Bathtub and Shower Replacement Plumbing in Lakewood, CA

Usually, yes, but the drain is the main challenge. Showers typically need a 2-inch drain, while many tubs have a 1.5-inch drain. In a slab home, the drain line is in or under the concrete, so changing its size or location may mean cutting and patching the slab. The shower also needs a properly sloped pan or base and waterproofing. A provider can look at your existing drain location and pipe size and explain what changes are needed. A permit is commonly required for this kind of work. When you call, mention the home's age and what you've already tried, because that helps the provider decide what to bring and what to check first.

Bathroom upgrades and plumbing work are on the City of Lakewood's list of projects that often require permits. A straight tub replacement in the same location may be treated differently from a conversion that moves the drain or installs a new valve. Check with Lakewood Building and Safety or the city's home improvements guide before you start. Permits come with inspections of the drain, valve and waterproofing, which protect you at resale. It's worth writing down when the problem started and which fixtures are affected before you call, since those details often point straight to the cause. Lakewood's public sewers and water mains are run by public agencies, so the first step is always working out which side of the property line the problem is on.

Sudden temperature swings when a toilet flushes or another tap opens usually mean the shower valve is an older type without pressure balancing, or the pressure-balancing cartridge is worn or clogged with minerals. Replacing the cartridge may solve it if parts are available. If the valve is old or discontinued, a new pressure-balancing or thermostatic valve may be needed. Water heater set too low or a failing mixing valve can also cause problems. If anything about the situation feels unsafe, such as a gas smell, water near electrical outlets or sewage indoors, stop and protect the house first, then call.

The plumbing for a straight tub swap may be done in a day, but the whole project, including demolition, plumbing, inspection, waterproofing, tile or surround and finishing, often takes several days to a couple of weeks. A tub-to-shower conversion with slab work takes longer. Plan for the bathroom to be out of use, and ask for a schedule that shows when the plumbing inspection happens. For anything beyond a simple fix, ask on the call whether a permit is needed, what's included in the price and what warranty comes with the work. Our troubleshooting guides cover the safe checks you can do yourself first, and the point at which it makes sense to stop and call.

Common causes are a failed drain gasket or loose drain, a leaking overflow on a tub, a leaking valve or supply connection behind the wall, and failed grout or waterproofing that lets water reach the subfloor or slab. In slab homes, water may show up as damp carpet or baseboards in an adjoining room. Stop using the shower and call. A provider can test the drain and supply separately to find the source. If you're not sure how this applies to your home, call (708) 350-9399, describe what you're seeing and where, and ask whether your address is covered. Lakewood's public sewers and water mains are run by public agencies, so the first step is always working out which side of the property line the problem is on.

Call (708) 350-9399 and ask. We don't list any Lakewood ZIP code as guaranteed coverage for shower and tub installation, because availability depends on the provider, the specifics of the job and timing. The site covers all three Lakewood ZIP codes, 90712, 90713 and 90715, and nearby cities, so it's worth calling if you're anywhere in that area. Have your address or nearest cross streets ready, plus a short description of what's happening and anything you've already shut off. You'll hear on the call whether your address and job are covered, so you're not left waiting for callbacks from a list of contractors.

The plumbing provider you're connected with sets the price, not this website. Prices depend on the job, access, parts, permits and what's found on site, so we don't publish quotes. Where we can, we publish dated national ranges from named sources, along with what tends to move prices in Lakewood homes. On the call, ask how pricing works, whether there's a charge for a visit or diagnosis, what's included, and whether you'll get a written estimate before work starts. For larger jobs, ask about permits and warranty, and check the contractor's license with the California Contractors State License Board. It's worth writing down when the problem started and which fixtures are affected before you call, since those details often point straight to the cause.