Your shower is an important feature in your bathroom and should last between 10 and 15 years before needing a replacement. Some things to look for include signs of leaks, low water pressure or mold.
An outdated design and frequent repairs are also signs you need an upgrade. Here we’ll discuss which signs to look for that indicate it’s time for a replacement.
How Long Does a Shower Last?
A shower’s lifespan is 10 to 15 years. Some factors that can shorten its lifespan include poor maintenance, heavy usage and cheap materials used during production. Although refinishing your shower is sometimes a viable option, it’s important to also know when replacement is necessary.
9 Clear Signs You Need a New Shower
Whether or not you need to replace your shower isn’t always clear. However, here are nine signs to look for.
1. Persistent Mold or Mildew
Mildew and mold thrive in damp environments. Your grout, caulk and shower walls provide ample opportunities for growth. Mold and mildew can create significant health risks and are challenging to remove.
2. Leaks and Water Damage
Identifying shower leaks is tricky since they can occur under the floor and behind the walls. Water damage leads to structural damage to other parts of your home (and mold growth). Indicators of water damage include discoloration, puddles and warped flooring.
3. Constant Clogging or Drain Issues
Constant drain issues (like clogs) are costly to repair and may mean it’s time for a replacement. Older pipes are at a much higher risk of corrosion and mineral buildup.
4. Weak or Inconsistent Water Pressure
Shower components naturally become less efficient as they get older. A complete replacement will increase its efficiency, save money on utility bills and make showering a more enjoyable experience.
If you notice sudden water pressure issues or continuous fluctuations, you may need to replace the showerhead, or there could be bigger plumbing issues at play. This may be the case if you notice pressure problems from multiple faucets.
5. Sudden Temperature Changes (Cold Spurts)
If your morning shower is interrupted by cold spurts, your mixing cartridges or pressure-balancing valves may be to blame. When working correctly, these components prevent pressure drops. However, when they are old, worn or damaged, they may stop working altogether.
6. High Water Bills
A spike in your water bill without a change in your usage may be due to your old, outdated shower. Outdated showers use up to 3 times more water than newer models due to inefficient showerheads, leaky faucets and old fixtures.
Consider replacing your old shower with a water-efficient option. WaterSense fixtures can save thousands of gallons of water each year.
7. Outdated Style or Poor Usability
Your shower might technically be functional. However, you may want to consider replacing it if the style is dated, doesn’t suit your needs or lacks accessibility.
Modern shower options like rainfall heads, multi-sprays and digital controls offer a more pleasant shower experience.
8. Visible Wear and Tear
Cracked tiles, rusty fixtures and peeling grout detract from your shower’s appearance and may also cause water damage. Visible signs of damage are usually indicative of a deeper problem, so patchwork repairs are not usually advisable.
9. Safety Concerns
Slip and fall incidents in the shower are the leading causes of home injuries. A slippery shower floor (and a lack of grab bars) increases your risk. If you’re concerned about safety due to these design issues, consider replacing it.
Benefits of Replacing Your Shower
There are several reasons why you should consider replacing your shower:
- Enhance your health and safety by deterring mold growth and upgrading to a slip-resistant design.
- Improve efficiency and reduce utility bills by installing more efficient components.
- Enhance your bathroom’s aesthetics and increase your home’s value.
In addition, a bathroom remodel will provide a high ROI (60% to 70%), increasing your resale value.
FAQs About Shower Replacement
How often should a shower be replaced?
Every 10 to 15 years.
Can I just reglaze or refinish my shower instead?
In some cases, a small repair job is possible (such as replacing a tile or fixing a minor leak). However, persistent, widespread issues usually make replacement the better choice.
What’s the cheapest way to upgrade an old shower?
Some cost-effective options include getting a pre-fabricated shower insert, replacing outdated fixtures and finding the right model that fits your budget.
How do I know if a leak means a full replacement?
Check for water stains, discoloration on the walls (and ceilings) and persistent puddling on the floor.
Do new showers really save money on water bills?
Yes, they do. Low-flow shower fixtures (specifically WaterSense fixtures) significantly reduce water consumption, saving money on your water and energy bills.
Let Our Punctual Plumbers Transform Your Bathroom With Shower Replacement Services Today
If your shower is leaky or you’re encountering mold, pressure or safety issues, you should probably get it replaced. If you’re unsure and live in Orlando, FL, or the surrounding area, give Benjamin Franklin a call.
We can help you improve your home with high-quality shower upgrades that you can count on. Our punctual plumbers can assess your situation so you can determine the next best steps.