Tips And TricksUpdated June 8, 2026
Bathroom remodels often start with turning an old tub into a walk-in shower. Many Elk Grove Village homes, especially those built between the 1960s and 1990s, have bathrooms sized for a traditional tub. Families want safer, easier access and a more modern look. Making the switch isn't just about swapping one fixture for another. Underneath, the plumbing and drainage need to work with both your new shower and the age of your house.
Why Local Homes Need Extra Attention
A lot of homes in our area use older materials like galvanized steel or cast iron for drain lines. These can corrode over time, especially with the hard water supplied in Elk Grove Village. When converting a tub to a walk-in shower, our team checks these pipes carefully. Any sign of rust, slow draining, or past clogs means the drain or supply lines might need replacing or lining. You don't want to redo tile only to dig it up for a drain repair later.
We also see some clay-tile sewer lines in older houses, which are vulnerable to intrusion from tree roots, especially with all the mature landscaping common in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Before you start tearing out your bathtub, it makes sense to check drainage from the bathroom all the way to the main sewer. Learn more about persistent drain issues and how drain cleaning can help avoid headaches during a remodel.
Drainage and Slope Matter
Showers need different drainage than tubs. Tubs typically use a 1-1/2 inch drain, but walk-in showers call for a 2-inch drain to keep up with water flow. Using the old tub drain for a new shower almost always leads to slow drainage, especially with our local clay and loam soils slowing outside pipe flow. We recommend upsizing the drain pipe whenever possible and making sure the trap is properly vented.
If your home still has its original P-traps or older configurations, check for build-up or blockages. If you see frequent backups, it could mean pipe replacement is needed rather than just a cosmetic upgrade. Proper slope (at least 1/4 inch per foot) in your new shower floor is key to prevent pooling, especially in homes with slab foundations.
Waterproofing and Local Conditions
With our flat terrain in Elk Grove Village and a moderate water table, a bathroom leak can seep into floors and walls fast. We often see tile grout and old shower pans fail due to shifting from repeated freeze-thaw cycles every winter. Installing a high-quality waterproof membrane and a solid shower base protects against these leaks. Pay attention to vapor barriers behind walls, especially if your bathroom is on the first floor or over a basement that could already be prone to seepage.
If you start noticing musty smells or soft spots around your tub, take a look at details on leak detection and repair. Catching water intrusion early can save thousands and prevent mold issues down the road.
Practical Steps to Plan Your Tub-to-Shower Remodel
- Measure space: Make sure there's enough room for a standard shower size. Plan for at least 30 by 30 inches of floor area, though 36 by 36 or larger is more comfortable.
- Inspect pipes: Check for aging supply and drain pipes. Replace any galvanized, rusted, or corroded lines before new walls go up.
- Check water pressure: Showers need steady pressure for comfort. If your home has had issues here, consider checking the PRV or main supply.
- Decide on curb or curbless entry: Low barriers are easier for mobility, but require careful waterproofing and floor slope.
- Upgrade the shower valve: Newer valves offer better temperature control and anti-scald features, which matter for safety.
- Ventilation: A good exhaust fan is crucial, especially in a smaller bathroom, to avoid moisture build-up.
For homeowners doing wider projects, it's smart to coordinate with professionals about hidden plumbing issues. Upgrades often go hand in hand with new fixtures or pipe replacement, which are best done before finishing work starts.
Avoiding Common Drainage Problems
Clay and loam soils plus a moderate water table in our region mean drainage systems are put to the test. Slow drains after a remodel often trace back to undersized piping, misaligned traps, or neglected venting. We've seen issues where new tile work is ruined after a backup from an old clay tile or cast iron drain line. Before the project, we recommend a camera inspection of the main drain, a small upfront cost compared to major floor repairs.
If you know you've had basement seepage or drainage problems before, think about having your sump system checked at the same time. Our sump pump services help protect your home from water-related damage during and after construction.
When to Call Licensed Pros
Replacing a tub with a walk-in shower can seem straightforward, but plumbing codes and local water pressures matter. Elk Grove Village uses Lake Michigan water, which is moderately hard. This means scale can build up in mixing valves and shower heads over time if the system isn't installed with future service in mind. Water heaters also work a bit harder here, if your system shows signs of age or isn't keeping up with demand, schedule water heater service before your new shower install.
Professional plumbers also ensure drains, supply lines, and venting all meet code. Skipping permits or DIY shortcuts can lead to expensive mistakes, especially if you plan to sell your house in the future.
If you're ready to start a tub-to-shower conversion or need advice on the best options for your home's age and plumbing, call us at 224-877-7015. Our crew serves Elk Grove Village with straight answers and licensed, practical work, no guesswork, no shortcuts.