Walk in bathtubs have become a very common type of tub in many homes. These types of tubs make bathing much more accessible to many people. They are becoming more popular in senior communities and other health care facilities also. They are also becoming popular in homes where children have difficulties walking around the bathroom.
Accessible bathtubs can be installed in a variety of ways. A walk in bathtub may be made available for a disabled or limited mobility person by adding grab bars to the top or bottom of the tub or by having the drain lowered to only a few inches below the floor. There are also many tubs that have seats that can go right up to the edge of the tub so that older people or those with restricted mobility can sit down and relax. Some tubs feature a seat that rolls forward into the shower area as well. Walk in bathtubs can also be designed to accommodate a hot water heater.
There are many walk-in bathtubs that feature an outward mounted lever that opens the door outward instead of inward. The mechanism for opening the door is usually located on the inside of the door. This is usually controlled by a foot lever or a switch located on the wall next to the door. In some newer models of walk-in bathtubs, this lever can be pushed in and pushed out - turning the door inward instead of outward. This offers a smoother opening process and allows for easier drainage of the steam from the hot water.
In older homes, a door on the side of the bathtub is common. This door may be attached to a wall or floor and requires a special hinge to lift it. Once you have the door open, you will need to either close it behind you or work it out of the way to get into the bathtub. The advantage of a walk-in bathtub is that you don't have to disassemble the old tub in order to use the new one. However, most people find that it is easier to operate the door from the side of the tub than from the front.
Another advantage of walk in tubs is that they can often accommodate a water heater or thermostat. These devices can provide additional heat or additional hot water at a reduced cost. Older homes with less efficient heating and water heaters can save money with the installation of a new walk-in tub. Learn more seniorcomfortwalkintubs.com
Since a walk in bathtub offers an inexpensive alternative to purchasing a new, more expensive shower, many seniors are finding that this option is a great choice. Seniors who are concerned about their water bills may also like the low costs of operating a tub shower combo. If your household has a high water bill, installing a new high efficiency shower can help to lower your monthly water bill. In addition, with a walk in tub, you can enjoy a hot shower without having to get into the bathtub.
There are many added benefits to choosing a walk-in shower over a traditional, conventional bathtub. A heated seat is a wonderful added benefit. Many elderly individuals that suffer from arthritis and other conditions that affect their joints, may find a heated seat to be a wonderful addition to their bathing experience. Most heated seats are quite comfortable. If you suffer from aching muscles in your body after spending hours in the shower, a heated seat can give your body the extra exercise that it needs during your shower.
As with any home improvement project, there are a few things that you should consider before upgrading to a new walk-in tub. Before purchasing a new one, it is a good idea to contact a reputable heating and plumbing company. Many of the most highly rated companies in the business will be able to offer you a free on-site consultation. During this consult, they will evaluate your current tub and provide you with all of the relevant information that you need to make an informed decision. By doing your homework, contacting a professional and having a lifetime warranty on your investment, you are guaranteed to have the perfect bathing experience.