Bathtub & Shower Replacement
Complete Bathroom Upgrades With Expert Plumbing Behind the Walls
Replacing a bathtub or shower isn’t just about how it looks when it’s finished—it’s about how it functions for years after installation. Many bathroom remodel problems don’t come from the tub or shower itself; they come from poor drain connections, undersized water lines, improper slope, or hidden leaks behind new walls.
At RC Szabo Plumbing & Sewer, we provide professional bathtub and shower replacement services that combine clean, modern finishes with expert-level plumbing work behind the scenes. Whether you’re upgrading to a new acrylic surround, installing custom tile walls, or replacing an outdated tub or shower base, we handle the entire process with a focus on drainage, water delivery, and long-term reliability.
This isn’t cosmetic-only work.
This is a plumbing-first bathroom upgrade done correctly.
Why Bathtub & Shower Replacement Requires Plumbing Expertise
A bathtub or shower is one of the most heavily used plumbing fixtures in your home. Every use relies on:
Proper drain sizing and slope
Secure, leak-free connections
Balanced hot and cold water supply
Correct valve placement
Wall systems that protect against moisture
When these elements are overlooked, homeowners often face:
Slow or backing-up drains
Leaks behind walls
Mold and moisture damage
Poor water pressure or temperature fluctuation
Premature failure of new finishes
Our approach ensures the plumbing system supports the new installation, not undermines it.
When It’s Time to Replace a Tub or Shower
Many homeowners live with failing tubs or showers longer than they should. Common signs replacement is needed include:
- Cracked or stained tubs
- Leaking shower bases
- Outdated or damaged surrounds
- Mold or water damage behind walls
- Slow or recurring drain clogs
- Poor water pressure at the shower
- Inconsistent hot and cold water
- Layouts that no longer meet your needs
Replacing the tub or shower is often the best opportunity to correct hidden plumbing issues at the same time.
Complete Bathtub Replacement Services
Bathtub replacement involves more than swapping fixtures. We remove the old tub, evaluate the plumbing, and install a new system that performs properly from day one.
Our Bathtub Replacement Process Includes:
Safe removal of the existing tub
Inspection of drain and overflow piping
Evaluation of hot and cold water lines
Correction of slope or drain issues
Installation of a new tub
Proper reconnection and testing
Wall system installation (acrylic or tile)
We ensure the tub drains properly, fills efficiently, and remains leak-free long after installation.
Shower Replacement & Shower Conversions
Replacing a shower—or converting a tub to a shower—requires careful planning to avoid future drainage and moisture problems.
Shower Replacement Services We Provide:
Shower base replacement
Tub-to-shower conversions
Walk-in shower installations
Drain relocation or resizing
Valve upgrades
Water line adjustments
Every shower is installed with correct drain alignment, slope, and venting considerations, ensuring fast drainage and reliable performance.
Acrylic Shower & Tub Wall Systems
Clean, Durable, Low-Maintenance Solutions
Acrylic wall systems are a popular choice for homeowners who want a modern look with minimal upkeep.
Benefits of Acrylic Walls:
Smooth, non-porous surface
Easy to clean
Mold and mildew resistant
Seamless appearance
Faster installation compared to tile
We install acrylic surrounds properly sealed and integrated with the plumbing system to prevent moisture intrusion behind the walls.
Tile Shower & Tub Walls
Custom Look With Proper Waterproofing
Tile walls offer a high-end, custom appearance—but only when installed correctly.
Why Plumbing Matters With Tile Installations
Tile itself is not waterproof. The protection comes from:
Proper substrate preparation
Waterproof membranes
Correct drain connections
Secure valve and pipe penetrations
Our plumbing expertise ensures:
Valves are set at correct depths
Drains align perfectly with tile layouts
No hidden leaks behind finished walls
The result is a tile shower or tub surround that looks great and stays dry behind the scenes.
Drain Expertise: Preventing Slow Drains & Backups
Drain issues are one of the most common complaints after bathroom remodels—usually because they weren’t addressed during replacement.
We evaluate and correct:
- Drain size and condition
- Pipe slope
- Old or corroded drain lines
- Improper connections
- Partial obstructions
If a drain needs to be replaced, relocated, or corrected, it’s done before walls are closed, not after problems appear.
Water Line Expertise: Pressure, Temperature & Reliability
A new tub or shower is the perfect time to assess water delivery.
We inspect and adjust:
Hot and cold supply lines
Valve placement and performance
Pressure balance
Temperature consistency
This ensures:
Strong, even water flow
Stable temperatures
Improved shower performance
Reduced risk of future leaks
Why Plumbing-First Installation Matters
Too many bathroom replacements focus only on appearance. The problems show up months later.
Our plumbing-first approach prevents:
Hidden leaks
Mold growth
Tile or wall damage
Drain failures
Callbacks and repeat repairs
The goal is not just a new tub or shower—it’s a bathroom that works properly for years.
