InstallationUpdated July 3, 2026
Many Matteson homes were built decades ago, and a lot of them still have their original bathrooms with old cast iron tubs or dated fiberglass units. As families grow, age, or look for better accessibility, converting a bathtub to a walk-in shower becomes a practical and popular upgrade. It's not just about looks; it's about getting safer entry, easier cleaning, and making smarter use of bathroom space.
Why Matteson Homes Are Good Candidates for Tub-to-Shower Conversions
In the south suburbs, especially Matteson, ranch-style and mid-century bungalows are common. Many still have 50 to 70-year-old bathrooms, and the original tubs can be awkward or even hazardous for anyone with mobility issues. That makes these homes prime candidates for a safe, modern walk-in shower.
The typical local home has sturdy framing and plumbing, but there are often some surprises. Original galvanized or cast iron drain pipes show up frequently. These pipes corrode over time, which can affect the reliability of new fixtures. That's something we always inspect before and during a remodel.
How We Approach Tub-to-Shower Installation
Swapping an old tub for a walk-in shower takes more than removing the tub and dropping in a new base. Older Matteson homes often have heavy clay soil and a high water table, which means any plumbing changes near the floor must be watertight and properly sloped. If we run into aging cast iron or galvanized drains, we may need to cut out a section and transition to PVC. For water supply lines, copper is common, but we still see the occasional original galvanized pipe, which could need updating to avoid rusty water and weak pressure.
Here's a basic outline of the steps involved:
- Shut off water to the bathroom and remove the old tub, inspecting the drain and supply lines for signs of corrosion or leaks.
- Repair or replace the P-trap and supply lines as needed. Sometimes we have to dig into the floor to deal with clay soil and ensure proper drainage.
- Install a new shower base, sloped correctly to handle Lake Michigan-sourced municipal water, which is moderately hard and can leave scale. We may recommend a water softener if your fixtures have excessive buildup.
- Run new lines for a shower valve and head, considering the need for scald protection and modern mixing valves.
- Build and waterproof walls, then install tile or another moisture-resistant finish.
- Set up the new fixtures and test everything for leaks before finishing up.
What to Watch for in Older Bathrooms
Matteson's mix of aging infrastructure and new development means plumbing inside one house can be completely different from the next. If your home has original clay-tile sewer lines or cast iron stacks, a project like this is the perfect time to check for problems. Slow drains, gurgling pipes, or water backing up in the tub mean you could be due for a bigger fix. We often suggest a thorough drain cleaning during any major bathroom remodel, since construction debris or scale from hard water can block older lines.
Some practical warning signs before starting a tub-to-shower project include:
- Discolored grout around the tub or signs of water under the floor, which may signal leaks
- Weak water pressure, often due to old galvanized supply lines
- Standing water after showers, which could mean poor drainage
- Stains on the ceiling below
- Rust or mineral buildup in the tub or around fixtures
If you spot any of these, have them checked out before moving forward. Upgrading the bathroom is a chance to handle hidden issues, whether that means pipe repair or repiping, or even leak detection and repair to cut future headaches.
Making Sure Your New Shower Works for Decades
The harsh winters in our area put pipes and all plumbing fixtures to the test, with freeze-thaw cycles adding stress to any weak spots. We recommend only using high-quality valves, proper waterproofing behind tile, and slip-resistant shower bases. When working in basements or on slab foundations, we also check nearby sump pits and pumps, since storms and flat terrain can push groundwater into older structures. If you notice water under the bathroom floor, a quick look at your sump pump could save you bigger trouble down the road.
Good drainage, solid framing, and careful attention to waterproofing are musts on any job. We also encourage homeowners to replace old fixtures and valves at the same time as the conversion, since it makes for less disruption later. Our team takes care of everything from demolition to rough-in, through to finish work and fixture installation. If you want a hand selecting new faucets or accessories, our faucet and fixture installation experts can help you find options that last and look good in your updated space.
Why Choose a Pro Team for This Work
Bathroom remodels can uncover a lot of surprises in older Matteson houses, especially under the floor or behind walls. DIY work might seem tempting, but missing a corroded supply line or ignoring a sloped drain can lead to leaks or water damage later. A licensed plumbing crew knows what local homes need, works to code, and saves you from headaches down the road. We also know how to tie in changes to the existing sewer and vent lines, check for main shutoff access, and spot trouble before it becomes expensive.
We're here if you want honest advice, careful installation, and a finished job that works and looks right. Call 708-734-5822 to talk through your options or book an in-home estimate with our crew. We've handled tub-to-shower conversions in all types of homes around Matteson, and we're ready to help you get started.