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Bathtub Buyer's Guide
Long day? Feeling a bit stressed? Melt your worries away with a nice warm soak in the bath tub. Nothing takes a bathroom from functional to fantastic like a wonderful tub. With so many shapes, style and sizes, you are sure to find the one that makes you head straight for the bathroom when you get home from work.
Before you start getting to the fun stuff, like picking out jets and clawfoot bathtubs, let’s consider some basic things you should think about before starting the bathtub buying process.
Make Space
Measure the amount of space you have for a bathtub. If you are in the process of having a house built your builder can help you, otherwise just grab a tape measure and mark down height, width and length of your bathtub area.
Where it will Drain
Your bathtub will need somewhere to drain so consider where the drain is already installed. Some bathtubs have drains at the foot while others drain in the middle. Also you will need to position the tub so that you can hook it up to running water.
Budget
If you really want to make shopping for a bathtub easier, make a budget. By allotting yourself exactly what you can afford you will be able to go into the shopping experience prepared to get the best bathtub for your money. Bathtubs can run from a few hundred for the most basic tub to a few thousands of dollars for the more luxurious models. Also keep in mind you may have to purchase faucets separate, so be sure to factor that in as well.
What’s it Made of
The basic bathtubs you see installed in most homes and hotels would be a steel tub with an enamel coating. Bathtubs that feature jets will most likely be acrylic or fiberglass. If you are looking for a more “traditional” style tub, cast iron might be the perfect choice.
There are many different styles of bathtubs which all bring a different look to your bathroom. Options inlcude apron-front tubs, drop-in tubs, clawfoot tubs, whirlpool tubs, corner tubs and more.
Getting it Dropped Off
Most likely your bathtub will be delivered to you, especially if you buy it online. Be sure you are home so you can check that the tub was not damaged as most times bathtubs cannot be returned.
Some DIY Action
If you will be opting to install your bath tub yourself, be prepared for some serious DIY time. If you are replacing an old bath tub the first step will be to remove the old one. Start by shutting off the water. Remember, there is no shame in hiring a professional if you feel a little uneasy just turning off the water. Shutoffs are usually located behind an access panel behind the plumbing, in the basement or in a water closet. Next remove the handles and spout. The spout should simply twist off, but if it is tight you may require a wrench. The handles will come off with a simple screwdriver. Next is the logistic nightmare of getting rid of the old bathtub. Bathrooms are typically very small and bathtubs are extremely heavy so take into consideration if you need another person to help you lift and if it would be helpful to take out the toilet to make more space.
Once your bathroom is prepped for the tub’s departure, grab a crowbar and start removing the bathtub. If you want to salvage the flooring buffer the floor with a towel or if the floor is ceramic wedge a piece of wood in between the floor and bar to avoid cracking.
Only now are you ready to install your new bathtub. First attach the new faucet and valve and check for leaks. Next put the tub where it belongs and level it. Bathtubs are generally made with a slight slope towards the drain, so be sure you level the tub so you don’t end up with puddles of water at the back of the bathtub. After the drain kit has been installed it is time to seal the tub with caulk, clean the surrounding areas and hop in the tub for a well deserved rest!
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