Cracks, Chips, or Leaks? Your Bathtub’s Surface Is Failing
When you step into your bathtub, are you more worried than relaxed? Whether your tub’s aesthetic is stuck in the last century or you’re worried about structural deformities, there comes a time when that old bathtub just doesn’t cut it anymore. And once that happens, it’s time to take a deep breath, call an expert, and embrace the benefits of tub remodeling.
At Nu-Face Home Improvements, we specialize in professional bathtub replacements throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts — offering fast, clean installations using Luxury Bath by Bath Concepts, featuring Microban® antimicrobial protection. Our systems resist stains, mold, and mildew while providing a fresh, modern look you can enjoy immediately.
But first things first. If you’re on the fence about replacing your bathtub, here are seven signs that you should look for to help you decide if now is the right time.
1. Severe Cracks or Chips
Small cracks or chips in your bathtub can form from general wear and tear or accidents. While the damage might seem small at first, cracks and chips inevitably grow into larger problems and can pose serious risks! Cracks and chips can easily harm you directly, but even if they don’t, they can allow water to seep into the structure of your tub and cause structural issues. Sometimes, the damage you see can be repaired, but if it’s deep, you won’t want to take any chances. Opt for an old bathtub replacement instead.
While some surface-level damage can be repaired, deep cracks or repeated chipping are a sign it’s time for a full replacement. Today’s materials — like Luxury Bath’s durable acrylic — are built to resist damage far better than older fiberglass or porcelain tubs.
2. Structural Damage
As mentioned before, cracks and chips can potentially lead to structural damage, but what exactly is structural damage? Simply put, structural damage happens when the base, support, or subfloor of the tub is compromised. You can spot this damage in a number of ways:
- The tub moves or flexes when you use it.
- The floor around the tub sags.
- You feel “soft” spots underfoot.
- You see rot or water damage in areas behind or beneath the tub.
In these cases, repairing the tub alone won’t help. A full replacement is the safest option. Solid surface systems like the Onyx Collection provide lasting strength and a seamless, modern finish for long-term use.
3. Stubborn Stains or Discoloration
Over time, the minerals found in water, along with chemicals from your hygiene products like shampoo and soap, will inevitably take a toll on your bathtub’s appearance. While cleaning obviously helps to keep your bathtub looking great, there comes a point where the protective coating wears out and stains set in. At this point, it’ll take much more than elbow grease to restore the tub’s beauty.
When that happens, it’s time to look at a non-porous, stain-resistant replacement. Our Luxury Bath systems are infused with Microban®, which keeps surfaces looking fresh by actively resisting bacterial buildup and discoloration. The result? A tub that stays cleaner between cleanings — no heavy-duty scrubbing required.
Prefer a matte or stone-look finish? The Onyx Collection offers a beautiful matte or glossy solid surface with a luxury feel that resists discoloration and is easy to maintain.
4. Persistent Leaks and Water Damage
Everyone knows that leaks are a bad sign, and they can be difficult to spot at times. If you notice a leak and don’t know how to repair it, it’s important to stop using the tub and replace it right away. Look for leaks around the drain or faucet, behind wall tiles, and around the base of the tub. All of these can not only ruin your tub but also cause costly damage to your whole bathroom.
5. Rough Texture
Bathtubs are meant to feel smooth and comfortable when we use them. But one common sign of an old, failing bathtub is a scratchy or grainy surface. This usually happens when the finish has eroded and microscopic damage, usually caused by cleaning abrasives, has built up. Besides feeling uncomfortable, this rough surface is a haven for bacteria, mold, and mildew. It’s a definite sign that it’s time for tub replacement.
6. Mold or Mildew Growth
Speaking of mold and mildew, rough surfaces aren’t the only place they can grow. Mold and mildew can also find their way into grout, caulk, and the spaces in and around the tub itself. If undiscovered, mildew can quickly evolve into mold and negatively affect your indoor air quality and health.
Our modern tub systems like those from Luxury Bath and The Onyx Collection are grout-free and easy to seal, helping to prevent mold before it starts.
7. Loss of Comfort and Safety
Your comfort, health, and safety are never negotiable. If you find it too difficult to get in and out of your tub or if it has failing features, like worn grips or a slippery bottom, you should seriously think about replacing it. That way, you’ll be able to install a tub that fits your needs, has better safety features, and is simply more comfortable for you to use!
When to Replace Your Bathtub
Not every imperfection means that you need to buy a new tub right away. If you notice minor flaws, simple repairs may be enough to make the tub pleasant and safe again. However, if you notice several of the signs above, a full bathtub replacement is probably necessary. That said, even one sign can indicate the need for a replacement, especially if it involves serious structural damage, leaks, or risks to your safety. Keep in mind too that repairs can add up and make it more sensible to spend just a little bit more on a replacement.
Benefits of Bathtub Replacement
Thinking of taking the plunge into a new bathtub? You can expect a number of great benefits from upgrading your tub, including the following:
- Improved safety and accessibility: Modern tubs often have grab bars, slip-resistant bottoms, lower thresholds, and walk-in designs.
- Better comfort and functionality: A new tub could come with a deeper soaking basin, an ergonomic shape, better drainage, a more water-efficient design, or optional spa-like features.
- Enhanced appearance: The new materials, clean finish, and updated style of a new bathtub can refresh your entire bathroom.
- Increased home value: Bathrooms are high-visibility spaces for potential buyers, so a modern tub can be a strong selling point.
- Lower long-term maintenance: With a new bathtub, you’ll have fewer repairs, easier cleaning, and less worry about leaks or mold. Over time, these savings add up.
Ready for a Bathtub Upgrade?
If you’ve decided that now is the time to upgrade your bathtub, call us (860) 385-8357 at Nu-Face Home Improvements right away! We’ve worked with countless clients throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts to renew their homes with our professional remodeling services, and we offer premium products like Luxury Bath and Onyx Collection showers, combined with competitive pricing, free estimates, and craftsmanship that can’t be beat.
Don’t wait for that leak to become a flood or that crack to become a hazard. Start the process today by giving us a call for your free estimate!
