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Top Signs That You Need A Tub Replacement

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Your bathtub provides so many benefits for you and your family. It’s a place where you can relax after a long day, soak in hot water with a good book or just unwind while listening to some calming music. The tub is the center point of any bathroom and requires regular maintenance to look its best.

When your tub begins to show its age, it’s time to consider replacing it with something new. USA Bath has a few reasons why you should replace your tub and why it beats a temporary refinish project.

Replace or Refinish: What to Do With Your Tub

Homeowners who want to replace their tubs often choose to refinish them instead.

Why?

They have a limited budget or don’t have the means to do the bathtub renovations on their own. Refinishing sounds like a less expensive option; in some cases it is. However, people think that they can just refinish their tubs and have them last for years without any maintenance involved.

That couldn’t be further from the truth.

A refinished bathtub requires special care to keep it looking clean and new. You have to be careful not to use abrasive cleaners or bleach. You’ll also need to keep up with routine cleaning to prevent the new finish from fading.

The Pros and Cons of Refinishing a Tub

Pros:

  • A quick refinishing project costs less than a new tub.
  • You don’t have to replace the entire bathtub.
  • It doesn’t take long to complete the project.

Cons:

  • It involves chemicals that pose a risk to your health.
  • A new finish won’t last as long as a newly installed tub.
  • Parts of the finish can easily crack, chip and fade.

You can buy a refinishing kit from your local home improvement store, but a lot of work goes into applying the finish properly. If you do it wrong, the finish will peel and chip after the first bath.

Don’t be fooled by cheap refinishing kits. Today, new bathtubs are very affordable and will last 20 years or more with proper maintenance and care.

5 Reasons to Replace Your Bathtub

A new tub will benefit you and your bathroom. It will provide you with a relaxing place in which to bathe and unwind while also enhancing your bathroom’s aesthetic.

If you’re on the fence about replacing your tub with a new model, the following signs should make your decision much easier.

It leaks constantly.

A leaky tub isn’t good for you or your home. If water pools outside the tub, it could seep into small cracks in the floor or walls and cause mold and mildew. Water pooling can also lead to wood rot and cost you a lot of money in repairs later. Whether your tub leaks out the side or from the fixtures, it’s best not to ignore the problem. You don’t want to pay for a new tub and the costs of replacing parts of your bathroom because of water damage in the future.

It’s way too small.

Not all bathrooms have roomy tubs to accommodate your body comfortably – especially older houses with tubs from the 70s and 80s. Narrow tubs don’t give you enough elbow room, and short tubs make it hard for you to stretch your legs. Your tub should fit your body and make you feel comfortable when you’re lying down. If you don’t feel cozy in your tub, it’s time to replace it with something new and luxurious.

It has deep stains.

Sometimes the stains are so deep in the tub’s surface that no amount of scrubbing can get them out. When bleach and every other cleaning product fails to work, you might want to consider purchasing a new tub. Tub stains make your bathroom look unappealing and may also make you feel disgusted as you bathe. The stains will only get worse over time as the surface ages and produces more microscopic cracks.

It produces mold and mildew.

The same surface cracks that lead to deep stains also contribute to mold and mildew growth. Have you noticed mold around the edges of the tub or in small areas on the surface? If so, you should consider buying a new tub. Unfortunately, the mold will show up no matter how many times you get rid of it. As long as the cracks remain in the surface, bacteria will have a place to breed and to produce fungi.

It’s difficult to get in and out.

No one wants to slip and fall in the bathtub, but it happens all the time. Tubs don’t evolve with people as they get older. They don’t magically sprout rails, handles and nonslip surfaces. Some tubs just aren’t created with seniors or those with mobility needs in mind. Maybe the side of the tub is too high, making you have to balance to get in and out of it. Whatever the reason, if your tub doesn’t make you feel safe, it’s time to upgrade to one that will.

Should You Replace Your Bathtub?

Replacing your bathtub is a big step in renovating your bathroom. A new tub can completely transform the room and make it look entirely different. Modern tubs come in all shapes and sizes to fit any older or newer home. They’re also available in different colors to match your particular style or your room’s design.

Whether you want a single replacement tub or a fancy wall surround to go with it, you can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and styles to create the ultimate bathroom in your home.

Replace Your Bathtub With USA Bath

If you’re ready to upgrade the tub in your bathroom, USA Bath can help. We specialize in bathroom remodeling and deliver fantastic results quickly. An old tub in an outdated bathroom brings down the value of your home. Let us help you pick out a tub that breathes life into your bathroom and helps you feel comfortable every time you step inside it.