There comes a time that whenever you step into your bathroom,  all that goes through your mind is how much you want to replace that old tub or shower. Time takes its toll on an aging bathroom. Between the mold, mildew and fading colors, you are just sick of looking at your tub. However, before you even think about replacing your tub or shower, there are some key things you need to know. Replacing your old bathtub can be more difficult than you think. The difficulty varies among homeowners because not every bathtub and shower is the same, nor do they incur the same effects over time.
1. Water damage behind the wall
This is a common problem many homeowners face when they take on this project. Also, it is a serious problem. Trapped water behind the tub and shower had time to sit and mold. Depending on where your bathroom is located within the house, it may have even done some damage to the home’s foundation. This is a problem that you should never attempt to fix yourself. In this situation, contact your local Arlington plumber to address this issue for you.
2. Caulk Issues
If the caulk is not properly installed into the seams of your new tub and wall, water can leak behind the unit, causing black mold. Many people think they can install the caulk themselves, and while they may be perfectly capable of doing so, it is still recommended that a professional does it or gives it a clearance check to ensure proper water resistance.
3. Measurements
Measurements for your new tub or shower need to be one hundred percent accurate. The slightest miscalculation can mean having to return the new tub you just brought home. This is especially true for units that fit into corners or awkwardly shaped rooms. There is nothing more frustrating than realizing that your new unit won’t fit into the space.
Conclusion
Even if you feel like you can undertake the job yourself, it is still recommended that you hire a professional to either do the job for you or at least do an evaluation before and an inspection after the work is finished to ensure it was installed correctly to avoid any frustration and greater expenses fixing any issues later on. Nevertheless, if you decide to do it yourself, make sure you educate yourself. Learn about the other various issues that are associated with replacing an old tub, and make sure you have the tools necessary and the number to a good emergency plumber in case you run into any trouble.
Considering remodeling a bathroom in your Arlington home? Call The Plumbing Dr today at 703-525-9280. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have on your remodel or provide you with an in-home consultation.