InstallationUpdated June 17, 2026
Many homes in Cary, especially those built after 1960, still have old bathtubs that are hard to step over and can feel dated compared to newer walk-in showers. As plumbers who have worked on ranches, split-levels, and newer builds around town, we see a lot of homeowners interested in swapping the old tub for a safer, modern shower. The change does more than update the look, walk-in showers offer easier entry, better drainage, and can add value to a home. Getting the conversion done right protects your home's plumbing and prevents headaches down the road.
Why Cary Homes Are Good Candidates for Tub to Shower Conversions
Cary's housing mix includes both mid-century and newer builds, many with original bathrooms that weren't designed with walk-in access in mind. The typical bath has a standard alcove tub, often with supply lines and drains run in walls or under floors that can be tight to access. Since local water is moderately hard, we also see more mineral scale inside older copper or galvanized pipes. Upgrading the wet wall during a conversion gives us a chance to replace sections of aging pipe before leaks or clogs develop. Modern showers also use directional drains and waterproofing that hold up better against the humidity present in homes near the Fox River.
How We Approach the Tub to Shower Conversion
Our crew starts every conversion with a full inspection of your supply and drain lines. If we see old galvanized or corroded copper, it's smart to swap those out with new PEX or copper during the remodel. We carefully cap or reroute any unused lines to avoid hidden leaks. The biggest change is usually the drain: tubs drain through a 1.5-inch pipe, but walk-in showers require a 2-inch drain for code compliance and better flow. This means opening a portion of the floor, cutting back the old pipe, and installing a new trap and drain assembly.
We set waterproofing as a top priority. Clay-rich soil beneath Cary homes can allow water to seep if the shower pan or liner is installed poorly. We use either prefabricated pans or build up a custom mud bed, always with a vinyl liner or liquid waterproofing membrane. On the supply side, we often recommend a pressure-balanced mixing valve, important in homes with municipal water that can fluctuate during peak usage.
What to Watch For During Your Project
- Soft or decaying floorboards around the old tub, could signal prior leaks
- Slow drains or frequent clogs, may need professional drain cleaning or a new trap
- Stains or bulges on lower walls, evidence of water escaping past old tile or caulk
- Low water pressure at the tub spout or shower, can point to mineral buildup or undersized lines
- No dedicated shutoff valves for the bath supply, adding these saves headaches for future repairs
Addressing these issues before installing new fixtures avoids trouble down the line. It's also a good time to check for any existing foundation or basement leaks, especially with Cary's moderate water table. If basement seepage has been a problem, a properly working sump pump is key; see our sump pump services for more details.
Picking Fixtures and Features That Last
Most homeowners want easy maintenance and longevity. We suggest solid brass or stainless shower valves and heads, especially with Lake Michigan's hard water. Glass doors, low-profile thresholds, and built-in benches all make showers safer and more accessible. Adding grab bars or handheld wands is smart for aging-in-place. If you're adding body sprays or rain heads, make sure your supply lines are sized to handle the extra flow, and check your water heater's recovery time. We offer complete water heater services if yours is ready for an upgrade.
Don't overlook small details. Properly sloped floors, high-quality waterproofing, and correct venting all matter as much as the tile and glass. Our team can tackle the rough-in and coordinate with other trades, so the shower is leak-tight from day one.
Preventing Future Plumbing Issues
Taking out a tub and putting in a shower can reveal old problems. We're always on the lookout for signs of hidden water damage, loose drain connections, or prior DIY repairs. If we find pipes that are corroded or undersized, we can handle pipe repair and repiping right there. We also check for proper venting in the walls and ceiling, since steam from showers can lead to moisture issues over time. Our leak detection and repair services can catch small drips early, before they turn into costly problems.
What You Can Expect from Our Installation Process
Once the old tub is out, we inspect every fitting and the surrounding framing for rot or mold. After fixing any issues, we rough in the drain, supply, and valves, then test everything before closing up the walls. We waterproof with thick liners or quality liquid-applied membranes, lay tile or install the shower surround, and set up all fixtures. For final inspection, we make sure drains are clear, pressure is steady, and everything has the right slope and seal.
If you're planning any additional updates like new sinks or faucets, our faucet and fixture installation team can handle those alongside the shower project, saving you time and keeping the whole job coordinated.
Our crew has converted plenty of tubs into walk-in showers in Cary and the northwest suburbs. If you're ready to upgrade your bathroom, call us at 224-487-8439. We'll answer your questions and get the job done right, so you can enjoy a safe, modern shower for years to come.