Best tub and shower conversion pros near Red Bluff, CA

Shower arms come in a standard size with ½-inch NPT, but designs vary. The height of the water supply pipe and the showerhead height you want affect the type of shower arm you should choose. For example, a water outlet that’s located close to the ceiling would be suitable for a standard shower arm (small extension with a slight downward angle) or a straight arm model. Outlets situated lower in the shower allow for gooseneck shower arms, which can raise the showerhead's height.

Depending on the layout of your bathroom, you may be able to replace a shower valve without removing the tile. The existing hole needs to be large enough to remove your old valve and fit your new valve. If the hole is too small, you’ll need to cut into the wall and remove some of the tile.

There are three main types of shower valves: pressure-balancing, thermostatic, and diverter. Pressure-balancing and thermostatic valves are both considered mixing valves because they regulate water flow and temperature, but they do so in different ways. A pressure-balancing valve senses changes in water pressure, such as from a flushing toilet, and adjusts the incoming hot and cold water to maintain a consistent temperature; these typically use a single knob. A thermostatic valve uses a thermostat to precisely control the water temperature and requires a separate control to adjust the water volume. A diverter valve directs the flow of water from one fixture to another, such as switching from a tub faucet to a showerhead in a tub-shower combination.

Whether converting a tub to a shower is worth it depends on your personal circumstances and priorities. For many, a shower is a safer option that reduces the risk of slip-and-fall accidents, making it a valuable upgrade. It can also be a worthwhile conversion if a shower is more practical for your lifestyle and you rarely use the tub. However, there are potential downsides to consider. The cost, which can range from $1,200 to $8,000, can be a deterrent. Additionally, if you have young children, a bathtub is often easier for bathing them. Finally, removing the only bathtub in a home can potentially lower its resale value in the eyes of some buyers.