Fancy a relaxing bath after a stressful day to calm your nerves? Sounds amazing, right?
Immerse luxury from the comfort of your home with a soaking bathtub.
Whether remodeling your bathroom or getting a new place, a soaking tub will be a great addition.
If you love taking long baths and want to create a little private space for yourself, there is nothing better than investing in a bathtub.
It does not matter if you have a small bathroom because soaking tubs easily fit anywhere without disrupting the space.
You can now turn your vision of a cozy bathroom with a tiny bathtub into a reality.
While choosing a soaking tub can be tough, it is important to know how to get it installed first.
Keep reading to learn some tips for installing a soaking tub in a small bathroom and the types of soaking tubs available in the market.
1. What is a Soaking Tub?
Popularly known as a deep or Japanese soaking tubs, these tubs are wider and deeper than standard bathtubs.
As the name suggests, it allows you to soak in water entirely. This offers a relaxing and immersive bathing experience.
If you are looking for a luxurious and spa-like bath at home, soaking tubs are the perfect option.
Soaking tubs can be freestanding or built-in, and they may offer additional features like built-in seats, armrests, or jets for a therapeutic massage experience.
Such tubs are very popular for compact spaces as they can fit easily in any corner while offering a relaxing environment.
Soaking tubs come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and materials for you to choose from.
2. Types of Soaking Tubs
While choosing a soaking tub, you need to be aware of the types available to make an informed decision.
The first and most common option is the square or corner bathtub.
If you have a corner bathtub till now, replace it with a corner soaking tub because of the accurate space availability.
Such tubs are usually considered luxurious as they offer more room. If you want a spa-like feeling, square bathtubs are the way to go.
The next option is the freestanding or pedestal tub which is the best for a compact bathroom.
Such tubs take up less space and make a neat and organized bathroom appear.
From oval, circular, and rectangular to claw foot, you can opt for various shapes depending on your choice. Check out this buying guide for choosing a freestanding tub.
3. Tips for Installing a Soaking Tub
Consider the Space
Before getting a soaking tub, you must find a place in your bathroom. Start by measuring the dimensions of the available space.
Use the corners of your bathroom and move things around so everything looks aligned.
While choosing the space, ensure that the washroom’s basic functionality is not disrupted.
For instance, the door should open properly; there should be space to move around, and most importantly, the presence of a soaking tub should not create chaos.
Consider the tub’s length, width, and depth before finalizing any option.
Assembling the Tools
After determining the size of the bathtub and where it will get placed, you need to be ready with the tools.
Have a look at the instruction manual to check all the things that you need. A wrench, level, caulk, plumber’s putty, drill, and blanket are common things required for installing a tub.
Ensure that the water and drain lines are close to the tub. This won’t be an issue if you are replacing your old tub with a new one at the same place.
Prepping the Floor
If you owned a bathtub previously, this part will be very smooth for you. However, if you are remodeling or getting a soaking tub for the first time, you need to check for the floor drain.
If this is not present, you must cut open the floor to create one.
Measure the tub by keeping it where it will be placed. Create a hole in the subfloor for the plumbing trap and drain. Also, cover the hole to avoid debris getting into it.
Placing the Soaking Tub
Before deciding where the tub will get installed, make sure that you check its distance from the surrounding walls.
Some tubs come with pre-drilled faucet holes, making connecting them to drains easier.
On the other hand, if the tub does not have faucet holes, you will need to leave space around the soaking tub to install a faucet.
From a freestanding faucet to a wall-mounted faucet, you can choose anything depending on your choice.
Moreover, the overflow hole of the tub should be connected to drain pipes under the tub. Drain holes, faucet holes, overflow holes, and the tub’s position should be aligned.
Setting up the Soaking Tub
Clean the floor nicely before installing the tub. Mark the floor with a solid line to know where that tub will go.
With a plumber’s putty, you can seal the tub so it does not move around. The final step would be to place the tub in its position carefully.
Make the necessary changes to make the tub fit perfectly. Install grab bars or handrails near the tub area to ensure safety, especially if accessibility is a concern.
Final Words
Installing a soaking tub in a small bathroom can be challenging, but with careful planning and the right tools, it can be done.
These tips will help you complete the installation and enjoy your new soaking tub for years!
