How Do Walk-In Tubs Work?

Published on Wednesday April 27, 2022

Walk-in bathtubs are a great shower upgrade for anyone wanting a convenient bathing option, but they are especially helpful for seniors looking to age in place. If you’re wondering how do walk in tubs work, then rest assured they won’t leave your bathroom flooded. Walk-in tubs feature a watertight door, allowing the user to enter and exit without needing to step over the side of a tub. With the door securely shut, a person can easily bathe and relax. Once they’re finished, you can drain the bath and safely exit out the door again.

Why Install a Walk-In Tub

If you or anyone in your home is getting older and becoming limited in mobility, then a walk-in tub is a great way to reduce injuries and make the bathing process easier. No more getting up and down from a standard bath, stepping over a precarious edge, or dealing with slippery shower floors. A walk-in tub is a great way to add relaxation and convenience to the bathing experience for a senior. If you’re hoping to remodel a master bathroom, reach out to our experienced staff at Long Home Products and we can help you find the walk-in tub you need.

Walk in Tubs: How Do They Work?

So, how do walk in tubs work? Walk-in tubs are unique from other bathtub types in a variety of ways, while in other ways, they perform just like any average tub. The exact workings of a walk-in tub depend on the model you choose for your bathroom remodel, but in general, here are all the details on how walk-in tubs work:

Access the Tub Via the Watertight Door

The door is often the main source of confusion when it comes to walk-in tubs. Most of us are used to traditional baths or walk-in showers, so the idea of blending the two can lead to some uncertainty. Unlike your typical walk-in shower, the doors on walk-in tubs seal so no water can leak out and they often have a seat to make bathing easier and more comfortable for seniors.

Door sizes vary depending on the model of tub available. Some models allow them to open either inwards or outwards. Step heights can also vary, and some manufacturers recommend sinking your bath below floor level to help make access even easier.

Close the Door

Walk-in tubs provide a leak-free door so you can enjoy a full bathing experience without worrying about spills. The seal is one of the most important details on your walk-in bath since it allows the door to open and it ensures the bath is secure. When choosing a walk-in tub for your home, make sure to pay special attention to the seal of the door. Check reviews that mention this feature in particular since you don’t want to end up with a tub that has a fault seal. A seal that leaks will lead to you needing to repair or replace your tub, which can get expensive.

Most walk-in tubs are designed so that closing and sealing the door can be done in an easy motion, even for a senior struggling with arthritis. Making the bath watertight shouldn’t be a struggle and any user should be able to manage this with ease.

Fill the Tub and Bathe

Once a user has entered the tub and fully sealed the door, they can fill the tub to whatever temperature desired. The time it takes to fill the bath varies depending on the water pressure in your home, so if you want it to happen quickly, you may benefit by installing an additional pump to hasten the process. The user can enjoy their bath and any of the optional luxury features included in the chosen model for however long they desire.

Drain and Exit

It’s important to drain the tub before attempting to open the door. Some walk-in tubs are equipped with a fast-draining system and can drain in under 60 seconds. Some models take much longer, even as long as 15 minutes depending on the model. Typically, fast-draining tubs are more convenient, comfortable, and helpful in cases of emergency. Once the tub is fully drained, you can exit through the door and the bathing experience is complete.

Long Home Products is Ready for Your Bath Upgrade

Now you know all the answers to your search “walk in tubs how do they work,” but what’s the best walk-in tub, and how do you tackle the installation process? Long Home Products is here to help answer all your bathroom remodeling questions—and yes, that includes your questions about walk-in tubs.

We only recommend the best walk-in tubs for our customers and can help you identify the ideal tub for your needs and budget. Not only that, but Long Home Products can help manage your installation process, whether that requires a simple bath upgrade or a full bathroom remodel. If you’re looking for high-quality home repair, the experts at Long Home Products can get the job done. Find your closest Long Home Products location today.