Are you Wondering if your shower needs replacing and not sure where to start? Then you have come to the right place! The shower is one of the most-used areas in your home, it also happens to experience more moisture-laden air than any other area in the home. This means it will need replacing more often than other home fixtures. So, how do you know when your shower has reached the end of its useful life? Read on to find out the top 6 signs your shower needs replacing, the benefits of replacing your shower, and what to consider when selecting your new shower.

6 Signs That It’s Time For A Shower Replacement

When the following signs become evident, it might be a good time to consider a complete shower replacement to maintain a functional, safe and visually appealing bathroom space.

1. The Shower Is Leaking. This might not be immediately obvious, you will need to look for signs in the shower surrounds such as discolouration or staining up the bathroom walls near the shower or on the skirting boards (it also pays to check in the adjoining rooms). Watermark-type staining in the flooring around the shower that does not come off when cleaned. A musty or damp smell when you walk into the room.
2. Stubborn Mould Or Mildew. Persistent mould or mildew that keeps returning or spreading can be a sign there is a problem behind the scenes, this could be as simple as a sign of age or that there is a slow leak somewhere. Mould and mildew left untreated can spread rapidly, infiltrating various surfaces and posing a risk to those who live in the house.
3. Cracked Or Discoloured Tiles Or Grout. If you have a tiled shower or wet area with cracked/broken tiles and grout it can be a serious sign your shower needs some work. Tiles in themselves are not 100% waterproof, they make up a professionally curated system that provides a waterproof area that includes sealants and an underlying waterproof membrane. The entire tiling system can be placed in jeopardy when broken tiles and grout are left in a damaged state.
4. Excessive Cracking, Chipping and Peeling. Regardless of what they are made of, showers take a lot of abuse and face some of the most challenging conditions created in the home. Large cracks, discolouration, chips, dents, or areas with extensive peeling usually indicate that your shower finish/cladding is nearing the end of its life—which can mean possible waterproofing issues.
5. Poor Functionality. Does the shower still meet the needs of the household? Are there ongoing issues such as a lack of sufficient water pressure, temperature control issues, or outdated fixtures? Are there obvious structural issues such as sagging, shifting, or instability in the shower’s structure? All of these things can be ongoing concerns that need to be addressed.
6. The Shower Is Old Or Outdated. Wanting to upgrade your bathroom’s overall look and feel is perfectly natural if you have an ugly, outdated shower or persistent stains coupled with an old appearance or style. What used to be fashionable 20 years ago might not cut it today. Upgrading your shower and perhaps vanity is a quick easy way to refresh and update the bathroom with little effort, which can be particularly useful if you are looking to sell the property.

Benefits Of A Shower Replacement

If you’re putting up with a bad shower, worrying about your shower’s waterproofing integrity or its appearance when guests come over, it might be time to look into shower replacement. And it may not be as complex as you think! A shower replacement can transform your bathroom into a more functional, stylish, and enjoyable space. There’s no denying that having a good shower is one of the highlights of the day! Why tolerate a shower that you don’t like when replacing a shower can be a straightforward process. Replacing your shower means you can look forward to improved functionality, better water efficiency, enhanced aesthetics, a more relaxing atmosphere, and, as a bonus – an increase in your home’s value – we all know bathrooms and kitchens sell houses!

What To Consider When Choosing A Replacement Shower

When choosing a new shower, there are quite a few different decisions that need to be made, you will need to consider:

• Acrylic, Glass, Stainless Steel, Fibreglass, Tile
• Style And Design. Walk-In, Double, Frameless, Corner, Custom or Prefabricated
• Accessibility Options. Curbless Entry, Grab Bars, Seating
• Mixer, Electric, Power, Digital
• Water Pressure/System. Low or High, Rural or Town supply.

How Often Should You Replace A Shower?

So how often should you replace your shower? The short answer is, as a general rule of thumb, if your shower is high-use (the only one in the house or used by more than one person every day) it is likely to need replacing every 7-10 years. However, this decision will also depend on the current condition of the shower (whether it has been properly looked after), and the household’s immediate and long-term goals (are you planning on staying in the house for a few more years, are your teenagers moving out soon, are you going to sell up etc.). Weighing up the 6 signs your shower needs replacing above, the situational aspects of the household and the current state of the shower should give you the answer you are looking for when considering whether to replace your shower or not – but if it doesn’t, you could always call a bathroom renovation specialist to discuss your options.

What Else Do You Need To Know?

When deciding on the type of shower to install in your bathroom, or any bathroom renovation for that matter always keep the following pointers in mind. Safety First. When renovating your bathroom, always think about anti-slip flooring that works to prevent slips and falls. This might be as simple as choosing matt finish tiles or grip enhanced vinyl planking and shower pans. You can slip and fall at any age! Waterproofing Is A Must. The most critical factor in any bathroom renovation is waterproofing! Ensuring your shower, bath surrounds and flooring is waterproof will future-proof your bathroom for many years to come. Installation Is Important. When properly installed using appropriate methods and installation materials, a shower can last for many many years – if not, water damage could ruin the construction underneath and even impact the structural integrity of your home. Think Healthy Dry Air! Bacteria and mould thrive in moisture-laden environments, especially bathrooms and showers. One of the easiest ways to reduce the moisture levels in any bathroom is to ensure the air dries out during the day. This might be as simple as leaving a window open, running the extractor fan, leaving the shower door ajar or wiping down the shower after use – or, better still – all of these things! Tiled Showers Can Be Tricky. Tiled showers are great, but they do come with an additional rule book if you want to get it right. A few important things to consider are: choose matt tiles for the shower floor, they are easier to keep clean, hide some of the dirt, and have greater anti-slip properties. Glossy tiles are best used on the walls, their partially reflective appearance gives the illusion of space making the room feel bigger and it makes them easy to wipe down. And lastly, always check the existing walls are equipped for the weight of tiles – this can be a big problem if you get to far down the track and they can’t handle the weight! Future Proof It. When renovating any aspect of your bathroom, always think about durable and easy-to-clean surfaces and you cant go wrong. Choosing the right products for walls, floors, and fixtures can mean the difference between a bathroom you love and a bathroom you hate (to clean!). If In Doubt Call The Professionals. If you are unsure what kind of shower to choose, what your water system can handle, how to choose tiles or where to begin – give a professional bathroom renovator a call before you make any large purchases – big ticket items such as showers and vanities can be difficult to return if you’ve made the wrong choice. If you’re considering a bathroom renovation or wondering whether it’s time to replace your shower, contact AA Bathrooms. We have completed bathroom renovations for many years and can provide you with knowledge and honest guidance around all aspects of bathroom renovations including whether it’s time to replace your shower.