Safe Showers

If you have decided to install a trendy shower in your bathroom by tearing off that old and outdated bathtub, you are in line with the popular trend since bathtub to shower remodel is one of the most popular and highly sought after upgrades. However, you can’t just rush with the project. You always need to take well informed decisions in order to save on the costs as well as avoiding those expensive mistakes. Planning and planning well is the key to accomplish the project to perfection. Here are some important considerations for homeowners intending to replace their tubs with showers.

Do you want to relocate your shower?

If you are contemplating on a simple conversion instead of going for a complete bathroom makeover, then the project is straight forward and would cost less. Study the following considerations.

If your outdated tub is an alcove, you will gain a space of 30 to 34 inches deep and 5 feet wide when you remove it. His is a good enough space to accommodate a shower. You just need to accomplish some small modifications without doing much with your drain lines and water pipes. This approach is going to save a ton of money in the process.   

When you have a free-standing tub, you need to plan a bit. Several free standing tubs are found positioned near or under windows. However, you will not like to see your shower enclosure near the windows. This will mean planning your shower in a new place. In this case, you have to plan the shower as close as possible to the existing water supply and drain lines so that you can keep the plumbing costs as low as possible. If you will move the plumbing to a new location, you are going to add up a sizeable spending more to the project.

Key measurements you need to know

• The finished ceiling height must be not less than 80 inches.
• There must be at least 15 inches space between the side of the toilet and the shower wall. In fact, 18 inches is an ideal gain.
• From the front of the toilet seat, the shower wall must be 21 inches minimum. However, the ideal arrangement will be 30 inches.
• Ensure that the toilet and the vanity cabinet do not come in the way of the door swing. If you wish to avoid the door swing problems of all types, go for sliding glass doors or shower curtains.

Tips for tearing out the old tub

• Removing the old tub is not a simple task. Cast iron tubs will need a significant man power to get it out of the way. You can either choose to sell it or donate it. To remove the tub, ensure the following.
• Check the condition of the existing pipelines and replace if there is a need.
• Examine the framing and subfloor to find out if there is any mildew or rot or repairs.
• Ensure the shower valve is in good condition. The best option is to upgrade it to a single handle pressure balancing valve that can control temperature and volume.