The average Canadian uses 250 litres of water every day. 35% of it goes towards bathing.
This may be part of why creating a comfortable bathroom is such a common home renovation. It made up 43% of DIY projects. They cost an average of $12,300-$14,400.
Read on to learn signs that it's time to replace your aging tub and old bathtub faucets.
Mold and Mildew
The bathroom is often the most wet and humid room in your home. This moisture encourages the growth of mold and mildew.
These fungi grow quickly and spread spores into the air. They're a potentially deadly problem for those with allergies or respiratory issues. They even decrease your home's value.
Cleaning them out isn't too difficult unless the area around your tub has suffered continual water damage. Moisture may also have seeped into cracks that are too small to see.
Leaks
One of the most common causes of mold and other forms of water damage is a leak.
Check to see if your old bathtub faucets are responsible. Fill your tub and plug it. If the water level lowers in a few hours, you have a leak.
A plumber may be able to help you patch a small one. Persistent leaks are a sign that you need to replace your bathtub before it causes major structural damage to your home.
Stains
Stains ruin the look and feel of your tub. They're caused by hard water and a buildup of soap scum.
The protective finish wears away, leaving behind a ring of dirt. It's difficult to remove without refinishing or replacing the bathtub.
Chipping and Cracking
A small chip in your bathtub needs to be attended to immediately. If it's not patched, it lets moisture in and causes rust or leaks.
Chips can also grow into cracks that cause even more damage. Fixing a small one is possible, but a tub with several large cracks can no longer hold water.
Fading and Discoloration
Black spots in the bathtub are annoying but easy to clean. The issue becomes serious when they grow in large patches and won't go away.
This is a sign that the finish has eroded. The issue can only be fixed with a full bathtub replacement.
Inefficient Water Usage
Installing a new, more energy-efficient bathtub can reduce your water usage. This helps the environment and will lower your water bills.
You can also choose more efficient bathroom faucets. Find one that matches your current plumbing, offers the features you need, and matches your bathroom's design.
Uncomfortable or Difficult to Use
If your bathtub doesn't fit your current needs, it'll only take up valuable space.
Perhaps you need a walk-in model due to difficulty stepping over the side or a more child-friendly model for your new kids. You may even change your mind about having a bathtub at all and want to switch to a shower.
These new features may require renovating the entire bathroom. You can upgrade the design, layout, storage, and lighting.
Where to Find Replacements for My Old Tub and Old Bathtub Faucets
Old bathtub faucets and fading tubs stand out as a blight on your home. They take away the joy of a relaxing soak. You may even experience issues with mold, leaks, chips, cracks, stains, and inefficient water usage.
Renovating your bathroom can fix these problems. Visit our showroom at Plumbing & Parts Home and Centre for all the parts you need.