How to Install a Walk-in Bathtub

A walk-in bathtub can assure us of an unequalled level of safety and protection during bathing. This special tub features a sealed door entrance, grab handles and bars, as well as non-slip surfaces to lessen the chances of accidents and falls during bathing. Now that you have decided on getting one, what is next? How do you prepare your bathroom for installation, and how do you go about in the installation process. Here are some useful steps when installing a walk-in tub in your bathroom:

Step 1: Get to Know What Walk-in Tubs Look Like

Visit your local walk in bath tub dealer or check online for samples of walk-in bathtubs. Make sure you have an idea of their common sizes, material, and what they generally look like.

Step 2: Analyze Whether there is Enough Room in your Bathroom

If you are building a new house, then this should not be a problem. But if you are remodelling, then it can be quite a challenge. You will need to make sure there is enough room in where your old tub used to sit. Should there be some lack of space, you might need to talk with your contractor first before you continue. There must also be open access to plumbing behind your tub, so you will have to make arrangements in order to gain access. You must also plan beforehand whether the tub door faces to the left or faces to the right.

Step 3: The Pre-installation Phase

Once you have bought yourself the walk-in closet of your preference, it is time to do some pre-installation work. Ideally, go for a waterproof under-layment on the floor and make sure the walls that surround the tub are protected from possible growth of moulds and mildew. You will also need to check whether there is a proximate power source in the area for the hydrotherapy system to be plugged in. Furthermore, make sure that all aspects of the plumbing system near the tub to be installed are in place and running as smoothly as possible. If the old plumbing fixtures do not match the new tub to be installed, make sure to do the necessary adjustments.

Step 4: The Installation Step

Now when everything is in order, simply slide the new walk-in tub into place. Once done, carefully check whether the drain holes and the plumbing pipes line up properly. Make adjustments as necessary then proceed with the installation of the fixtures. Let the water run to ensure there are no leaks and to ensure that the water pressure is adequate. Proceed by checking the whirlpool motor and see if it runs as expected.

Step 5: Finish up

Complete the installation by adding those aesthetic touches. Decorate the surrounding walls, hang a curtain, or add some professional finish.

It would be ideal for your supplier to help install your walkin tub for you. However, installing one yourself should be quite easy – that is, if you have someone to help you with all the weight.

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Your Guide to Buying the Right Walk-in Bathtub

Nothing beats a good, relaxing soak in the bathtub at the end of a long day’s work. And no other bathtub can do it better than walk-in bathtubs. These tubs are the ultimate tubs – and they offer the best form of comfort and protection available. Walk-in tubs are most ideal when there are kids, elderly and a handicapped member in the household. But with all the walk-in bath tub models available today, how can you go about choosing the best? Here are some tips to help you find the best walk-in bathtub for your bathroom.

Consider Your Needs

A walk-in bathtub differs from a traditional one because it is equipped with a door and a seat. These two assure safety, especially for those who have mobility problems. Some walk-in tubs do not have seats and are cheaper, but will not offer the comfort and safety as those with a seat.

Consider Your Bathroom Size

Walk-in tubs are usually slightly bigger than conventional bathtubs, but there are space saving models which are usually more advantageous (less water needed to fill). Normally, walk-in tubs range from 26 to up to 33 inches in width, 37 to up to 60 inches in length, and 38 to 40 inches deep. Make sure to consider the size of your existing bathroom (or your bathroom design) before choosing a particular model. Of course, you also must consider the size of the tub relative to the user. You want to be comfortable while inside the tub, so make sure to choose the tub size according to yours.

Choose The Correct Door Configuration

Walk-in tubs can have inward or outward swinging doors, with most located along the sides of the tub. Bathtubs with inward doors are usually best if you do not have that much room in the bathroom, and are often preferred because they are less likely to leak. The downside is that, should there be an emergency, you will need to drain the water first for the door to be opened. Tubs with outward swinging doors, on the other hand, need more space in the bathroom and have bigger chances of leakage, but allow convenient exit should there be emergencies. An outward swing door may be more convenient for wheelchair transfers. Make sure to consider these when making a choice.

Choose the Right Whirlpool Jet System

Mostwalk-in bathtubs are equipped with water jet systems. They may come as air or water jets, each of which has unique characteristics. Water jets provide more powerful spray, but air jets are usually preferred because of its added bubbling, soothing action. The latter also allow self-cleaning systems to prevent build-up of mould and bacteria.

Know the Material and Features

Most walk-in bathtubs are made of acrylic and gel-coat fiberglass. Fiberglass-made tubs are sturdy and strong, but are usually more expensive. Most tubs come in white and cream. Most of them also come with chrome fixtures (to include shower heads and faucets). It is best to make sure that safety grab bars and proper anti-slip features are also incorporated for maximum safety.

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Guidelines to Promote Bathroom Safety At Home

Every year, there are almost a hundred thousand individuals who go through some form of injuries while in their very own bathroom. Surprisingly, despite accidents being frequent in this part of the house, very few of us pay particular attention to promoting safety in the bathroom. It is very important to be vigilant about bathroom safety especially when we have kids and seniors who are part of the household. Here are some important tips in ensuring utmost safety in your bathroom at home:

Invest in Grab Bars For your Bathroom

Majority of bathroom accidents are caused by slips and falls. To prevent this, invest in and install grab bars in areas in the bathroom where slippage and falls may happen. Some important areas include the bathtub, the toilet, and the shower. Most grab bars available today are made out of stainless steel, which may also become slippery (especially when there is soap), so it may be best to put rubber grip pads as well.

Put Non-Slip Mats on the Floor

Anti-slip features must be included in your bathroom. If you are doing a major renovation, you can redesign the floor to include textured flooring, install handrails, put “in use” signage, and anti-slip strips. You can also simply put a slip-resistant mat on your existing bathroom floor, in the shower as well as in and around the bathtub.

Make Sure Chemicals are Stored Out of Reach.

There are over 30,000 cases every year of suspected poisoning caused by chemicals stored in the bathroom. Majority of this figure involves children aged 4 and below. It is then very important to secure chemicals, cleansers and other bottles that contain potential poison. Keep them in secure cabinets or cupboards, and if need be, install locks.

Be careful with Electrical Devices. Always Unplug After Use

If you or any of the household members use an electric shaver or blow dryer, or any other electronic device while in the bathroom. Make sure to unplug them every after use. Have an area where you properly put away these electrical units. Better yet, choose a battery-operated, waterproof model.

Set the Water Heater to the Right Temperature.

Accidents caused by scalding due to improper setting of hot water also frequently happen in the bathroom. Make sure to set the temperature of your heater to moderately warm. If there is no thermostat in your heater unit, invest in a thermostat mixing valve – or, make sure to train everyone in the household to open the cold tap first before opening the hot water valve.

De-Clutter For Safety

Lastly, clear the bathroom surfaces of clutter and of things you don’t need. Provide a basket or dish to hold things you regularly use, and keep away those that you don’t. If you have kids in the house, limit their toys to only soft rubber toys and keep them away after bath time.

It is very important to keep everyone in the family informed about possible dangers in the bathroom. Make sure to educate your kids of danger hotspots, and make them understand why bathroom safety tips are very important. It is only with their cooperation that you can keep yours safe and accident-free.

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