Tue Mar 21 2023
Important 5 Warning Signs That Tell You to Replace a Bathtub – How to Identify?
As we get older, our bodies tend to be more fragile than they were younger. We may not be able to run as fast as before. We may not be able to pull as much weight as before. These are signs that we are getting older. Generally, people know these common signs and can identify them. But what about the signs of age in bathtubs? How do you distinguish or identify the warning signs to replace bathtubs due to aging? If you are on the “confusion boat,” don’t worry. You are in the right place. This article will help you understand the warning signs that tell you to replace your bathtub easily and understandably. Also, we will discuss some easy maintenance steps to take care of those issues in a jiffy!
Without further ado, let’s get started!
Feel free to jump to any sections to learn more about the warning signs to replace bathtubs!
5 Important Warning Signs to Replace Bathtubs:
How to Maintain a Bathtub– 5 Easy Steps:
5 Important Warning Signs to Replace Bathtubs:
1. Cracks:
Cracks are common warning signs that occur in most bathtubs, but you should not avoid this since, most commonly, small cracks can lead to devastating damage down the line. It is best to check for cracks during preventative maintenance checks. The best way to identify if there are any cracks on your bathtubs is by checking around the legs of the bathtub since there is more strain compared to other areas. Check the drain area since drains are more prone to structural damage. Check the bathtub rim. If you accidentally drop any heavy items, such as hand showers, there is a good chance they can hit the rim.
Small cracks can easily escape from our naked eye. Therefore, it is of utmost necessity to regularly check for any small cracks in the bathtub.
What if you have some small yet notable cracks in your bathtub? Then it is an important warning sign to take necessary action. Small cracks can be easily mitigated by using the filler components that are available online or in your local hardware store. Make sure you buy the right component that is suitable for your bathtub material.
You can easily apply the filler component. First, clean the affected area and sand it. After that, apply the filler per the instructions provided on the cover of the filler component. Let it sit for a while, and then you are good to go.Â
Small cracks are one of the main reasons for many structural abnormalities occurring in the bathtub. The next one on our list is also the result of cracks in the bathtubs.Â
2. Leaks:
Leaks usually won’t occur unless there is a noticeable crack in your bathtub. So, how do you identify that there is a leak in your bathtub? Check if there is a puddle of water on your bathroom floor after you take a bath, or check the water level in your bathtub. Usually, the optimum water level in a bathtub is just below the overflow drain. Make sure that it reaches that level and maintains it. If not, your bathtub is leaking.
Leaks can be a dangerous issue if not handled properly at the start. Leaks can lead to the formation of mold growth and other issues. Also, leaks can lead to the breakdown of the bathtub since the bathtub can lose its structural integrity.
What needs to be done if you find a leak or leaks in your bathtub? The first thing to do is to locate the leak. Check where the water is seeping through the bathtub. You can easily identify it by locating the water puddle near your bathtub. Once you locate the leak, clean the area and make sure that there is no moisture around the affected area. You can use a filler component to patch up the leak. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour, and check again for leaks by filling the tub. If you have done everything right, there won’t be any leak issues anymore.
What if there are multiple leaks with some major cracks? Then it is easier to replace the bathtub than work with every crack and leak.Â
3. Chipping:
Chipping is different from cracks. Chipping, the same leaks, is the result of cracks. Chipping is the structural abnormality where the burr (a piece of the surface) will come out of the bathtub surface. Chipping allows moisture to seep through the bathtub’s pores (usually cannot be seen with the naked eye). This leads to many issues, such as lower structural integrity, more prone to cracks, and fading of natural color. Chipping allows moisture to seep through the bathtub’s pores (usually cannot be seen with the naked eye).
So, what if you find chipping on your bathtub? Guage how serious the issue is. You can use the same remedy as the leak issue if it is small. Clean the affected area and make sure there is no moisture content in that area. Apply the filler component, let it dry for a few hours, and sand it to ensure that it matches the overall tub finish. Repeat the process if necessary.
