While a standing shower might get the job done, there’s nothing quite like the luxury and comfort of a hot, soaking bath.
And with the cooler months coming up, it’s the perfect way to beat those chilly winter blues.
With that said, it’s no wonder that bathtub installation is one of the more common bathroom renovations this plumber in Brighton is called to perform.
Here’s the thing though: installing a new bathtub isn’t as easy as just ordering a tub and bolting it down to your bathroom floor.
There’s a whole host of considerations you’ll need to look at if you want to successfully take your bathroom to the next level.
And it all starts by choosing the right bathtub…
Step 1: how are you going to use your bathtub?
It’s a bathtub – surely, they’re all going to be used for the same thing, right?
Not so!
While a $200 free-standing bathtub and an elaborate built-in tub worth thousands of dollars may be identical functionally, the devil’s in the details.
For example, if you have kids, your bathtub is probably going to be used for bathing them – you may even end up using your bathtub for some light washing.
In these cases, you’ll want to prioritise function over form.
By contrast, if you’re single, your bathtub might be more of a “treat”. You might treat your tub as a place for relaxation and rejuvenating feeling.
As such, you’ll want a tub that looks and feels great – you might even shell out for a jacuzzi!
Step 2: tub size
When looking at tub size, there are two things you’ll want to focus on:
- How much legroom do you want?
- Does your bathroom have enough space?
When choosing a tub, you’ll want to carefully measure how much space you have to work with in your bathroom.
For example, if your bathroom is on the smaller side, you may have to perform other renovations to make space.
Not to mention, if you’re replacing an existing tub, you’ll want to ensure that your new tub is similar in size.
Step 3: tub shape and type
Free-standing or built-in, that is the question.
Deciding which one you want to go with is the next step in your bathtub project.
In addition to changing how your bathroom feels once everything is said and done, tub shape and size can also influence how much work you’ll have to do.
For example, most free-standing bathtubs can be installed without the need for additional work. All your plumber will need to do is place it, fix it in place and connect the relevant pipes.
By contrast, an in-built bathtub can come with a whole host of extra tiling and building. Not to mention, the additional tiling and whatnot can lead to your tub taking up even more space in your bathroom.
Step 4: Bathtub weight
Bathtubs can be heavy. Combine that with the weight of all the water contained and your own bodyweight, and a full bathtub can easily hit several hundred kilograms!
Can your bathroom handle that much weight?
Before getting in touch with a plumber in Brighton, it might be a good idea to touch base with a structural engineer (this goes for any renovation job).
They’ll tell you how much weight your bathroom can support. Using this information, you can start weighing all the tubs you’re looking at and calculating their capacities to find one that’s safe for your bathroom.
Step 5: what does your existing bathroom plumbing look like?
Getting new plumbing installed can be a time-consuming process – not to mention, it can be very expensive.
As such, nobody will blame you for wanting to utilise as much of your existing plumbing as possible.
That’s why we recommend looking at your existing plumbing, and whether it can support a new tub.
In particular, you’ll want to determine whether or not you’ll need to get new pipes and connections installed to facilitate your tub.
For homeowners whose bathrooms don’t have a tub already, this can also mean moving existing plumbing out of the way.
This also applies to people with existing tubs too! While your job is easier, in many cases you’ll need new plumbing installed anyway. For example, if you’re upgrading to a jacuzzi, or if the new tub doesn’t line up perfectly with your existing one.
To get a better idea of what sorts of plumbing you’ll need to perform, we recommend contacting your local plumber in Brighton.
In addition to carrying out the install, they’ll also perform a pre-install inspection to determine if you need to move plumbing connections and drains.
Planning a bathtub installation? Talk to a plumber in Brighton first!
If you want your bathroom renovation to go off without a hitch, you’ll want a professional plumber on your side.
In particular, you’ll want to get in touch with Watermaster Plumbing!
Our plumbers in Brighton are experts in all types of domestic plumbing, including bathroom renovations. Our experienced plumbers deliver excellent service, whether your renovation plan calls for a new tub, shower, or sink (or all three!).
And we’ll do it all with our trademark customer service and workmanship, as well as a six-year workmanship warranty!
Contact Watermaster Plumbing today on 1300 156 650, or click here to book an appointment or ask us a question!