The average bathtub, properly installed and cared for, can give you between 10 and 30 years of “mini-spa” experience. Over time, the scratches and damage will force your hand and call for a replacement. Many homeowners act sooner and replace their tub for a bathroom makeover. Others only have a shower and want to add a bathtub as well. Whatever your case, it is important to do your research and understand the criteria for choosing before purchasing the bathtub. Your friends here at Rooter Hero Plumbing of Mesa have put together a short list of things to consider before buying a new tub. If you need a plumber in Chandler or Avondale to take care of the installation, then feel free to call Rooter Hero anytime. Our live representatives are ready to take your call.
The Size of the Tub
Bathtubs come in many shapes and sizes. Since you are likely going to want to lay down in your bathtub for some premium relaxation, you want to make sure you will comfortably fit in the tub. If you must, we recommend you go “too big” rather than “too small.” Of course, the size of your bathroom is going to be a limiting factor. The standard bathtub is about five feet long, but if you are over six feet tall, then you might need to find a custom tub over five-and-a-half feet long. Make sure the dimensions are compatible with your bathroom.
The Tub’s Material
The bathtub’s material is going to be important in a few ways. First, it is going to certainly affect the cost. Acrylic or fiberglass bathtubs are the most common and, not coincidentally, the most affordable. Acrylic is durable, lightweight, and has fair insulation (to keep your hot bath hot for longer). Fiberglass is also lightweight and more affordable, but it is prone to scratching and doesn’t hold heat as well as acrylic.
If you are ready to shell out some more cash, then you have some other options to consider as well. Cast iron is pricy and heavy, but it is sturdy and holds heat well. Steel resembles cast iron but is a little more affordable and chips more easily. If you value aesthetics, then marble or copper are great options. Unsurprisingly, these two options are on the more expensive end of the spectrum.
Built-in or Free-standing?
Most bathtubs are built-in and are integral parts of the bathroom. For the more daring, there is the free-standing bathtub. These are easier to install but can be tied to regulations, which can be a headache. If you are leaning toward free-standing because of the easy installation only, then consider a built-in bathtub and leave the installation to the pros at Rooter Hero Plumbing. We can have a plumber in Avondale take care of that installation in no time.
Other Features and Extras
Modern bathtubs can do a lot more than just hold water. Underwater lighting, speaker systems, digital controls, jets and bubbles, and ADA compliancy are just some of the features and extras to consider.
