Tips And TricksUpdated July 19, 2026
Lyons homeowners often look for ways to update aging bathrooms, especially in houses built between the 1950s and 1970s. For many, trading out a rarely-used tub for a walk-in shower makes the space easier to maintain and safer as time goes on. Turning a tub into a shower is more involved than swapping out fixtures, especially in older homes with original plumbing or clay-rich soils that can complicate drainage.
Why Walk-In Showers Appeal to Lyons Homeowners
Many Lyons properties still feature compact bathrooms and mid-century layouts. Walk-in showers can help open up the room and reduce physical barriers, which makes a big difference as homeowners age or families grow. With moderate water hardness from Lake Michigan, it's also easier to keep tempered glass and tile clean if the design is simple and the fixtures are sturdy. Upgrading to a shower can even help conserve water, since most people take shorter showers than baths.
Know What's Behind Those Walls
In this area, we see a mix of galvanized steel or cast iron drain lines in older homes. These pipes corrode and restrict water flow over the decades. If you're converting a tub that hasn't been plumbed in many years, it's important to inspect for buildup or leaks and consider replacing old supply lines or traps as part of your project. Some bathrooms have shallow slab floors or crawl spaces, which affects how drains and new shower pans are installed.
Be aware that Lyons has clay-heavy soil and a moderate to high water table. So when moving drains or enlarging a shower footprint, waterproofing is critical. Poorly sealed floors can let moisture seep through grout joints, affecting the subfloor or even the basement below. We always recommend protecting your investment by using proper shower liner systems and checking the slope of the base.
Steps for a Quality Tub-to-Shower Conversion
- Turn off water at the main shutoff before working on plumbing.
- Remove the old tub and wall surround with care to avoid damaging supply lines and vent stacks found in most Lyons homes.
- Inspect existing drain and vent lines. Look for rust, scale, or evidence of leaks. If the original P-trap is cast iron or heavily corroded, replacement is much easier now than later.
- Address potential water leaks. Any sign of past leaks or moisture means adding professional leak detection and repairs before you close up the new shower walls.
- Install a shower base with at least a 2-inch drain. Local codes require adequate drain size for showers. In Lyons, we often have to upsize old tub drains, which may be only 1.5-inch nominal pipe.
- Ensure proper slope to the main stack so water flows fast and doesn't pool.
- Set new valves and shower controls rated for moderate water hardness, and use brass or copper fittings for long-term durability.
Every remodel uncovers different issues. Some homes have limited space, odd supply routing, or outdated shutoffs. Having an experienced plumber means you catch these issues before new tile or panels go up.
Drainage and Waterproofing Challenges in Lyons
The soil and climate in this part of Cook County increase the importance of drainage. Heavy thunderstorms and the occasional floodplain impact from the Des Plaines River mean that a watertight shower matters even more. Shower waterproofing systems, like a PVC liner or a liquid membrane under tile, are essential. We also see many homes that benefit from a working sump pump system in the basement to handle water table fluctuations.
If you notice any backup in your new shower, don't ignore it. Clogs can be caused by old pipes or tree roots in sewer lines, which are common throughout the region. Professional drain cleaning helps keep everything moving.
Choosing Fixtures and Features That Last
Bathrooms in Lyons homes handle daily use from families, so quality fixtures are worth the cost. We recommend high-quality shower valves and solid brass fittings, which handle the area's moderate water hardness and last through years of freeze-thaw cycles. Smaller bathrooms may benefit from sliding glass doors or barrier-free entry points. Consider grab bars anchored into blocking behind finished walls, especially for aging homeowners.
If you're changing out sinks or adding new showerheads, coordinated faucet and fixture installation ensures everything matches up and functions correctly. Many prefer thermostatic mixing valves for safer, consistent temperature control in Chicago's variable weather.
Prevent Future Leaks and Issues
Even a small leak behind a new shower wall can become a big headache in this climate. After your tub-to-shower conversion, inspect for these common warning signs:
- Slow draining or standing water in the shower base
- Musty odors in the bathroom or adjoining drywall
- Discoloration or bubbling paint on nearby walls or ceiling below
- Unexplained spikes in the water bill
Addressing leaks early can prevent bigger issues. For larger pipe problems, professional sewer line services may be needed, especially if you run into slow drains throughout the house.
Converting a tub to a walk-in shower requires careful planning and local plumbing know-how. If you want it done right, our team can help with the design, demolition, rerouting, and waterproofing. Call us at 708-734-6913 to talk with a licensed local plumber who knows Lyons homes inside and out.