What to expect from a walk-in tub consultation
During a walk-in tub consultation, you can expect a representative to review your bathroom space, ask about your preferences and provide a quote for the tub, installation and necessary modifications:
- Initial assessment and needs discussion: The representative will begin by measuring your bathroom to confirm that a walk-in tub will fit and to flag any obstacles or required modifications. They’ll ask about your preferences — things like ease of entry and exit, safety features, jet options, built-in seating and budget.
They’ll also evaluate your safety needs, especially if you have mobility issues or fall risks. Lastly, they’ll walk you through ease-of-use considerations like step-up height, seat dimensions and how accessible the controls are.
- Product demonstration and options: Expect to see a variety of models and features tailored to your needs and price point. The rep will explain different features, such as hydrotherapy jets, grab bars, slip-resistant flooring and finish choices.
They’ll help identify the best dimensions and configuration for your space and go over what the installation will involve, including plumbing or electrical upgrades if needed.
- Quote and next steps: You’ll receive a comprehensive quote covering the tub, installation and any extra modifications. The rep will also outline the expected installation timeline and scheduling considerations. They may offer follow-up communication to address any questions or lingering concerns.
Consider the design as a whole while you’ve got the team there. If you have to move a door or a cabinet or a light switch to make things function better, now is definitely the time to do it.”
“Consider the design as a whole while you’ve got the team there,” said Toni Lewis of Lewis Schoeplein Architects in Los Angeles, who recommends taking advantage of the expertise you have in the room. “If you have to move a door or a cabinet or a light switch to make things function better, now is definitely the time to do it.”
Ask the walk-in tub company to quote several different options you are considering — then think it over.
Be prepared for some upselling by the consultant. Dealing with a walk-in tub salesperson can make some people nervous, but you can ease your mind by researching ahead of time and coming to the conversation prepared. These questions to ask a walk-in tub salesperson are a great place to start.
Finally, keep in mind that this is only a consultation — you don’t have to commit to anything on the spot. If you know you have to stay under a specific budget, make this clear to your consultant. Ask them to quote several different options, then take time on your own after they’ve left to mull everything over.
Is my bathroom big enough for a walk-in tub?
Walk-in tubs are almost always installed in the same space as your existing tub, but they can still require some modifications. Because walk-in tubs are made for sitting rather than lying down, they’re typically not as long as a standard bathtub; however, they are significantly taller.
| Standard bathtub | Standard WIT | Double-bench WIT | Compact WIT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 60 inches | 52-60 inches | 60-80 inches | 46-52 inches |
| Width | 30-32 inches | 30-32 inches | 32-36 inches | 26-28 inches |
| Height | 14-16 inches | 30-38 inches | 30-38 inches | 37-40 inches |
You also need to take clearance into consideration. “Remember that getting in and out of the new walk-in tub will take up some floor space, particularly if there are mobility issues,” said Lewis.
Your salesperson will take accurate measurements of your bathroom as well as your home’s front entrance during your consultation to ensure the unit can make it into the house.
According to Tanya Klien, CEO of Anta Plumbing in Toronto, Ontario, smaller tubs are generally less expensive to install, but “the real cost kicker is if the contractor needs to widen the footprint beyond that of the old tub to fit a larger walk-in tub.” If the new tub is smaller, that means building out and retiling the surrounding walls to fill in the gaps; if it’s larger, you may have to shift the layout of the entire bathroom.
Will I need demolition and construction work for a walk-in tub?
In many cases, the bathroom will need some demolition and new construction. At minimum, the area around the tub will likely need new wallboard and tile, even with a simple installation. This may seem overwhelming for some homeowners, but Lewis recommends seeing this as a unique opportunity to handle other renovations. “It’s worth stepping back to reconsider the room as a whole while things are being torn apart anyway,” Lewis said. “You may want to add grab bars, or backing for future grab bars.”
Will I need plumbing work for a walk-in tub?
Whether you’ll need plumbing work depends on the model of walk-in tub you choose, especially when it comes to special features. Certain features, like quick-draining, often require larger disposal pipes. This increases the cost of the tub itself and will up your installation cost, but it may be worth it in the long run.
