the mold from coming back.   

Chipped Shower Tiles  

Broken tiles don't just take away from the overall look of your shower; their sharp edges can lead to injury. Not only that, but any cracks or openings in your tile or grout will allow moisture to seep behind the tile and into the wall, leading to deterioration and mold growth that you may not be able to detect until it's too late. If you catch a chip or crack early, you may be able to patch it with caulk or replace the broken tiles if matching materials are available. However, if the damage is extensive or if there's any sign of mold growth, you're better off re-tiling the whole shower 

Broken Shower Door  

Similarly, when showers with glass enclosures and doors start showing signs of wear and tear, they will need to be replaced. Does the door have difficulty sliding, or is it allowing water to leak out into the rest of your bathroom? Is there rust on the hinges or handle? Maybe you've noticed a chip or crack in the glass. If ignored, these problems will only get worse as time goes on and may eventually leave you with a bathroom floor covered in glass.   

It's Outdated  

Even if your shower is damage-free and working correctly, if it feels like it's stuck in the 90s, it may be time for a facelift. Besides the fact that outdated colors and fixtures may clash with your personal design style, shower materials lose their finish over time and become harder to clean. And older showerheads aren't as efficient with water consumption as newer models. Plus, any upgrades you make will not only add to your enjoyment of your home, but future buyers will see the benefit as well.  

You Just Don't Like It  

Lastly, you may not need a reason to replace your shower beyond the fact that you simply don't like it. Maybe you disagree with the previous homeowner's design choices, or maybe the layout or functionality isn't working for you. Whatever the reason, if you don't like it, change it!   

Remodeling a shower can feel daunting, but it doesn't have to break the bank. Not only will you see a return on your investment show up in your water bill and home value, but your health and hygiene will benefit as well. Whether you've decided on a simple hardware upgrade or a complete bathroom overhaul, visit one of our showrooms and talk to our experienced project managers. We're ready to help you get started. 

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Tags: blog bathroom shower remodeling

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