What is the difference between walk-in bathtubs and standard tubs?

Walk-in bathtubs are somewhat similar to traditional bathtubs. They have a similar look and use the regular tub's plumbing. Nevertheless, their configuration and working principle are slightly different. First, walk-in bathtubs are about 40 inches high compared to traditional tubs, which are only 20 inches high. The added height is needed to accommodate the bench and allow the bather to submerge in water. Second, walk-in tubs have much lower step-in thresholds than traditional ones. Plus, they're equipped with a watertight outward-opening door instead of a glass enclosure. In contrast to traditional tubs, walk-in models have one or two seats incorporated into their design. These seats might be contour or heated, depending on the tub configuration. Additional safety equipment like handling bars and anti-scald valves are also distinctive features of walk-in tubs.

What are the typical sizes of walk-in tubs?

Walk-in tubs of small configurations average 36 inches long and 32 inches wide. Bigger-sized walk-in tubs can go up to 60 inches in length by the standard 32 inches in width. These tubs are much deeper than regular ones, with water depths as much as 3 to 4 feet.

How long does it take for a walk-in bathtub to drain?

Due to the working principle of walk-in tubs that entails stepping inside and closing the door before water drawing and draining it back before stepping out, these tubs are equipped with efficient draining systems. The time needed for water to be fully drained ranges from 2 to 5 minutes, depending on the tub model and your home’s water system.

How much do walk-in tubs cost?

The average cost of walk-in tubs varies on a couple of factors, including their type, manufacturer, add-ons, and size. Installation costs also vary depending on the location, contractor expertise, and the scope of the work. As for the beginning of 2023, the average cost to install a standard walk-in tub ranges from $2.300 to $5.000. The cost of tub models with luxury add-ons starts from $5.500 and goes up to $13.800. Expert walk-in-tubs installers charge around $900 for their services, which you will have to add to the price of the tub itself.

What are the advantages and downsides of walk-in tubs?

As walk-in tubs cost a pretty buck, evaluating their pros and cons is essential before installation. Below we shed light on both the strong and weak points of these tubs to help you ponder your decision. What is the best thing about walk-in tubs? Safety. Walk-in tubs are suggested for aging-in-place homes. They come with multiple safety features aimed at reducing falls and injuries before, during, and after bathing. These include low step height for entry, non-slip flooring, handling bars, built-in seating, and water temperature regulators. Water immersion. Walk-in tubs are built to be deeper than regular tubs. They offer nearly 4 feet of water to immerse, which gives an incomparable bathing experience and healing effect. Built-in seats are usually placed 17-19 inches high, allowing a person to immerse their torso without the risk of being drowned. Hydrotherapy. Both rich-feature walk-in tubs and standard ones provide hydrotherapy advantages for bathers. They relax the muscles, reduce aches, and accelerate the healing of injuries. Plus, a complex of hydro and aromatherapy promotes deep relaxation and helps to recover from surgeries. Adequate water usage. As a rule, walk-in tubs of standard size have the same water consumption as regular step-over tubs. The difference might be 2-3 gallons at maximum. Therefore, you don't need to worry about a significant increase in water bills. What is the worst thing about walk-in tubs? Cost. Walk-in tubs are much costlier than regular tubs, which might be a deal-breaker for older adults. Costs after installation can run up to $14.000 for a model with luxury add-ons. The Medicare program does not consider these tubs as Durable Medical Equipment, refusing to cover any part of the cost. Filling and draining time. The walk-in tub's door should be closed while the water is filled and drained. This means a bather needs to wait while the process is completed sitting in the tub. Depending on the draining system, it may take 3 to more than 5 minutes. This time is enough to get chilled. Temperature. Walk-in tubs of standard configuration are commonly not equipped with a scald-prevention valve. That means a person can get burns from dangerously hot water while in the tub. And even if a scald-prevention valve is in place, the chances are a bather will still experience a couple of unpleasant minutes to get the water temperature adjusted comfortably in the tub as it fills.

What are the therapeutic advantages of bathing in a walk-in tub?

