Replacing a rarely used tub with a walk-in shower is one of the most requested bathroom updates in Houston. Here is how it is done properly.
A tub-to-shower conversion removes a bathtub and builds a walk-in shower in its place. Done properly it includes: removing the tub and surround, adjusting the drain location by a licensed plumber, building a sloped shower pan, installing a continuous waterproofing system, tile, a valve and fixtures, and glass that is measured after tile is complete. In Houston slab homes, moving the drain can mean cutting concrete, so keeping the drain near its current position simplifies the job.
Why convert
Walk-in showers are easier to step into, easier to clean and often make a small bathroom feel larger. Low or curbless entries can also help with aging in place.
Waterproofing is the job
Tile is not waterproof. What keeps water out of your walls and slab is the system underneath: a correctly sloped pan and a continuous membrane up the walls. This is the step that should never be rushed.
Resale note
If it is the only tub in the house, consider keeping one elsewhere; some buyers with young children look for one.
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Frequently asked questions
- Can a tub-to-shower conversion be done without moving the drain?
- Often, if the new shower drain can be placed close to the existing tub drain. A licensed plumber confirms this.
- Do I need glass doors?
- Not always. Some layouts work with a fixed panel or curtain; glass is measured after tile is finished.
Related services and areas
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