How Outdated Showers Lead to Slip and Fall Hazards

Many homeowners don’t even remember when was the last time they made any improvement to their bathrooms. We are often so occupied with making our bedrooms and living rooms more presentable that we forget about our bathrooms. But this isn’t just a problem of aesthetics. Outdated showers can also be hazardous since they increase the risk of falls and slips. Let’s talk about this a bit more below.

What Makes a Shower Outdated?

The term ‘outdated’ may mean different things to different people. Someone with a digital shower in their bathroom may think a regular walk-in shower is outdated.

For this article, we’ll talk about showers that are more than ten years old. These units are typically outdated in terms of materials, design, and engineering. They also lack accessibility features that are now becoming more common in modern bathrooms.

How Outdated Showers Create Slip and Fall Hazards

An outdated shower can make your bathroom dangerous in many ways. Here are some of them.

Broken Material

If the tiles are cracked, broken, or loose, this can create a slip-and-fall hazard. The same is true for the showerhead and the shower walls. Some older showers may have broken doors or hinges. These can cause the door to come loose and fall, creating a hazard for anyone in the shower.

Poor Drainage

If the water isn’t draining properly or quickly, it can create a slipping hazard in the shower. Over time, the buildup of dirt and grime on the floor can also create a slippery surface.

Lack of Railings and Grab Bars

Outdated showers may not have the necessary railings and grab bars to provide a stable surface while in the shower. It increases the risk of falling, especially for elderly people or those with mobility issues.

These showers also don’t have grab bars. They may have barriers, such as a door, which hinders easy entry for people with disabilities.

Leaky Faucets

Leaky faucets can also create a slip hazard as they lead to water pooling on the shower floor at all times. It may also promote mold growth, which becomes an even bigger concern.

Poor Lighting

Many falls in the shower are due to the absence of proper lighting. Outdated showers may not have any lighting, or the existing lights may be too dim to provide enough visibility. As a result, you may miss a wet spot or trip over an object in the shower, leading to a slip-and-fall accident.

How to Update Your Showers for Safety?

There are many ways to make your showers safer and more functional. Here are some ideas.

Use a Digital Shower

Digital showers have many features, such as temperature control, water pressure regulation, and preset profiles. They also have a built-in timer that can help you save water. People with disabilities can benefit largely from a digital shower. It allows them to customize their showering experience and makes it easier for them to get in and out of the shower.

Install Grab Bars and Railings

Grab bars provide stability in the shower, especially for elderly family members. You can also add other accessibility features, like a shower seat and low-threshold showers.

Replace the Faucets

Leaky faucets can be easily replaced with an energy-efficient model. They will cost a bit more initially, but you’ll save money in the long run due to reduced water usage.

Install a Walk-In Shower

Since a walk-in shower does not have any obstruction, it makes entry a breeze. You can install a conventional walk-in shower or one with an enclosure. The latter is a good option if the non-bathing areas in your bathroom are not waterproof and you’re worried about splashes.

Put Non-Slip Mats

You should put non-slip mats inside and outside the shower. Doing this is especially helpful if you have tiled floors and the tiles are wet or slippery.

Add Proper Lighting

Make sure the lights in the bathroom are bright enough to provide visibility in the shower. You can install additional fixtures for more light or switch to LED bulbs for better illumination.

Some shower heads have LED lights in them that change with water temperature. If you plan on installing these, just ensure they don’t cause discomfort to the elderly or family members with vision impairments.

Give Your Shower a Makeover

An renovation is due for outdated showers, especially if they pose a danger to your family. Making the necessary changes will ensure maximum safety and improve the showing experience.