Except for safety advantages, there are multiple therapeutic reasons to install a walk-in tub in the house where you plan to age. Let us discuss the therapeutic benefits of soaking in warm water. Alleviation of arthritis symptoms. Warm water therapy has the ultimate ache-relieving effect for people suffering from musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis and lower back pain. Water jets can relieve muscle tension and inflammation, as well as loosen stiff joints. And even if your walk-in tub has no add-ons, immersion in hot water alleviates swelling and promotes quicker healing after surgeries. Improvement of cardiovascular health. Warm baths are proven to improve cardiovascular health. When a person is immersed in a tub, the pressure affected by the water on the body displaces blood from the lower extremities upward. As a result, blood returns to the heart more easily. The heart then pumps faster to redistribute the blood. It lowers blood pressure as assistance from the water pressure reduces the strain on the blood vessels. Reduction of blood sugar level. Bathing in a warm tub can help to reduce blood sugar levels. People with Type-2 diabetes are often prescribed hydrotherapy as it helps to reduce peak blood sugar levels by up to 10%. Nevertheless, hydrotherapy should be regarded as an additional procedure to the primary treatment course and only if it's agreed with a physician. Boosting the body's oxygenation. Immersion in warm water also works well for the overall body's oxygenation. When the body is underwater, blood circulates more easily, carrying oxygen from the lungs to the different organs and tissues of the body. It promotes optimum organ functioning and enhances the overall organism condition.

Do medical insurances cover walk-in tub installation?

A government national health insurance program called Medicare covers most durable medical equipment (DME). Nevertheless, according to this program, walk-in tubs are not considered DME. In rare instances, patients can qualify for coverage if their physicians determine their medical conditions cannot be fully treated without walk-in tubs' therapeutic properties. Medicaid is another federal program that covers medical expenses for seniors and low-income people. The coverage of Medicaid ranges from one state to another. Nevertheless, if you meet all program requirements, the installation of a walk-in tub will be covered by the government. Local and nationwide veteran programs also allow qualifying for a walk-in tub costs coverage. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides grants for veterans who meet medical requirements.

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Tips for choosing the best walk-in tub for your home

Several considerations should be made when selecting a walk-in tub, from type and size to special features. The following tips are designed to help you make a well-thought-out decision:

Research the market. Before heading to the store, learn about the types of walk-in tubs, their distinctive features, functionality, and add-ons. Then discover reliable manufacturers, and check their reviews and pricing policies. If there is an exhibition model of the tub you like, come to the store for an up-close-and-personal look.

Set a budget. Consider the budget you can spend installing a walk-in tub and the return on investment from this update. The price range is broad, and it's essential to align the needs and wants with the existing budget to avoid falling into the trap.

Consider the manufacturer's warranty. A walk-in tub is an expensive piece of equipment that should come with a decent warranty to give you peace of mind that you're covered in case of any breakdown. Before making a final buying decision, consider inquiring the manufacturers about their warranty policies.

Set up an in-home appointment. Most walk-in tub manufacturers offer free in-home consultations to check the client's bathroom, assess its limitations, and take preliminary measurements. A consultant will advise you on the best tub for your space and needs, taking away any guesswork on your part.

The must-have features of walk-in tubs

When shopping for a walk-in tub, there are a few features that you should look for. Check them out to make rather smart than impulsive purchases.

Appropriate size and configuration. Walk-in tubs come in multiple styles and sizes. The first thing to consider is whether your current bathroom can accommodate the selected tub. Then you have to consider the plumbing requirements for installing a new tub. For instance, shopping for a walk-in tub and shower combo makes sense if this matches your current setup. Otherwise, you'll have to make expensive changes to ensure your existing plumbing system matches a new tub.

Walk-in tub certification. As walk-in tubs require a considerable investment, getting them without valid certificates of compliance with safety measures is a bad idea. Ensure the selected tub carries certification from the American Standards Association, CSA/UL, and other federally approved organizations. Together with a warranty, it will save you from any troubles with a tub in the long run.

Added therapy features. Walk-in tubs come with multiple added features one can get for an additional price. Consider your needs, medical issues, and doctor's recommendations when opting for added features. Warm air massage, aromatherapy, heated seating, an immediate draining system, lighting, and other luxury features can turn regular bathing into SPA rituals.

