Kitchens are one of the most frequently used spaces in any home. With that said, you shouldn’t underestimate the value of a functional bathroom. Toilets are essential, but bathtubs are another important fixture. Sadly, tubs can become damaged over time. That’s why bathtubs may need to be refinished at one point or another. These are four issues you’ll want to keep an eye out for in your bathroom.
Discoloration and Staining
While discoloration or staining can have a negative impact on your tub’s appearance, it isn’t just a cosmetic issue.
In many cases, staining can indicate a large process, such as the presence of harmful germs or bacteria. To make matters worse, you may not be able to scrub away a stain if it’s severe enough, even if you use bleach. In many cases, the stain has seeped into micro-abrasions that are in the tub’s surface.
Luckily, refinishing is a simple and cost-effective way to take care of this issue. When you refinish your tub, the top layer will be removed and cleaned. After that, a fresh coating will be applied. Before you know it, your tub will look better than ever. You even have the option of changing the tub’s color.
Cracking and Leaking
A lot of people assume that cracks and leaks are easy to spot. While this is often true, tub damage isn’t always clearly visible. Drain rings and seams can both be failure points. If you don’t have a stand-alone tub, it’s possible that the leak is in a location that isn’t visible to you. This can cause mildew, mold, and numerous other problems, such as structural damage to floors and ceilings.
The best way to determine if a tub as a leak is to fill it. From there, allow it to sit for a while. If you notice that the water level has changed, it’s safe to assume you have a leak, which means you need help from an expert.
Mildew and Mold
Stains are one indicator of mold and mildew, but you won’t always have these kinds of warning signs. For example, mold could be concealed beneath the caulk or bathtub. It can be harmful even when it’s not clearly visible. There are many negative health symptoms linked to mildew and mold, including allergies, headaches, and asthma. Cleaning can resolve the issue in some cases, but in others, it may be necessary to have your tub refinished or replaced.
Functionality Issues
There are many issues you can have with your tub. Your bathtub may not be large enough to meet your needs. There may be problems with the water pressure, or water might not drain quickly enough. All of these issues can make a tub more difficult to use. If you have problems like these, you should think about having your tub fixed.
This could mean small-scale repairs, like a drain cleaning, or something more significant, like replacing your entire time. On average, people spend around 100 hours in their bathtub or shower yearly. That’s why it’s so important to have a tub that meets your needs.