When to Get a New Bathtub

When to get a new bathtub can be confusing.  Some bathtubs look great after 50 years while others look nasty after 5 years.  If your bathtub makes “crunchy” or cracking noises when you get into it, is this bad?   There are many factors that affect the longevity of your bathtub.  Let’s look at some of these signs that it’s time to replace the bathtub.

Knowing When to Get a New Bathtub Can Save You Lots of Money

If you do a Google search, it lists the following reasons to get a new bathtub:

• Leaks
• Chipping and Cracking
• Mold and Mildew
• Staining
• Age
• Uncomfortable or Difficult to Use
• Fading Color/Look
• Increased Difficulty in Cleaning

There are three more important reasons not listed.  These are:

• Moves, wobbles, or make cracking noises when inside.
• The floor is flexing/moving outside of the bathtub.
• Difficulty getting into or out of the bathtub.

The Most Common 3 Scenarios of When to Get a New Bathtub

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• Leaks – If you see leaking anywhere, it’s time to replace it. These leaks can be due to a crack in the tub, along the rim (where the walls meet the top of the tub), or apron (front of the tub).  A common area for a tub crack is around the drain and in the middle.  These cracks can be hairline and difficult to see.  A good practice is to open the tub access panel every six months and take a look.  Using a bright flashlight, look underneath and around the tub and see if there are any signs of moisture.  Notice if there is a musty or damp smell.  Lastly, if there are any signs or mold, mildew, or insect damage, consider replacing the bathtub.
• Mold and Mildew – This usually develops along the rim where the integral tile flange meets the wall surfaces for tiled bathtubs. For one piece fiberglass or acrylic tubs, this is usually found along the sides of the bathtub on the wall surfaces.  Mold and mildew on wall surfaces are also common for bathtubs with tiles.  Another area where mold and mildew are located is the floor.  Carpet, vinyl, and wood floors are highly susceptible to mold and mildew outside of the bathtub.
  
• Chipping or Cracking – Cracking is usually first noticed around the drain and middle of the tub in fiberglass tubs. Cast iron tubs will see rust and chipping around the drain if a low-quality drain assembly is used or incorrectly installed.  A high-quality cast-iron tub is difficult to chip and nearly impossible to crack.  A poorly installed acrylic bathtub will usually experience cracks in the middle and towards the front of the tub.

Fiberglass, acrylic, cast iron, and mineral composite bathtubs that are cracked or chipped are dangerous.  All these bathtub materials are sharp when cracked or chipped.  You can easily be severely cut.  If your tub is cracked or chipped, replace it now.

Top 3 Safety Reasons to Get a New Bathtub

• Moves, Wobbles, or Makes Cracking Noises When Inside – This is almost always the result of one of two items. The first is poor installation.  The second is a failing tub that likely already has cracks in it. These conditions are quite common in fiberglass tubs.  Fiberglass bathtubs are the cheapest and only last 5-10 years depending on use.
• Difficulty Getting into or Out of the Bathtub – If getting in or out of the bathtub is difficult and is becoming dangerous, it’s time to replace it with a walk-in or curbless shower.

The easiest way to make this determination is as follows:  If you can’t get into or out of the bathtub without holding onto something, like the enclosure or towel bar outside, or crawling/scooting to get in or out, you need a walk-in shower or curbless shower.

If you slip or fall getting into or out of the bathtub, eliminate the bathtub now.  Hire a licensed, experienced, professional bathroom contractor to replace the tub with a walk-in or curbless shower.

• Staining, Fading, and Difficulty Cleaning – These all go together. Basically, the tub looks nasty and makes you uncomfortable even thinking about getting inside!  A dirty tub can harbor harmful bacteria, mold, and mildew.  These can easily cause and worsen skin infections, respiratory issues, and allergic reactions, especially for those with weakened immune systems or pre-existing conditions.A dirty or severely stained tub harbors dangerous bacterium.  Dirty tubs are breeding grounds for various bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and E. coli.  These and others can cause skin infections, urinary tract infections, and in some cases, more serious illnesses like septicemia or pneumonia.Mold and mildew thrive in damp environments, and bathtubs are prone to moisture buildup.Exposure to mold can trigger allergic reactions, respiratory problems (like asthma), and skin irritation.Mold can also damage the bathtub itself including the wall and floor areas, leading to costly repairs.

After Considering When to Get a New Bathtub, How Long a Bathtub Should Last is Very Important

Replacing a bathtub is not cheap.  Most bathtubs are in confined spaces and require additional work to replace.  It’s not something you want to do repeatedly.  Bathtub longevity is a combination of tub material, installation, use and care.  Regardless of the tub material, if it’s installed incorrectly, you are going to have problems.  Only use an experienced, licensed bathroom contractor to install your bathtub.  Don’t hire the cheapest person you can find.  You will pay dearly for this mistake down the road.  There is more to installing a bathtub than you may think.  It takes a lot of planning and careful, precise implementation by an experienced professional.

The longest lasting bathtubs are cast iron.  Acrylic has the second-best longevity.  A close second for longevity are tubs using mineral composite materials.  Do not use fiberglass or steel bathtubs.

Can I Repair my Bathtub or Should I Get a New Bathtub?

Get a new bathtub.  I have seen all kinds of repaired, reglazed, and new liner bathtubs over 45 years.  None of this works or lasts long.  These types of solutions are usually performed by people who are selling their home.  If you are buying a home, look closely at the bathtub.  If it looks new relative to its surroundings, the finish looks like it’s been spray painted, has a glazed look, or the walls and tub are uniform color, it’s going to be expensive trouble for you.  Ask to see the contract illustrating that a licensed bathroom contractor furnished and installed the bathtub.

For more information on refinishing or replacing your bathtub, read Should you Refinish or Replace your Bathtub.

Always Hire a Reliable and Dependable Contractor to Remodel your Bathroom

Always work with a trustworthy contractor like DAD’s Construction.  We are experts in bathroom remodeling and manage projects in an efficient manner.  We can help you decide when to remodel your bathroom and what to consider before remodeling your bathroom.  DAD’s Construction will do everything to minimize the possibility of change orders.  Our team will make sure we have all the necessary information to prepare a proposal that meets your requirements.  Rest assured that we will provide you with a detailed, by line-item contract.  We will make sure that the contents of this agreement are properly and clearly communicated to you.  If you have questions or need updates regarding your project, we will always answer your inquiries.

How Can I Receive More Information on Remodeling my Bathroom?

If you would like more information on enjoying the best bathroom, kitchen, and interior remodeling experience in Orange County, call Dan at (949) 380-0177 or at dan@dadsconstruction.com for a free in home consultation.  DAD’s serves all of South Orange County California.  This includes Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo,  Foothill Ranch, Portola Hills, Ladera Ranch, Irvine, San Clemente, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, Dove Canyon, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Orange, and Aliso Viejo.