Why an Outdated Shower Can Be a Problem

Traditionally, bathrooms were merely thought of as spaces to handle our hygiene. Today, people use bathrooms to relax, retreat and soak away their stress.

However, doing so is a hassle if you have an outdated shower or bathroom. Not only are older bathrooms potentially hazardous, leading to slips and falls, they can also grow mold and mildew. Keep reading as we reveal where the typical problems of older bathrooms and what can be done to fix them.

Problems Associated With Deteriorating Showers

Everything in the bathroom wears out over time, from tiles to toilets and showers to faucets. Since our bathrooms are exposed to moisture 24/7, it’s no surprise they need a touch-up from time to time. Here’s what troubles you may encounter due to a worn-out shower:

  • Low water pressure. If you’ve ever dealt with low water pressure, you know how frustrating it can be. Wanting to take a shower after a long day but barely being able to get enough water can be annoying. This happens when your shower is outdated and needs a replacement.
  • Hot water burst. While running out of water is one thing, a hot water burst can severely burn your skin. An outdated shower is highly likely to cause this problem, risking your safety in the bathroom.
  • Leaky shower. It goes without saying that worn-out showers tend to leak. This keeps your bathroom flooring wet and risks injuries. In fact, bathroom injuries are more common than you think!

What Data Says About Bathroom Injuries

Researchers extracted emergency room data about nonfatal injuries and discovered bathroom injuries were highly prevalent among kids, adults, and the elderly. Here’s what the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report highlights:

  • Women are at a higher risk of falling in the bathroom than men.
  • About 81% of bathroom injuries were caused due to falls.
  • Two-thirds of injuries occurred in the shower, while 2.2% happened while getting out of it.
  • Overall, accidental bathroom injuries were more common in people aged 65 or older, amounting to 2.5%.

Although people have known for a long time that slippery bathroom surfaces risk slips and falls, the report is the first to authenticate how people suffer from bathroom injuries frequently. However, accidents can be avoided by taking precautionary measures, and bathroom renovators can help in this regard.

How Professionals May Help

Professional bathroom installers know the preventative design measures that can be implemented to minimize injuries and falls. Here are some installations that can help boost your safety in the bathroom:

Dealing With Slippery Surfaces

Leaky showers can make bathroom flooring excessively slippery. However, installing non-slip rubber mats helps prevent the risk of falls and slips. These mats are known for their ability to grip slippery surfaces.

Tip: ensure to rinse shampoos, conditioners, and soap after a bath. Otherwise, they’ll accumulate in the mat, promoting dirt and debris accumulation.

Installing Grab Bars

As the name suggests, grab bars offer additional support in the bathroom and let you grab the handles to prevent falls. They serve two purposes: First, they let elders hold onto something as they navigate the bathroom. Second, they let you find support in the event of slips.

Keeping Bathroom Essentials Within Reach

Many bathroom injuries result from trying to reach for essentials at a distance while showering. Since the floor is wet, you’re at risk of slipping.

Professional service providers can help install soap and shampoo dispensers in the shower. This adds to your convenience and keeps you from reaching where they might be hard to retrieve.

Improving Lighting

Poor lighting is another reason people are more likely to fall. This is especially crucial when we go to the bathroom half awake at night. If you hire skilled contractors, they know the precise places to install lighting fixtures and light up the space, boosting its functionality.

Installing a Shower Chair

The option to sit while showering helps elders who struggle to maintain a balance. You can always refer to the contractor to learn about the best chair options for those with limited mobility.

Updating Worn-Out Shower

A degenerating shower risks your safety in the bathroom. Since showers and bathtubs deteriorate over time, causing leaks, they make the bathroom surface more slippery.

This means the chance of falling on the bathroom floor multiplies when you haven’t undergone any upgrades in a while.

Professionals dedicated to offering shower installation services help you choose a quality shower and install it adequately to prevent leaks and dangers.

That’s a Wrap!

Though dangerous, bathroom fall and slip accidents are fairly common. In fact, children and seniors are at a higher risk. To ensure you and your loved ones stay safe inside the bathroom, hiring an experienced contractor makes sense.

From shower installations to mounting caddies, they go the extra mile to ensure your safety.