RepairUpdated June 24, 2026
Many Mount Prospect homes built in the 1950s through the 1970s still have their original bathtubs. Over the years, these tubs can develop cracks, leaks, or become hard to step into safely, especially when mobility changes. For plenty of families, turning an old tub into a walk-in shower is a smart upgrade, cutting down the risk of slips, making daily routines easier, and dealing with plumbing issues hidden behind the walls of aging bathrooms.
Why Older Mount Prospect Bathrooms Benefit from Shower Conversions
The homes around here tend to stick with their original bathroom layouts for decades. Tubs from early postwar years are often made of heavy porcelain or cast iron, set on concrete subfloors, and tied into galvanized steel or cast iron drain lines. These drain pipes often corrode over time. As a result, we see more slow drains, water stains near the tub, or stubborn leaks that aren't always obvious right away. A walk-in shower conversion helps get ahead of these problems and lets us update supply lines or install new, corrosion-free drains during the remodel.
Switching out a tub also means you can spot and address mold, root growth, or water damage that hides under tile and behind walls. Local water from Lake Michigan is moderately hard, so old fixtures may also be encrusted with mineral deposits. This is a good chance to replace them with low-maintenance choices that keep up with today's needs.
Technical Details Our Team Checks Before Removing a Tub
- Drain Location: Many tub drains aren't centered, so we check pipe routing under the floor. This is especially important with older slab foundations and clay soil here in Mount Prospect.
- Hidden Leaks: We inspect for past leaks or water stains behind the tub apron and beneath the subfloor. Corroded galvanized or cast iron pipes are a common find.
- Main Water Shutoff: Old shutoff valves often leak or seize. Before changing supply lines, we test your shutoff for reliability.
- Vent Placement: Vents tied into the original tub must still meet plumbing code for a new shower. If a vent is undersized, we may need to reroute or update it for proper drainage.
- Shower Pan or Waterproofing: With a walk-in design, we install a new waterproof pan or membrane and slope the floor to make sure drainage is reliable, even during heavy use, especially in a flat terrain area like ours.
During demo, we haul away old cast iron safely and check for any rot in subflooring. If your house still has galvanized pipes, we often recommend updating the lines to copper or PEX as part of the project. You can learn more about our pipe repair and repiping services if you suspect older pipes in your walls.
Safe, Accessible, and Durable Choosing Fixtures That Last
Walk-in showers aren't just for accessibility. They also help solve issues like tight bathroom layouts, tough-to-clean grout lines, and out-of-date faucets. We often install single-handle, pressure-balanced shower valves to guard against sudden temperature swings from old plumbing. For added protection against leaks, we use PVC or ABS drains and install a new P-trap, sealing every connection.
We recommend solid backing in the walls for grab bar installation and choose non-slip base materials. For fixtures, we fit in new mixing valves and water-saving shower heads that handle Mount Prospect's moderately hard water, cutting down on cleaning and reducing mineral buildup. If you're thinking about additional upgrades, our team can handle faucet and fixture installation throughout the bathroom.
What to Expect During the Tub to Shower Conversion Process
We start with a full shutoff check and drain inspection, isolating any old shutoff valves or loose connections. After demolition, we inspect the rough plumbing and replace damaged or rusted sections. Flat terrain and heavy clay soil around Mount Prospect means drainage must be carefully sloped and vented to avoid standing water or slow flow.
- Turn off main water supply and cap supply lines.
- Remove tub, walls, and any old tile or backer board.
- Inspect and replace old supply lines or drains as needed.
- Install new shower pan or waterproofing membrane.
- Set shower walls, valve, and fixtures.
- Test for leaks and proper drainage before finishing walls and doors.
Once the shower itself is set, we finish with caulking, waterproof trim, and a final pressure test. If you've noticed slow drains in other parts of the home, a drain cleaning may be worth scheduling as part of the project.
Watch for These Warning Signs Before Your Bathroom Remodel
Aging bathrooms in the northwest suburbs often show signals that it's time to act. Keep an eye out for:
- Cracks in the tub or loose tiles around the base
- Stains or soft spots near the tub corners, signs of water leaking under floors
- Slow drainage, especially with older galvanized or cast iron pipes
- Mildew odors that return even after cleaning
- Difficulty stepping in or out due to tub height
If your tub area is on a slab foundation, or you know you have clay-tile sewers, it's a good time to discuss sewer line services as part of the renovation. For water intrusion or sump problems in basement-level baths, consider sump pump maintenance before you finish the job.
Integrating Your New Shower with the Whole Home
Upgrading to a walk-in shower is the right time to check the health of your water heater and supply lines. Mineral buildup from moderately hard Lake Michigan water can shorten the life of old water heaters, which may not keep up with a new multi-head or rainfall shower. Check out our water heater services if you notice low hot water pressure or fluctuating temperatures.
We always recommend a comprehensive plumbing check during any major remodel to prevent future leaks or cold showers. Whether you're dealing with a stubborn tub drain, updating for aging in place, or hoping to add value, our crew takes the extra steps needed for long-term reliability.
If you're thinking about turning your old tub into a walk-in shower, call us at 224-524-1247. Our licensed, Mount Prospect-based team will walk you through every step and help you get the most out of your bathroom update.