MaintenanceUpdated July 12, 2026
Many Westmont homes built in the mid-1900s still have original bathtubs or older alcove units. For some families, climbing over the tub wall is getting harder over the years, and leaks or cracked grout make daily use more frustrating. Converting a traditional tub to a walk-in shower is a practical upgrade that improves bathroom safety, eases cleaning, and updates plumbing to suit current needs in our area.
Why Tub-to-Shower Conversions Make Sense Locally
With many homes in Westmont dating back to the 1950s through 1970s, it's common to find aging supply lines, older cast iron tubs, and worn tile surrounds. Galvanized and cast iron drain pipes can corrode or clog over time, causing slow drains or leaks beneath the tub. Walk-in showers use less water than large tubs, which helps reduce issues from our moderately hard municipal supply over time, it means less mineral buildup and an easier-to-clean surface.
Safety is another major reason for this upgrade. Stepping into a walk-in shower is much easier for anyone with limited mobility. Modern fixtures with anti-scald valves and slip-resistant floors add another layer of protection.
What the Conversion Process Involves
Removing a tub and installing a walk-in shower is more involved than a simple fixture swap. There's plumbing, waterproofing, and tile work to consider. Our crew follows a process that covers the full job, including:
- Turning off the water supply and protecting surrounding floors and walls.
- Disconnecting and hauling away the old tub and waste drain assembly.
- Inspecting supply lines and drain pipes for corrosion or leaks, especially important with older galvanized or cast iron plumbing common in Westmont housing stock.
- Upgrading the drain to a 2-inch line if possible, which improves shower drainage and is required by current plumbing code.
- Installing a new shower pan with a waterproof membrane to protect against future water damage, especially since clay soils in this area can magnify any unnoticed leaks.
- Finishing with tile, acrylic panels, or stone, along with grab bars and accessible fixtures if needed.
We recommend pairing this job with a full check of bathroom shutoff valves and supply connections. If your home hasn't had a plumbing upgrade since the 1970s or 1980s, this is the time to consider fresh angle stops and maybe even partial pipe replacement to protect against future leaks.
Common Issues with Older Bathroom Plumbing
Older homes in the western suburbs often have issues that only show up once demolition begins. Here are some problems we've run into during tub-to-shower remodels:
- Loose or cracked tile backer, sometimes caused by condensation or leaks from poorly sealed grout lines.
- Rusted or corroded galvanized supply lines that clog or restrict water flow, something we see in original bathrooms throughout Westmont.
- P-traps and horizontal drains packed with hair or soap scum, or even cast iron that has started to collapse.
- Signs of past leaks, such as warped plywood or mold behind the walls, especially near exterior corners where freeze-thaw is toughest in winter.
We always check for existing water damage and address any discovered plumbing issues before finishing the shower install. If you spot slow drains or musty odors, it's wise to get a proper drain cleaning as part of the project. We also check that your main shutoff works smoothly and that all new fixtures are compatible with moderately hard water from Lake Michigan.
Upgrading Fixtures and Custom Features
Switching from a tub to a shower opens up your choices for fixtures. Low-flow showerheads, handheld sprayers, and thermostatic mixing valves are common upgrades. These improve comfort and avoid scalding, especially useful for families with kids or seniors. If you're already planning on new valves, it's smart to look at the rest of your bathroom's fixtures. Many homeowners add a new sink faucet, which we handle through our faucet and fixture installation services.
We also recommend including a new shower niche for storage and sturdy grab bars anchored into the wall studs. If your bathroom layout requires moving drain lines, we coordinate those changes with local code and best practices for homes built on Westmont's clay soils.
Preventing Water Leaks and Damage
Because Westmont is known for moderate water tables and clay soils, it's important to ensure your new shower is watertight. That means using a proper shower pan with a membrane, waterproof backer board, and high-quality caulking at all seams. Any leak left behind a new shower can reach the subfloor quickly, so we inspect the sump pit if one is present and check that your drains are pitched correctly. If you suspect a hidden leak, our leak detection and repair team can help find the problem before it turns into something worse.
For homes with a history of slow floor drains or sewer issues, our sewer line services cover camera inspections and line cleaning to remove any doubt about what lies beneath your new shower.
Maintenance Tips After Your Shower Upgrade
Once your walk-in shower is in, a little routine care goes a long way. Clean the tile grout regularly, keep drains clear of hair, and check caulking joints every few months. Run the bath fan after showers to limit humidity, which helps prevent mold and mildew common in our humid summers. Addressing minor issues quickly with professional bathroom remodeling services will keep your investment in top shape for years.
If you're thinking about a tub-to-shower conversion in your Westmont home, our licensed plumbers handle everything from plumbing rough-in to fixture installation. Call us at 630-557-8896 to talk through your project or book a free estimate. We know the area and can help you make the most of your update.