Bathtub Buying Blunders: 7 Mistakes To Avoid When Getting A New Tub
Dreaming of a relaxing soak in a brand new bathtub? Don’t let your dreams be shattered by these bathtub buying blunders! Below are just some of the most common mistakes to avoid when splashing out on a new tub.
Measuring incorrectly
Getting your measurements right is essential - you don’t want to be left with a bathtub that doesn’t fit into your bathroom. Take your time to carefully measure the space and double-check each measurement. If you’re upsizing your bath, consider if this might impact the location of the drain and whether pipes may need to be relocated. Make sure to also consider the ideal height.
Forgetting about access
How will you get the tub into your home? It could be important to plan a path into your property and determine whether you need to clear anything out the way. The size of corridors and stairwells will limit the size of the tub you can opt for - you may have a big bathroom, but you won’t be able to get a large tub in there if the doorway into it is narrow.
Overlooking disposal of your old tub
Don’t forget about your old tub. How will you remove it? It’s possible that the professionals fitting your tub will be able to take away your old tub, but you may need to pay extra for it. If you’re planning a bathroom remodel, look into local junk haulers to take away all your old fixtures and any other waste.
Choosing the wrong material
Bathtubs are available in a few different materials. Each of these materials has its pros and cons, and it’s important to think about which material is best for your lifestyle and budget. If you want a tub that’s cheap and easy to clean, opt for an acrylic or fibreglass-reinforced plastic tub. If you want a tub that retains its heat for a long time, look into enamelled steel and cast iron tubs.
Going too heavy
There have been instances of cast-iron bathtubs falling through floors. If you want to avoid such a disaster and you have your eyes on a cast-iron tub, make sure that the joists can hold it before you install it. Acrylic and fiberglass-reinforced plastic tubs are generally light enough that you don’t need to worry about this.
Plumbing it in improperly
Plumbing in a bathtub oneself can be very risky if you’re not a professional plumber yourself. Make sure you definitely know what you’re doing if you’re going down the DIY route. This will prevent future issues like leaks as a result of loose fittings.
Failing to plan for the future
When choosing the right tub, think about your future plans. Will you be moving soon? If so, you should stick to a tub that has a universal appeal - a lime green tub might put off a few buyers. If you’re nearing your retirement or have already started experiencing mobility issues, you should also avoid choosing a tub that is difficult to climb into (avoid anything too high).