But if you are facing some serious chipping issues, it may be best to replace the bathtub.Â
4. Discolorization and Staining:
This may not be as serious as others on the list, but a discolored or stained bathtub is not a perfect fit for any bathroom. The bathtub is not only for taking a bath or soaking comfortably; it is also a showpiece. Meaning it is an important part that elevates your bathroom environment to a higher level. This is an indirect factor that influences your bathtub comfort. Unlike other issues on the list, you can easily identify this warning sign. You can easily mitigate this issue at an earlier stage.
So, how do you deal with this issue? Take vinegar and water in a ratio of (1:2) in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture all over the surface of your bathtub, and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Take a cotton rag and wash the mixture off of the bathtub. Then take clean water and wash the surface again. This can reduce the intensity of the stain and discolorization. Regularly using the mixture to clean the bathtub can help you to maintain the standard color of your bathtub down the line.
What if your bathtub is heavily stained, and the base color is gone for good? There is no other way than to replace the tub.
5. Uncomfortable:
This is not as much of an issue, per se, as the other issues on the list, but technically, it is an important factor that directly influences whether you want to replace your bathtub or not. Over time, the bathtub can deteriorate and begin to warp. Once the process starts, it cannot be reversed. We, as bathers, also change. We grew up and may not fit into the bathtub that we once fit into. Change is the only thing in the world that does not “change.” Once your bathtub reaches that state, there is no other way than to replace it with a new tub.Â
How to Maintain a Bathtub – 5 Easy Steps:
A different bathtub may require some extra steps, but almost all require the bathtub to have the same maintenance steps. The following five easy steps will swiftly take care of the maintenance.
STEP 1 – Clean the tub after every bathing session. Use a paper towel or a clean rag to remove all the excess water from the surface. This helps to prevent the formation of cracks and even chips.
STEP 2 – Use a vinegar-water mixture to clean the bathtub's surface. This will remove any foreign materials present on the surface of the bathtub. After that, use any all-green cleaning agent to wash the surface completely. If your bathtub negatively reacts to vinegar, you can use only the all-green cleaning solution to wash the surface.
STEP 3 – After cleaning the surface with the cleaning agent, some soap material can get sediment on the surface. Use a clean rag to remove all the excess soap.
STEP 4 – Use caulk on the surface that is affected by the cracks or chips. Best use silicone caulk on the crack and around the bottom part of the bathtub.
STEP 5 – If your bathtub has a shiny surface, such as copper, it is best to use surface wax once every six months. This helps to retain the original color and surface finish of the tub for a long time. Also, a note about scrubbing. Do not scrub if your tub is copper or has a shiny surface. It will remove all the wax, render the surface blank, and lose its original finish. For other types of bathtubs, use minimal scrubbing often; this helps retain the bathtub's original color and remove any impurities.Â
FAQs:
Most bathtubs can go strong for a decade or more. You don’t have to think about replacing it any time soon if it is below 10 years old. If your bathtub is around 20 years old and has important warning signs to replace bathtubs, you should consider getting a new one.Â
The five warning signs to replace bathtubs are
- Cracks
- Leaks
- Chipping
- Discolorization/stain,
- Uncomfortable
Yes, cast iron and steel bathtubs tend to be toxic over a long period of time. The main reason is the presence of lead in the bathtub material. Over a prolonged period, the bathtub's surface tends to wear, which helps the lead react with the bath water and makes it toxic. If you are facing this issue, you should replace the bathtub.
Final Thoughts:
Bathtubs are a great source for relaxing and rejuvenating via a bath and help to escape from the “real world.” Nothing lasts forever, but bathtubs do provide a prolonged period of life. Bathtubs and other tools in the world can wear down, and you can note those warning signs to replace the bathtub. If you don’t know how this article hopes to act as a guide to identify those warning signs and act as necessary as possible. If your bathtub is beyond saving, don’t worry. Magnus Home Products offer various bathtubs in an exciting collection. You can check the collection here!