RepairUpdated July 17, 2026
Many Broadview homes date back to the mid-20th century, and that means a lot of families live with tubs that don't match their daily needs. Converting a tub to a walk-in shower is a project we handle often, especially for homeowners looking to create safer, more accessible bathrooms. With older plumbing and the heavy clay soils under nearly every house in town, it's important to get this job right both for appearance and long-term reliability.
Why Older Broadview Bathrooms Benefit from Walk-In Showers
After decades of use, tubs in Broadview's single-family homes often show stains, chips, or even cracks. The high edges make access tough for anyone with knee or balance issues. In these neighborhoods, we see plenty of families interested in converting tubs because:
- Stepping over a tall tub wall gets harder with age or injury.
- Bathroom layouts from the 1950s-1970s weren't built for modern accessibility needs.
- Leaks can develop around old tub drains or supply lines, causing hidden water damage under tile or behind walls.
Walk-in showers offer an easier entry and are easier to keep clean. For houses with small bathrooms, removing a big tub sometimes frees up extra usable space. With the right fixtures and a properly set curb or curbless base, you reduce the risk of slip-and-fall accidents.
Tub Removal and Plumbing Checkups
Removing an old cast iron or steel tub is heavy work, and it always reveals the condition of the plumbing behind the walls. Many Broadview houses built in the '50s and '60s still have galvanized drain pipes, which are prone to clogging and corrosion. We assess the drain lines, supply pipes, and shutoff valves as part of any tub-to-shower project.
If we find corroded galvanized or cast iron piping, we usually recommend swapping for modern PVC or copper, especially since replumbing is much simpler when the wall is already open for remodeling. See our pipe repair and repiping page for more about what to expect with old lines. Addressing leaks or worn-out connections now prevents problems after the new shower is in.
Drainage and Water Management
Broadview's flat terrain and heavy clay soil mean water has nowhere to go, so bathrooms must be watertight. During a tub-to-shower conversion, we focus on:
- Properly sloping the shower base toward the drain to avoid pooling water.
- Checking for old or undersized P-traps, and replacing as needed.
- Ensuring the main drain line is free of buildup or scale before closing up walls and floors.
If you've had slow drains in the past, this is also the time to have us perform professional drain cleaning. Lingering debris in older cast iron or clay lines can lead to slow drains or backups, especially given the age of much of Broadview's plumbing and common root intrusion in this area.
Fixture Upgrades and Shower Features
Swapping out a tub opens up options for better fixtures. Many homeowners choose handheld shower heads, benches, or grab bars for added comfort and safety. Modern valves, especially pressure-balanced ones, help avoid temperature swings when someone flushes a toilet or uses another faucet, a common issue in older homes with original supply lines.
New controls usually mean new rough-in valves, so we check line sizes and update shutoffs if necessary. While updating your bath, consider a new faucet or fixture installation to complete the look and boost efficiency.
Avoiding Water Damage and Mold
With Broadview's humid summers and frequent winter freeze-thaw cycles, water intrusion from a poorly sealed shower is a risk you don't want. We always install waterproofing behind tile, like cement board and waterproof membranes, before the tile or wall panels go up. Careful caulking and sealing of corners, curbs, and seams is standard. If you've noticed musty smells, peeling paint, or soft spots around your old tub, let us know so we can address any hidden moisture issues.
We're also on the lookout for any leaks under the floor or around the shower drain. For targeted help, our leak detection and repair service can track down problems before they become larger headaches.
Shower Conversion Process Step by Step
- Assess your bathroom's current layout, plumbing, and condition of supply and drain lines.
- Shut off the water supply and carefully remove the tub, old fixtures, and surrounding wall materials.
- Inspect and upgrade pipes, valves, and drains as needed.
- Build or install a shower base with correct slope. Set up waterproofing behind all new tile or panels.
- Install the new shower valve, controls, and drain assembly.
- Finish walls, floor, and new fixtures. Caulk and seal all joints thoroughly.
You might also take this opportunity to review major plumbing infrastructure, like the water heater, especially if you haven't checked it in years. Our water heater services cover inspections and replacements for older units common in this area.
Planning Ahead for Basement and Drainage Concerns
Many houses in the western suburbs of Chicago, including Broadview, experience occasional seepage or slow-draining fixtures after heavy storms. If you notice water around basement floor drains after remodeling, keeping your sump system in good order is smart. See our sump pump services for advice if you've had basement water issues in the past.
If you want to discuss options for converting a tub to a walk-in shower, our licensed Broadview crew will give you practical advice and a fair quote. Call us at 708-809-2786 with any questions or to schedule a bathroom assessment. We're here to help you make the smartest choice for your home.