TroubleshootingUpdated June 26, 2026
Many Hickory Hills homes were built in the 1950s or '60s, and those bathrooms are showing their age. Homeowners often want to swap out their old tubs for walk-in showers to gain easier access and a modern look. But in these mid-century houses, the job brings specific plumbing challenges, especially if you're dealing with older supply lines, clay-rich soil under the slab, or outdated drains.
Why Older Hickory Hills Bathrooms Aren't Plug-and-Play
Mid-century construction around the south suburbs of Chicago means we see a lot of galvanized and cast iron plumbing. Galvanized supply lines corrode from the inside and restrict flow, while cast iron drains can develop scale buildup or hidden cracks. If your house still has either, they can complicate a tub-to-shower conversion. Shower valves and heads need steady pressure, which corroded pipes can't always deliver, and old 1-1/2" drains may not handle the higher flow from a modern shower pan.
Drainage Woes What Lurks Beneath the Tile
On the plumbing side, the biggest roadblock is often the underlying drain line. Tubs in homes around Hickory Hills typically sit on a 1-1/2" drain; code for walk-in showers usually calls for a 2" line. Connecting your new shower to an old, undersized drain isn't just a code concern, it can cause backups or slow draining, especially if there's years of debris in the line. Before you even demo the tub, it's smart to look into drain cleaning and possibly upgrading the drain size.
Waterproofing and Soil Conditions
Hickory Hills sits on flat, clay-heavy ground with a moderate water table. That's a recipe for slow drainage under slabs and moisture sneaking into basements. If your bathroom is on the first floor or in a finished basement, you need solid waterproofing during a shower conversion. Any leaky shower pan, missed caulk joint, or shallow P-trap can invite mold or seepage. Clay soils do homeowners no favors, if water escapes the new shower, it doesn't quickly disappear under the foundation. We recommend inspecting and possibly updating the shower pan liner, and making sure you have a proper slope to the drain, especially in these soil conditions.
Common Plumbing Pitfalls During Conversion
- Old supply lines: Restricted flow or leaks from galvanized piping can undermine your new shower. If lines are original, replacing with copper or PEX during the remodel is worth considering.
- Inadequate venting: Showers need good venting. If your tub was poorly vented or tied into an old, undersized vent, you may face slow drainage or sewer odors. Vent stack inspection is a must.
- Low hot water capacity: Walk-in showers often encourage longer showers. If your water heater is struggling, consider an assessment or upgrade with our water heater services.
- Slab or crawlspace access: First-floor bathrooms with slab foundations can be tough for rerouting drains. Sometimes, we need to open the concrete or work through a crawlspace. This adds time and complexity.
- Poor fixture placement: Shower valves and heads need to be placed at the right height and on sound backing. Using the wrong fixtures or improper mounting can result in leaks behind the wall. Reviewing your options with our faucet and fixture installation team will help avoid these headaches.
Steps to a Successful Tub-to-Shower Remodel
We recommend a clear plan before any demolition. Here are the practical steps we follow on every quality project in Hickory Hills:
- Assess supply and drain piping for material, size, and condition.
- Shut off water at the main, disconnect and demo the tub carefully to avoid damaging hidden plumbing.
- Inspect for leaks or corrosion, older homes often surprise us during this stage.
- Plan for rerouting or upsizing the drain line to 2" where possible, and upgrade venting if needed.
- Install a reliable shower pan with a sloped base, checking all waterproofing and making sure it's up to code for clay-rich soil.
- Test water pressure and temperature, make adjustments to the mixing valve, and check for leaks at every connection.
- Finish with all penetrations sealed, caulked, and properly mounted fixtures for long-term performance.
If you suspect your system has deeper issues, like persistent leaks or slow drains, our leak detection & repair and pipe repair & repiping services can help identify and solve the root problem before you close up the walls.
Watch for Signs Your Remodel Needs a Pro
Even handy homeowners run into trouble in Hickory Hills homes with older or hidden plumbing. Watch for these warning signs:
- Water-stained walls or floors around the tub, signaling possible supply line leaks.
- Slow or gurgling drains that don't clear up after cleaning.
- Poor water pressure from existing tub or shower valves.
- Rust on galvanized pipes, or flaking inside cast iron drains during demo.
- Any sign of old water damage, mold, or previous DIY patch jobs behind the tile.
Other Things That Affect Bathroom Projects in Hickory Hills
Beyond the plumbing, area quirks can make a difference. Clay soils and a high water table have led to drainage systems like sump pits and check valves in many homes. If you're remodeling a basement bathroom, it's worth assessing your pump system. We see plenty of sump systems in Hickory Hills, and keeping yours in shape with regular sump pump services can help protect your investment from water intrusion.
If you're weighing your options or running into unexpected trouble on your tub-to-shower conversion, our crew has the experience you want. Call us at 708-729-5614 for honest, practical help with any part of the project.