How Long Does Tub or Shower Replacement Take?
Most bathtub or shower replacements are completed within:
1–3 days for standard replacements
Slightly longer for custom tile installations
Timelines depend on:
Wall system choice
Plumbing modifications
Accessibility
Scope of drain or water line work
We explain timelines clearly before work begins.
Will Walls or Floors Be Opened?
Yes—access is necessary to do the job correctly. We limit openings to what’s required and ensure all plumbing connections are properly secured and tested before closing walls.
Cutting corners here creates long-term problems. We don’t do that.
Benefits You’ll Notice Immediately
Homeowners often report:
Faster draining
Better water pressure
More consistent temperatures
Cleaner appearance
Increased comfort
Confidence in their bathroom plumbing
This is a functional upgrade—not just a visual one.
Why Homeowners Trust RC Szabo Plumbing & Sewer
Bathroom plumbing is not a place for shortcuts.
What Sets Us Apart:
Licensed & insured plumbers
Deep drain and water line expertise
Proper waterproofing coordination
Clean, organized installations
Clear communication
Long-term reliability focus
We install tubs and showers assuming no one wants to open the wall again.
Serving Chicagoland & the South Suburbs
We provide bathtub and shower replacement services throughout:
- Tinley Park
- Oak Lawn
- Homewood
- Flossmoor
- Frankfort
- Midlothian
- Burbank
Olympia Fields
…and surrounding communities.
Is It Time to Replace Your Tub or Shower?
If your bathtub or shower is leaking, outdated, slow-draining, or underperforming, replacement is often the smartest solution—especially when plumbing issues are addressed at the same time.
RC Szabo Plumbing & Sewer delivers bathtub and shower replacements that look great, drain properly, and perform reliably.
Tub & Shower Installation – Frequently Asked Questions
When should a bathtub or shower be replaced instead of repaired?
Replacement is often the better option when tubs or showers are cracked, leaking, outdated, slow-draining, mold-damaged, or when plumbing issues exist behind the walls that repairs can’t permanently fix.
What is included in a professional tub or shower installation?
A professional installation includes removal of the old unit, inspection of drains and water lines, correction of plumbing issues if needed, installation of the new tub or shower, proper sealing, testing, and wall system installation.
Can you replace a tub with a shower?
Yes. Tub-to-shower conversions are common and require proper drain alignment, slope, and water line adjustments to ensure reliable performance and fast drainage.
Do you check the drain during tub or shower replacement?
Yes. Drain condition, size, and slope are evaluated during replacement. Addressing drain issues during installation prevents slow drainage and future backups.
Will new plumbing be installed behind the walls?
We inspect and address drain and water supply connections as needed. Any required corrections are completed before walls are closed to prevent hidden leaks or future failures.
What wall systems can be installed with a new tub or shower?
We install both acrylic wall surrounds and tile wall systems. Acrylic offers low maintenance and faster installation, while tile provides a custom, high-end appearance when properly waterproofed.
Are acrylic tub and shower surrounds durable?
Yes. Acrylic surrounds are durable, non-porous, mold-resistant, and easy to clean when installed and sealed correctly.
Is tile a good option for showers and tubs?
Tile is an excellent option when installed with proper waterproofing, correct drain integration, and professional plumbing coordination to prevent moisture damage.
How long does tub or shower installation take?
Most tub or shower replacements are completed in one to three days, depending on the scope of plumbing work, wall system selection, and overall bathroom layout.
Will walls or floors need to be opened?
Access is often required to properly connect drains and water lines. Openings are limited to what’s necessary and closed after plumbing connections are secured and tested.
Can new tubs and showers improve water pressure?
While the fixture itself doesn’t create pressure, correcting old piping, valves, or restrictions during installation often improves overall water flow and performance.
Do you install walk-in showers?
Yes. Walk-in showers are a popular option for accessibility, modern design, and ease of use. Proper drain slope and waterproofing are critical for long-term performance.
Will my bathroom be unusable during installation?
Yes, there will be temporary downtime. We plan installations carefully to minimize disruption and restore functionality as quickly as possible.
Can you help prevent future leaks and water damage?
Yes. Our plumbing-first approach ensures drains, valves, and water lines are installed correctly before walls are closed, reducing the risk of hidden leaks and moisture issues.
Does replacing a tub or shower increase home value?
Yes. Updated tubs and showers improve functionality, appearance, and buyer appeal—especially when plumbing work is done correctly and professionally.
How do I know if I should replace my tub or shower?
If you’re experiencing leaks, poor drainage, outdated fixtures, or planning a bathroom upgrade, an evaluation can determine whether replacement is the most cost-effective long-term solution.
Schedule Your Bathtub or Shower Replacement Consultation
Whether you’re considering acrylic surrounds or custom tile walls, our team provides professional installation backed by real plumbing expertise.
📞 Call today to schedule your bathtub or shower replacement consultation.
