subject: Your Walk In Bathtub Should Be Professionally Installed [print this page] Before buying a walk in bathtub, you will want to maximize your safety, convenience, and enjoyment by consulting with a licensed plumber before making your purchase and then make sure an expert installs it. The benefits of using a professional far outweigh the aggravation, damage, and additional money you may spend by attempting to install the unit yourself.
A licensed plumber will help you determine exactly what you need based on your physical size, your intended use, and the space available. He can also estimate the cost and the benefits of different units, so that your final decision will give you years of satisfied use.
Purchasing a walk in bathtub can be an expensive investment and your primary purpose in buying one is usually to promote safety and convenience of taking a bath. Therefore, it is important that the fixture you purchase properly fits the area and is installed competently. Improperly affixed doors can be loose and provide poor support resulting in injuries. Additionally, doors which fail to close properly provide space for water leakage. Water is likely to pool around the door causing a slipping hazard for bathers exiting the tub. In addition to causing possible injuries, the door may not hang properly or appear uneven.
Furthermore, even if plumbing is not installed properly, it may not always be visible immediately. Poorly installed pieces may be hidden so loose connections can result in gradual damage to walls or other areas. Rust, corrosion, or mold can occur if a leak is not repaired quickly. Leaks can damage the floor and under floor seriously if they are unaddressed, ultimately creating the possibility of a cave-in. Money spent on repairing this kind of damage will far exceed any savings gained through a do-it-yourself job.
Sometimes a faulty connection can cause water to spray and you may have to call an expert if you are unable to shut it off. Poorly repaired, connected, or placed plumbing can also affect the enjoyment of a walk in tub since the temperature or water pressure may be uncomfortable if controls are not properly set.
Do it yourself installation can also be extremely time-consuming. Every manufacturer has specific directions for their units. If you are not familiar with plumbing, you will spend an inordinate amount of time learning the directions and trying to implement them. You may not have the tools needed to perform the work and will spend time and money finding them. Worse yet, you may make costly mistakes that may ultimately force you to hire a plumber who may have to repair your faulty work before installing the unit properly.
Fortunately, it is not uncommon for walk in bathtub retailers to have their own professional installers and specialists on staff. These experts are able to provide free in-home consultations so they can advise you in the best models to fit your bathroom. Full-service walk in bathtub companies can handle everything from helping you select the best tub for your needs to removing your old tub and installing your new one.
Avoid wasting time and money by struggling with plumbing and placement when you do not have the expertise. Let a specialist take the work out of getting a new walk in tub.
