Bathtubs are common in many bathrooms, but over time they can become unsightly and feel uncomfortable. If you don’t take good care of your bathtub and replace it when needed, it can even become a health risk for you and your family when harmful substances like mold and mildew grow while bacteria build up.

You might be thinking about replacing your tub after you’ve noticed wear and tear, or maybe you want an updated look that will make your bathroom feel fresh. No matter how long you’ve had your tub, here are some signs that it's time to replace it and make some bathroom repairs.

Your Bathtub Is Pooling Water

So you unplug the drain, but there’s still water in the tub. What now? Unfortunately, one of the most obvious signs it's time to replace your bathtub is if you see water pooling in one part of your tub and refusing to drain. You’ll know that water is pooling in one side of your tub and that the water level is not where it should be if you notice puddles of water lingering in the tub even after you drain it.

If your bathtub has puddles of water in it even after you drain it, this means that your bathtub was installed incorrectly, or that your home is not level. If you have this problem, the only way to fix it in the long-term is to completely replace or reinstall your tub.

When reinstalling the tub, make sure that it is level on the bathroom floor where it is placed. If it isn’t, this can cause problems with pooling water again.

Your Bathtub Is Not Mobility Friendly

Your bathtub is one appliance in your home that you probably use on a daily, if not almost daily, basis. If your bathtub is not mobility friendly or does not suit your needs, it could be difficult for you to get in and out of.

A handicapped shower seat, grab bars, or other enhancements can make all the difference for those who have mobility issues or have difficulty using their feet or hands. You might even consider purchasing a walk-in tub, which can make entering and exiting the bathtub significantly easier.

Many people face mobility issues as they age, so it’s important to keep this in mind as you design your bathroom and pick out your bathtub, especially if you plan on keeping it and using it for a long time without having to purchase another bathtub replacement.

You Have Signs Of Mold And Mildew

A little bit of staining on a bathtub is normal, but if you clean your tub often, you likely won’t have this common problem. Mold and mildew, on the other hand, signal a bigger problem with your bathtub that can’t be fixed with a simple cleaning.

While you can take action to get rid of mold and mildew temporarily, it often comes back in full force if you don’t get rid of it fully. For this reason, it might be easier to replace your tub than to treat severe mold and mildew that has been growing for long periods of time. The presence of mold and mildew also signifies the presence of bacteria and germs in the tub, which can not only make you sick but can cause allergic reactions.

If you need to replace your bathtub because of mold and mildew, it’s important to make sure the issue does not occur again by sealing the bathtub with mold and mildew-resistant silicone sealant like Mildew Resistant RTV Silicone Sealant.

You Notice Cracks, Damage, Or Tears

Every appliance in your home undergoes wear and tear over time, but some evidence of wear and tear is more obvious and severe than others. If you notice even small cracks in your bathtub, that’s a sign that it’s time to replace the whole tub.

Not only are cracks in and around your bathtub unsightly, but they can also be dangerous. Cracks can reflect structural damage in your bathroom, and will often worsen if untreated. Cracks or damage mean that you need to make some major repairs and refurbishments to your bathtub and bathroom.

Repair Your Bathtub With Silicone Depot

If it’s not quite the time to replace your bathtub yet but you’re noticing signs of wear and tear, it’s a good idea to make repairs to your tub before things get even worse. Being proactive about repairing your bathtub is a great way to save yourself from expensive replacements in the future.

Whether you’re replacing your bathtub or fixing up your existing one, you’ll need some materials and tools including high-quality silicone sealant to help you along the way.

Check out Silicone Depot’s catalog of mold and mildew-resistant silicone sealant, silicone sealant accessories, and more, so you can pick up everything you need for your bathroom remodel today!