What You Need to Know About Replacing a Bathtub With a Shower

Can I Replace My Bathtub with a Shower?

Tired of your old bathtub taking up space in your bathroom? Wondering if it’s possible to replace your tub with a shower? We don’t blame you – it’s a common thought process for many homeowners. 

According to a survey by Victorian Plumbing, 57% of global respondents said they would prefer to bathe in a shower over a bathtub. Most people can also appreciate the aesthetics and beauty of a walk-in shower, especially if the home has at least one bathtub somewhere else. 

In some cases, adding a walk-in shower to one bathroom can even boost your home’s resale value – especially if you’re replacing an outdated, cramped, or ugly bathtub. 

If you’ve long dreamed of showering behind glass doors instead of a flimsy shower curtain, it might be time to think about converting your bathtub to a walk-in shower.  

But is a tub-to-shower conversion feasible for your bathroom? Let’s talk about it. 

Why You Might Want to Switch to a Walk-in Shower

Upgrading from an existing tub to a shower can offer numerous benefits that cater to modern lifestyles and specific bathroom preferences. Let’s talk about some of the main reasons that push people to install a walk-in shower. 

✓ Efficient and Convenient 

Firstly, walk-in showers are known for their efficiency and convenience. Unlike baths, which require filling and draining large volumes of water, walk-in showers provide quick and easy access to cleansing. 

In today’s fast-paced world, where time is often a luxury, a shower stall can help streamline your daily routine, allowing you to freshen up and get ready in a fraction of the time it takes to bathe in a bathtub.

✓ Use Less Water

Using a shower can be more sustainable and cost-effective than a bathtub, as taking a shower requires less water. A standard showerhead flows at a rate of 2.5 gallons per minute, so a ten-minute shower only uses 25 gallons of water – but a full bath can use up to 50 gallons of water. 

✓ Accommodate Specific Needs

For individuals with limited mobility or dexterity, walk-in showers can offer greater accessibility and safety compared to traditional bathtubs, making them an ideal choice for aging homeowners and accommodating diverse needs within a household.

Whatever your reason for replacing your bathtub might be, it’s clear that a standing shower can serve many users in different ways. However, before installing one, you need to know if your space can realistically accommodate a walk-in shower.

Assessing Your Bathroom 

The first step in determining whether you can replace your bathtub with a shower is to assess the available space in your bathroom. 

While a bathtub typically requires more square footage due to its size and shape, showers can be designed to fit into smaller spaces, making them a versatile option for many kinds of bathroom renovations.

If you’re tired of your current bath setup, make sure to consider the following shower remodel factors:

Desired Shower Size

Measure the dimensions of your current bathtub to determine if there is enough space to install a shower of similar or smaller size. Even in somewhat smaller bathrooms, there are plenty of walk-in shower possibilities. 

Room Layout

Evaluate the layout of your bathroom to see if any obstacles or architectural features may impact your shower conversion, such as plumbing fixtures, windows, or structural walls.

Accessibility

If accessibility is a concern, replacing your bathtub with a shower can provide easier access for older homeowners with limited mobility or those who prefer an open bathroom layout with more space.

Bathroom Plumbing and Drainage Considerations

Another crucial aspect to consider when planning to replace a bathtub with a shower is your plumbing and drainage system. Because walk-in showers have different requirements from your old bathtub, you’ll need to assess whether your existing plumbing can accommodate the change.

When surveying your bathroom, here are two things to keep in mind:

(1) Shower Drain Compatibility

Ensure your bathroom floor space has proper slope and drainage to prevent water buildup and potential leaks. A professional contractor can assess your existing drain lines and make any necessary adjustments.

(2) Water Supply

Check the location of your bathroom water supply lines to determine if they can be easily reconfigured to accommodate a shower conversion. In some cases, additional plumbing work may be required to ensure proper water flow and pressure.

In either case, substantial plumbing work will impact the estimated cost to replace the bathtub with a shower. Be sure you understand the scope of the project upfront. 

Shower Design and Aesthetic Preferences

One of the most exciting aspects of replacing a bathtub with a walk-in shower is the opportunity to customize the design and feel of your bathroom. Showers come in a variety of styles, materials, and finishes, allowing you to create a look that reflects your taste and complements the overall design of the room. 

For example, you’ll have the chance to consider walk-in shower design elements such as…

Shower Enclosures

Choose between a framed, frameless, or semi-frameless shower enclosure to create a sleek and modern look. Additionally, consider options such as glass doors, sliding shower doors, or open-concept designs to enhance the visual appeal of your shower stall.

Accessibility Features

If you’re able to replace your bathtub with a shower, you might want to add some features that make it safer and accommodating to anyone with mobility issues, such as grab bars on the walls and comfortable shower seats.

Tile and Finishes

Select high-quality tiles and finishes for your new shower floor, walls, and accents to create a cohesive and stylish aesthetic. Whether you prefer nude ceramic tile, contemporary mosaic patterns, or luxurious natural stone, there are endless options when replacing bathtubs with custom shower stalls.

Professional Bathtub Replacement Services 

A tub-to-shower conversion is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning, expert craftsmanship, and adherence to safety standards. 

To ensure your new shower is installed correctly, we strongly recommend hiring a reputable bathroom remodeling company with documented experience in shower conversion and bathtub removal services.

Thinking about DIY-ing this project instead? Here’s why you should always have your new shower installed by professionals: 

Expertise

Professional contractors have the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to execute a seamless shower conversion while adhering to building codes and regulations. This reduces the risks of costly or hazardous mistakes.

Quality Assurance

By hiring a professional, you can trust that your new walk-in shower will be installed with precision and attention to detail, minimizing the risk of leaks, water damage, or structural issues.

Warranty and Guarantee

Many reputable contractors offer warranties and guarantees on their workmanship, providing you with peace of mind and protection against any unforeseen issues with your tub-to-shower conversion. 

Although you might save a little money upfront by doing the conversion yourself, chances are, the results and expenses won’t play out in your favor down the road. 

In Summary: Determining If You Can Add a Shower 

All in all, deciding to replace a bathtub with a shower stall can certainly enhance the functionality, aesthetics, and value of your bathroom.

By carefully assessing your bathroom and discussing your options with a professional contracting team, you can plan a tub-to-shower conversion that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

Get a FREE Quote for Your Tub-to-Shower Conversion

Thinking about replacing a bathtub with a shower? Let’s talk. 

As a leading bath remodeling contractor in Salt Lake City, Lifespan Bath Remodel offers new shower installation services in as little as one day. If you want to swap out your old tub for a brand-new shower, we’ll handle the entire tub-to-shower conversion from start to finish. 

Contact us today to get a free quote for our bathtub replacement services We’re here to make your bathroom the space you’ve always wanted.