EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BATHTUBS When building a new home or organizing a home renovation project, it’s crucial that you pick the proper tub because having a clean and comfortable bathtub is a need, especially if you’re looking forward to a soak after a long day at work.
There is a lot of information to sort through when choosing a bathtub, which can be frightening if you don’t know where to start. Make sure you have insurance for plumbers to cover yourself and your work before beginning the next plumbing project that involves installing a bathtub. Here is our succinct and straightforward introduction about bathtubs, which should help you comprehend how they work and how to choose the ideal one for your upcoming project.
WHY DO BATHTUBS WORK? Today’s bathtubs come in a variety of sizes, forms, and designs, but they all work by employing a water source and a drain. They are frequently composed of thermoformed acrylic, steel with porcelain enamel, or polyester reinforced with fiberglass.
The three main parts of a bathtub are the tub, the water supply line, and the drain. Drains are connected to the baths’ drain line, while valves are attached to the hot and cold water supply pipes. The taps add water to the bath, which stays in the tub while the plug is in place and drains out when the plug is taken out.
WHAT ARE THE PERKS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS OF BATHTUBS? Bathtubs are pretty common, but you should think about whether you actually need one before buying one for your home. To help property owners and investors decide whether to add a bathtub, the following are some advantages and disadvantages of bathtubs.
BENEFITS OF BATHTUBS Taking a bath can relax your muscles: Especially if you add Epson salts to the water, which are used to exfoliate and relax the skin while also lowering inflammation in the joints, taking a bath can help you relieve sore muscles.
When essential oils are utilized, baths may be aromatherapeutic, which can help you unwind and lower your blood pressure. Bathing with essential oils can assist to reduce stress levels in the body and ease gastrointestinal problems, pains, and general tension. Blood pressure can also be lowered with its aid. Depending on the essential oils used, baths may offer a number of health advantages for the body.
Children benefit much from baths because it is easier to clean them in bathtubs than in showers. Bathing in a tub not only makes the experience more comfortable, but it also gives kids a chance to play. Baths can also aid in calming kids after a demanding day at school.
Some bathrooms have unique features: Depending on their tastes, property owners can add whirlpools or air jets to bathrooms. These upgrades not only make bathing more enjoyable, but they also give home bathing a touch of elegance.
CONTRAINS OF BATHTUBS Accessibility for people with mobility issues: Older people may find it challenging to enter and exit bathtubs because to their characteristic shape, whether freestanding or inset. Because bathtubs are so slippery, older people who have trouble standing up straight are more prone to fall. If you’re creating a tub for someone who could find it difficult to get in or out, think about a tub with better accessibility or handle grips along the wall.
Bathtubs can hold anywhere between 50 and 150 liters of water, and occasionally even more. Therefore, those who are concerned about water conservation may not want to take a bath in a bathtub.
The bath will require some time: Bathing can take a while, which might be a good thing. In addition to the actual bathing process, filling a tub and emptying it afterwards take time. Showers would be more practical if you had to quickly wash.
What supplies are most frequently used to construct bathtubs?
There are various options available when choosing bathtub materials. We’ve discussed below some of the advantages and disadvantages that each of them has to offer. The most popular bathtub materials include the following:
FIBREGLASS A reinforced plastic material that has been stacked and molded into the shape of a bathtub is called fibreglass. The fibreglass is covered with gel coat resin to protect it and bring back its original appearance after reaching the required form.
The advantages of fiberglass bathtubs include their high cost-effectiveness. This tub is a great option for folks with little funds. Fiberglass is a material that can be easily carried inside a building because it is relatively light. If it is damaged, it may also be fixed rather easily.
Cons: This substance is porous and prone to cracking over time, and the use of cleaning agents may cause the tub’s gloss and color to degrade.
ACRYLIC Acrylic bathtubs are created by heating and shaping a solid sheet of a mixture of materials (resins, fillers, petrochemicals, stabilisers, etc.) into the shape of a bathtub. Fiberglass is then used to strengthen acrylic.
Advantages: Unlike regular fiberglass, this substance is not porous. Due to the fact that it does not absorb water, it is less likely to be ruined over time. Acrylic tubs lose heat more slowly than porcelain tubs do. Additionally, this material is less likely to discolor and grow mildew in bathrooms.
Cons: Acrylic is easy to scratch and could make you feel wobbly when you stand on it. This material also costs more than fiberglass bathtubs do.
PORCELAIN This tub’s components are made of cast iron or pressed steel, which has been covered in porcelain enamel that has been fused using glass powder, melted at high temperatures, and then solidified into a durable covering.
Baths made of porcelain are smooth and lustrous. They are easy to clean and resistant to scratches.
Cons: Because of its intense luster and gloss, porcelain bathtubs are slippery. Therefore, porcelain baths present a trip risk. Furthermore, the hot water temperatures in this form of tub will not be sustained because porcelain does not retain heat well. Use caution when using a porcelain tub because they are vulnerable to chipping when struck forcefully.
CERAMIC Ceramic tiles in the shape of bathtubs are produced by heating ceramic clay to a high temperature until it freezes.
Advantages: This is easy to mold and compatible with a variety of traits. The greatest variety of sizes and shapes are available for bathtubs constructed of this material. It is also simpler to style than other materials. Additionally, ceramic bathtubs are among the most affordable options.
Cons: This material needs more frequent maintenance. Maintaining the grout is essential to prevent the ceramic tiles from falling apart and deteriorating. The texture of this substance may also be uneven or harsh.