Added safety features. Most walk-in tubs have a standard range of safety features like grab bars, a low entry threshold, non-slippery flooring, and a sealed door. However, you may find these features not enough to feel safe while bathing. That is when getting safety add-ons at an additional cost can be a way out. Consider equipping your walk-in tub with anti-scald technology to prevent yourself from burns while a tub is filling with water. Plus, you can go for easily locking handles to simplify the operation of the tub's locking mechanisms and additional handling bars for better balancing.

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TELL US ABOUT THE PROJECT

Specify your current bathroom size, the preferable walk-in tub type, and project peculiarities we need to know about

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Here's what our clients say about their experience

Walk-In-Tubs stars

Gabriel Bradford, Yonkers, NY

I booked a tub/shower conversion and tub replacement

The service was booked from HomeQuote and accomplished by the installers from their partner's pool. I feel like I overpaid for the job, but I can't complain about the level of service and outcome. The only remark is that the process took more than I expected.

Walk-In-Tubs stars

Robin Saucier, Los Angeles, CA

We are happy with our tub

I'm grateful to this service for quickly matching us with the qualified walk-in tub installer in LA. We had zero problems with the installation, and our new tub works as it should, giving much-needed relief to tired muscles.

Walk-In-Tubs stars

Stephen Howell, Chicago, IL

My issue with hydro jets was solved immediately

The front-side hydro jets on my tub were out of order. That is why I ordered repair services through this website. The tech came the next day and fixed the broken jets in a couple of minutes. Everything works now. Recommend!

Walk-In-Tubs stars

Caroline Barber, Birmingham, AL

Installers were great

My husband and I were glad to meet great tub installers from Birmingham. They answered our questions and did their job in less than 2 hours, leaving the area clean.

Walk-In-Tubs stars

Jonathan H. Weeks, Norwood, OH

I'll keep using this service

The installation of our new walk-in tub was carried out by two polite gentlemen who arrived on schedule and did their job in a professional manner. I'll keep using this service and recommend it to my friends.

Walk-In-Tubs stars

Andrew Yagi, French Camp, CA

We're glad we booked a tub installation through HomeQuote

We're glad we found knowledgeable pros who know how to work with walk-in tubs. The process was quick and smooth. Besides, the installers did not charge me for disposing of my old tub.

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Trained and certified walk-in tub specialists in DeKalb, IL

Are you preparing your or your parent's home for aging in place? Then you should put a premium on implementing safety features like a zero-step entry, accessible kitchen storage spaces, handling bars, and of course, walk-in tubs. The blend of safety and convenience features is needed to age successfully at home.

Here at HomeQuote, we don't sell walk-in bathtubs but match our customers throughout the US with factory-trained and certified installation professionals. That is why you can always count on us if you seek quality walk-in tub installation in DeKalb, IL.

Our installation crews work quickly and professionally. They pay attention to the smallest detail to ensure you get a correctly installed and firmly fitted walk-in tub. They help get building permits, provide plumbing services, remove and dispose of old tubs, and custom-fit your new tubs for minimal disruption. Once the tub is installed, our installers in DeKalb will test it to ensure everything works as it should.

Give our service a try by filling out the request form. It is quick, easy, and free and doesn't oblige you to anything.

Find the best walk-in tub installers near DeKalb, IL

Tips for choosing the best walk-in tub for your home

The must-have features of walk-in tubs

Find the best local walk-in tub installers in DeKalb in 3 steps

TELL US ABOUT THE PROJECT

MEET LOCAL TUB INSTALLERS

GET TUB INSTALLATION ESTIMATES

Here's what our clients say about their experience

Sought-after home repair services near you

Solar panels installation

Window replacement & repair

Gutters & Gutter guards installation

Bathroom remodeling & installation

Kitchen remodeling & repair

HVAC Installation & repair

Flooring installation & repair

Locations we cover

Trained and certified walk-in tub specialists in DeKalb, IL

How can we help?

Find the best walk-in tub
installers near DeKalb, IL

Solar
panels installation

Window
replacement & repair

Bathroom remodeling
& installation

Kitchen
remodeling & repair

HVAC Installation
& repair

Flooring
installation & repair