“The biggest complaints of walk-in tubs are that those using them must sit in them while they fill and that they drain slowly,” said Klien, who has been in the plumbing business for more than 20 years. Springing for the extra plumbing costs now could save you frustrations and regrets down the road.
Will I need electrical work for a walk-in tub?
In addition to plumbing, many walk-in tub installations require electrical work, especially if you want to add therapeutic elements like jets and heaters. Each of these features will need its own 15- to 20-amp electrical service, which most bathrooms won’t be wired for. A fast-drain pump also needs a 15-amp electrical circuit — this means running new wire.
If you’re working with a manufacturer or a licensed walk-in tub retailer, it will have plenty of experience assessing bathrooms and can field your questions about these costs and the time it takes to complete them.
In a review on ConsumerAffairs, Lawrence, from Colorado Springs, Colorado, found they did need electrical work to accommodate their new walk-in tub, but the vendor, Kohler, was prepared for it. “They worked very quickly. And we only had the water off for 20 minutes,” they said. “Normally, people do that and the water is off for half a day. ... The electricians that they had come in to put the circuits in for the jet pumps and the heater found a better way to do it and did it quickly. So, it was nonintrusive.”
Do I need to replace my hot water heater to have a walk-in tub?
You may need to upgrade your water heater if it has a small capacity or if your walk-in tub is large.
Key considerations include:
- Water capacity: Walk-in tubs hold more water than standard tubs and may require a larger heater.
- Current heater size: If your heater is under 50 gallons, it may not provide enough hot water, especially for larger households.
- Tub size: Bigger tubs need more hot water.
- Household size: More users mean higher hot water demand, particularly during peak times.
- Water heater type: Electric and gas heaters have different recovery times. Choose based on your needs.
- In-line heaters: Some walk-in tubs include these to help maintain water temperature.
Alternatives include:
- A tankless water heater that provides continuous hot water, which may be a good choice for a walk-in tub.
- A larger water heater ensures sufficient hot water for your walk-in tub and other household needs. Some walk-in tubs require up to 80 gallons of water to fill.
- A professional consultation from a plumber or walk-in tub manufacturer can determine if your current heater is adequate. Your walk-in tub installation consultant should mention whether your existing water heater is adequate, but don’t hesitate to ask about it if they don’t.
FAQ
How long does it take to have a walk-in tub installed?
Most walk-in tubs can be installed within a day, typically in six to eight hours. However, this is highly dependent on what kind of tub you’re purchasing and if your bathroom and home require changes. If you need new electrical wiring and plumbing, the process could take longer than a day because you may need multiple licensed professionals.
Do walk-in tubs have a warranty?
Yes, most walk-in tubs come with a limited lifetime warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship during typical residential use. Warranties usually cover the tub shell, frame, door and finish. Electronic parts like motors, pumps and controls, as well as faucets and fixtures, are also usually included in the warranty.
Some manufacturers may also cover the installation labor in their warranties. Be sure to read the fine print to understand the specific terms and conditions of your warranty, including limitations and exclusions.
A walk-in tub is a significant purchase, so comparing warranties is just as important as comparing safety and therapeutic features. The types of coverage and the number of years of coverage vary based on the manufacturer and the model.
Does having a walk-in tub devalue your home?
Whether a walk-in tub decreases your home’s resale value depends on various factors, including market demand, your target market and included features. The added accessibility can be a selling point for seniors and those with mobility issues, so if your home is in an area with a high volume of older adults, it may actually increase the value of your home. Luxury features like water jets may also increase your property’s value.
However, if you only have one bathroom, a walk-in tub may deter some buyers, especially families with young children who may want a traditional tub. On the other hand, if you have a second bathroom with a full-size standard tub, a walk-in tub in the other is likely not enough to dissuade a buyer who otherwise likes the house.
All things being equal, a high-quality installation with a well-designed tub can enhance your property’s appeal, while a poorly installed tub may detract from it.
Lewis always reminds her clients that you can only spend so much time considering resale value: “I always say you can’t design for the next owner — you have to do what works for you,” she said.
Bottom line
Shopping for a walk-in tub does take effort on your part. Research your options ahead of time, schedule the in-home consultation, and be ready to ask the sales representative lots of questions about different safety and therapeutic features, pricing and installation. After the in-home consultation, you should have a better idea of what model will work best for you and how much it will cost.
