Best tub and shower conversion pros near Saint Augustine, FL

A shower pan's lifespan can range from 10 to 45 years, depending on the material. As a preventative measure, it's recommended to replace your shower pan every 10 to 15 years to avoid degradation, water leaks, and mold problems. A pan's lifespan can be shortened by incorrect installation, but proper cleaning can help extend it. You should replace your shower pan immediately if you notice clear signs of failure, such as visible cracks, water spilling onto the bathroom floor, moisture stains on adjacent walls or the ceiling below, or any movement, buckling, or warping in the pan when you step on it.

Medicare does not typically cover the cost of a walk-in shower. The federal health insurance program considers a walk-in shower to be a home alteration rather than a medical necessity, even though walk-in showers would assist many people who are eligible for Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicaid are more likely to cover the cost of a walk-in shower. It’s not a guarantee, even with a letter from a physician, and if reimbursement is authorized, it usually comes after the individual pays the upfront installation fee.

Most modern showers have a prefabricated base made from fiberglass or plastic, such as acrylic or polyurethane. Nonetheless, concrete mortar is still the traditional, go-to base for a custom walk-in shower.

You’ll need to add a waterproofing liner or membrane between the layers of mortar to keep moisture out. From there, you can top it with whatever type of tile you like to create a spa-like custom look. Be sure to include these considerations in your budget for the cost of a walk-in shower.

You should replace your shower cartridge if it’s still dripping water after you turn off the shower. This is the most common way to know when the cartridge is past its prime, but there are other signs. If you have a hard time turning the shower handle, as though it's "stuck," it may be time to replace it. On the flip side, if it turns way too easily as though it's slipping, but water isn't coming out of the showerhead, you may need a new one.