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Bathtub or Shower Issues? Find the Right Repair Solution

Bathtub shower issues.

Tired of stepping into a tub full of yesterday’s water or hearing a faucet drip all night? These aren’t just annoying - they’re signs you may need urgent bathtub or shower repair.

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Ottawa, we specialize in fast, effective bathtub and shower repair that protects your home from water damage. From clogged drains to cracked fixtures, our skilled plumbers provide targeted solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Why Bathtub and Shower Repairs Matter

A faulty bathtub or shower can cause water damage, mould, unpleasant odours, and higher water bills. Issues like worn-out plumbing parts or poorly sealed seams often worsen over time if left unaddressed. That's why identifying the right type of repair is essential - not only to fix the problem but to prevent more costly complications down the line.

Install New Bathtub Waste and Overflow

The bathtub waste and overflow system controls how water exits the tub and prevents flooding. If these components are leaking, corroded, or outdated, replacing them restores safe and proper drainage.

Price Range: $1,200 - $2,050

Install new bathtub waste and overflow.

Pros

  • Prevent Water Leaks: Stops water from seeping into ceilings or floors below.
  • Improve Drainage Performance: Reduces slow draining caused by rust or buildup.
  • Update Old Fixtures: Offers new finishes and more reliable drain stoppers.

Cons

  • Ceiling Access Needed Below: Access often requires opening the ceiling below, like a dining room beneath a second-floor tub.

Best For

  • Bathtubs with drainage issues or water pooling
  • Homeowners renovating a bathroom or upgrading fixtures
  • Corroded or leaking waste and overflow systems

Install New ABS Shower Drain

An ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) shower drain is a durable and modern drain assembly made from high-quality plastic. It’s typically installed to replace drains that are leaking, damaged, worn out, or improperly installed.

Price Range: $960 - $1,600

Install New ABS Shower Drain.

Pros

  • Improve Flow Efficiency: Helps water drain faster, reducing standing water.
  • Resist Corrosion: Plastic materials are long-lasting and rust-proof.
  • Cleaner Look: Provides a modern, low-profile drain design.

Cons

  • Ceiling Access Required: Installation typically involves work from the floor below.

Best For

  • Shower stalls with outdated or broken drains
  • Renovations that involve full shower base replacements

Install New ABS P-Trap Beneath Bathtub or Shower

The P-trap is a curved pipe under your tub or shower that holds water to block sewer gases from entering your home. As shared by Curtis McGrath, a veteran plumber, "Ontario code requires all fixtures in the plumbing system to be protected from foul odours coming out of it.” That’s why a P-trap is essential, as it traps water to prevent airflow and smells from backing up into your bathroom.

Install New ABS P-Trap Beneath Bathtub or Shower.

Price Range: $900 - $1,650

Pros

  • Eliminate Sewer Odours: Maintains a reliable water seal to block foul smells.
  • Meet Plumbing Codes: Ensures your tub or shower is compliant with Ontario Regulations.
  • Support Other Upgrades: Often replaced alongside drain installations for a complete solution.

Cons

  • Limited Visibility: Issues can go unnoticed until symptoms appear.
  • Ceiling Work Needed: Typically requires removal of drywall to access from below

Best For

  • Bathroom renovations or fixture upgrades
  • Homes with noticeable odours or leaking traps

Leaky Faucet or Showerhead

Leaks from a faucet or showerhead may waste water, cause fixture staining, or lead to mineral buildup. Replacing worn cartridges or the entire fixture can quickly restore complete control and pressure.

Price Range: $300 - $650

Leaky Faucet or Showerhead.

Pros

  • Reduce Water Waste: Prevents unnecessary water usage from constant dripping.
  • Protect Fixtures: Stops mineral buildup and staining in your tub or shower.
  • Restore Water Pressure: Improves flow and control when showering or filling the tub.

Cons

  • Internal Damage Risk: May not resolve deeper corrosion inside older plumbing systems.
  • Potential Discolouration or Rust: Delaying the repair can lead to fixture discolouration or corrosion.

Best For

  • Constant dripping or loss of water pressure
  • Discoloured fixtures due to iron or hard water
  • Fixtures more than 10 years old

Faulty Caulking

Caulking is used to seal joints where your tub or shower meets the walls or floor. When it cracks, peels, or wears away, water can seep through and cause damage behind the scenes

Price Range: $360 - $650

Faulty Caulking

Pros

  • Prevent Water Leaks: Stops moisture from reaching structural materials behind your tub.
  • Block Mould Growth: Reduces mildew and mould caused by damp and unsealed corners.
  • Refresh Appearance: Makes your shower or tub area look cleaner and newer.

Cons

  • Wears Down Over Time: Regular exposure to water and humidity shortens its lifespan.

Best For

  • Visible cracks or discolouration in tub/shower seams
  • Mildew smells or soft drywall around the tub
  • Routine bathroom maintenance

Blocked Drain

Clogged drains in tubs and showers often occur from a buildup of hair, soap scum, and oils. If left unaddressed, these issues can lead to standing water and even damage to the plumbing system.

Price Range: $320 - $580

Blocked Drain.

Pros

  • Restore Full Drainage: Eliminates slow or standing water in tubs and showers.
  • Multiple Cleaning Options: Methods vary based on severity and budget.

Cons

  • May Not Solve Root Cause: Recurring clogs may not address the underlying issue if deeper pipe damage exists.

Best For

  • Tubs and showers that drain slowly or not at all
  • Households with long hair or high soap/oil usage
  • Homeowners seeking long-term flow restoration

Fix It Right: Bathtub and Shower Repairs Comparison

Table

Still unsure which repair service fits your bathroom issue? Use this quick comparison to understand how each option works, what it’s best for, and what you can expect in terms of cost and warranty coverage.
Additional chart.

Leave Bathtub and Shower Repairs to the Pros

Your bathroom should be a place of comfort, not constant plumbing issues. Whether you're dealing with an old, corroded drain or a mysterious leak behind your wall, our skilled plumbers are here to help.

From minor repairs to full replacements, we handle it all - with honesty, transparency, and industry-leading warranties.

Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Ottawa Today

📞 Contact us today at mrrooter.ca/ottawa/ to schedule a service. One call is all it takes to get things flowing again.

Let Us Call You

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About Mr Rooter

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Since the original Mr. Rooter was founded in 1970, the company has remained committed to a set of core values that are rooted in performing quality work at honest prices. Nearly half a century later, the original Mr. Rooter business is still servicing homes and businesses in North America. We are still independently owned and operated, with strong ties to the community that made it all possible.

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Find a Mr. Rooter Near Me

Let us know how we can help you today.

Call us at (613) 746-0000
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Let Us Call You

Mr. Rooter Plumbing, a Neighbourly company on its own behalf and on behalf of its affiliates and franchisees requests your consent to send promotional and other electronic messages to you concerning products and services they believe are of interest to you. By checking this box, you agree to receive these messages. You can unsubscribe at any time.