Get matched with top tub and shower conversion pros in Frostproof, FL

The size of the pipe you use for your shower depends on the part of the shower you’re installing. Shower drainpipes have a 2-inch diameter, and the water supply lines (both hot and cold) have a ½-inch diameter. You may want to slightly increase the size of the vertical pipe if you have dual showerheads. Check the local building code prior to installation for guidance.

A hard-to-turn shower handle is usually caused by corrosion or mineral buildup, which clogs the assembly and creates friction inside the valve. Remove the handle and look for signs of corrosion—rust-colored build-up—or mineral accumulation—white build-up. For corrosion, replacing the shower handle is your best bet. For mineral build-up, soak the handle in a solution of water and white vinegar (2:1) for an hour before reinstalling it.

Whether replacing a bathtub with a shower affects your home's value depends on several factors, with the most significant being whether it's the only tub in the house. Removing the sole bathtub can lower a home's value because many prospective buyers, particularly families with young children or pets, require at least one.

However, a tub-to-shower conversion can also increase home value. A modern walk-in shower is often seen as an upgrade in a secondary bathroom and can be a desirable feature for its accessibility and style, appealing to older homebuyers or those without children. The overall impact is also influenced by your local real estate market and its typical buyer demographic.

If your bathroom layout allows, installing both a freestanding bathtub and a separate shower can be an ideal solution that appeals to the widest range of potential buyers.

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.