Replacing a tub: the plumbing
A new tub needs the drain, overflow, and valve set at the right points for that tub. We do the plumbing and work with your remodeler on the tub, tile, and finish. We test before the wall closes.
Bathtub Plumbing for Apex Homes
Bathtub Installation & Repair in Apex, NC
Replacing a tub, a drain that leaks into the ceiling below, or a tub that will not drain? Our shop is on Apex Pkwy, so Apex bathrooms are the closest ones we serve. We do the plumbing side of the job: drain and overflow, spout and diverter, the valve behind the wall, and the rough-in for a remodel. You get the real price before we start.
Licensed
Bonded
Insured
Locally Owned
Residential Bathtub Service
Bathtub plumbing problems we fix in Apex
Most bathtub calls are one of these six. Tell us which one you have and we will tell you what it usually takes.
A stain on the ceiling below the tub
A failed drain gasket or overflow connection leaks only when the tub is used, so it can go unnoticed for months. We find where the water is coming from and replace the drain assembly or the seal. See our [leak repair](/leak-repair) page for leaks that are not at the tub.
A slow tub drain
Hair and soap collect in the trap and the first few feet of drain. We clear the line properly instead of using chemicals that can harm older pipe. If it keeps coming back, we look at what is deeper in the line.
A cracked or leaking overflow
The overflow plate, gasket, and the pipe behind it wear out. Water runs down behind the tub when you fill it high. We replace the overflow and drain assembly together so the two seals match.
Tub spout and diverter trouble
If water runs from the spout while the shower is on, the diverter is worn or the spout is failing. A spout that drips or has come loose from the wall is a quick replacement.
Converting a tub to a shower
Taking out a tub for a walk-in shower changes the drain, and often the valve height. We do the plumbing side of a conversion: drain, valve, and supply. Tile, glass, and waterproofing belong to your remodeler.
Clear Answers
What a bathtub plumbing call looks like
- 1
Tell us what is going on
A drip, a slow drain, a stain below, or a remodel plan. Tell us the age of the bathroom if you know it. We give you an arrival window and the price before any work starts.
- 2
We find the part and explain it
We identify the drain, overflow, spout, or valve and tell you whether it is a repair, a replacement, or something that needs wall access. You approve the price first.
- 3
We repair it and test it
We make the repair, fill the tub, run the drain, and check for leaks before we leave. For a remodel, we test before the wall is finished.
Apex Homes
Bathtub plumbing in Apex homes
Apex has a historic downtown on Salem Street, 1990s subdivisions, and newer neighborhoods toward New Hill and the Highway 55 and 64 corridors. Tubs in the 1990s homes are often the original. Builder-grade drains, overflows, and diverters from those years are wearing out, which is why tub drain leaks and worn spouts are common calls here.
Homes built roughly between 1978 and 1995 in the Triangle may have polybutylene supply piping, which can fail at fittings. If a bathroom is open for a tub replacement, it is a good time to look at what is behind the wall. A stained ceiling below a bathroom is the usual first sign of a problem, and our leak repair work often starts there.
Our shop is at 3460 Apex Pkwy, and this is where most of our trucks start the day. We work Monday through Saturday, 7:00 to 18:00. For the rest of the house, see our Apex plumber page.
Apex neighborhoods we serve
- Downtown Apex (Salem Street)
- Scotts Mill
- Haddon Hall
- Bella Casa
- Salem Village
- Abbington
- Peakway
- Olive Chapel
- Woodcreek
- Seagroves Farm
- Sweetwater
- Jordan Pointe
- Friendship
- New Hill
Helpful Details
Bathtub plumbing questions from Apex
Do you install bathtubs in Apex?
We do the plumbing: the rough-in, drain and overflow, valve, spout, and the final set. Tub delivery, tile, and waterproofing belong to your remodeler, and we coordinate with them so the plumbing is tested before the wall closes.
My tub leaks into the ceiling below. Where is it coming from?
Most often the drain gasket, the overflow connection, or a supply fitting at the valve. It usually leaks only when the tub is filled or drained. We find the source and tell you the repair before we start.
How much does bathtub repair or replacement plumbing cost?
It depends on the tub, whether the wall or floor has to be opened, and what parts are needed. We give you the real price in writing before we start. Call (919) 679-1275 for an arrival window.
Why does my tub drain slowly?
Usually hair and soap in the trap and the first few feet of pipe. We clear it properly. If it comes back, the problem may be farther down the line, and a camera inspection will show it.
Can you convert my Apex tub to a walk-in shower?
We do the plumbing side: the new drain, the valve, and the supply. Your remodeler handles the pan, tile, and glass. We work with them on timing.
Do you repair tub cracks or reglaze tubs?
No. We handle the plumbing: drains, overflows, spouts, valves, and supply lines. If the tub itself is cracked, we do the plumbing when it is replaced.
More help nearby
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Serving Apex and the rest of the Triangle: Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Holly Springs, Raleigh and Morrisville. Not sure we cover your address? Call (919) 679-1275 and ask.
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“Matt was amazing! I've worked with many plumbing companies, and I will definitely contact Sweetwater Plumbing for all my plumbing needs moving forward.”
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Keila Feracho
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“Sweetwater saved the day! I had an active leak from a water pipe in the ceiling. They fixed the leak promptly and did a great cleanup job.”
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Sandy Alex
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“Chris arrived on time and made an assessment. A most conscientious and capable young man — the quality of his work was outstanding.”
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Bodin Schexnayder
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“Great job. Punctual, professional, took time to explain the work, what my options were, and let me choose.”
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Krista Summitt
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“Joseph was a great technician. He investigated the problem and walked me through every step of the way. So kind and patient.”
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Connie Knox
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“I needed repair work done on short notice after a house inspection. Excellent work and great folks to work with.”
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Jack Frankenfield
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