How To Know When It's Time To Purchase A New Bathtub

Malibu Home Tulum Skirted Alcove Bathtub

Knowing when to purchase a new bathtub can be a tough decision. On one hand, you want to make sure that your current bathtub is beyond repair before making the investment in a new one. On the other hand, you don't want to wait too long and risk any further damage or safety concerns such as slippery surfaces. As well, leaks behind walls can do considerable damage and create costly repairs - therefore, here are a few signs that it might be time to consider purchasing a new bathtub:

  1. Your old bathtub is visibly damaged or worn: If you have cracks, chips, or discoloration such as the acrylic peeling off on the surface of your bathtub, it might be time to start thinking about replacing it. These cosmetic issues can often be repaired, but they can also be a sign of deeper problems, such as structural damage or water damage.
  2. Look for water stains or moisture on the walls or floor around the tub, are there any obvious leaks?
  3. Your bathtub is difficult to clean: If your bathtub has become difficult to clean and maintain, it might be time to consider a replacement. A bathtub that is constantly dirty or discolored can be unsightly and unappealing to use.
  4. Your bathtub is causing safety concerns: If your bathtub is slippery or has sharp edges, it could be a safety hazard. It's important to address these issues as soon as possible to prevent accidents and injuries.

    Now that you know when to purchase a new bathtub, you might be wondering how to go about buying one online. Here are a few tips to help you make the process as smooth as possible:

    1. Research different brands and models: Before you make a purchase, it's a good idea to do your homework and compare different brands and models. Consider where the bathtub is being made. Is it coming in an overseas shipment? Or is it made in the USA? Is it being sold by a re-seller or a middle man - or is being sold by the manufacturer? Look for reviews and ratings from previous customers, and consider factors such as size, material, and cost. Chat with the company online or email them with questions. Often you can tell by their responses how friendly, knowledgable, and trustworthy the company might be just by conversing.
    2. Measure your space: Make sure you have the right measurements for your bathroom space before you order a bathtub. You'll need to know the dimensions of your current bathtub, as well as any other measurements, such as the size of your bathroom doorway and the distance from the wall to the drain.
    3. Consider bathtub location: If you are replacing your old tub and taking on a remodel of your bathroom, are you going to put the new bathtub exactly where the old worn-out bathtub was located? If so, the most common house bathtub type is an alcove or skirted bathtub. As seen in the photo above, an alcove bathtub is surrounded by three walls - and is the most typical shower bath combination. Or are you going to design an enclosure for your tub to sit inside of? This bathtub type is called a drop-in and is extremely popular as the design ideas are endless. Perhaps you want your bathtub to be a stunning focal point of your remodeled bathroom - then a freestanding tub would be your best choice.
    4. Consider lead time: Some bathtub retailers have tubs in stock, meaning they have been sitting on shelf somewhere in a warehouse. Other bathtub retailers might be factory direct, also know as 'made to order' - meaning they are actually manufacturing your order from the specifications you desire at the time of order. Manufacturing time is considered the lead time. While an in stock tub often sounds appealing, it might also mean there is no way to customize the order with choice of drain trim finish or other upgrades and accessories.
    5. Consider Shipping: Some online retailers offer free shipping, while others do not. A bathtub shipment is a very expensive freight charge and requires a delivery appointment to accept the shipment. Some retailers even offer an extra fee for white-glove delivery where the shipment will be brought onto your property - whereas most bathtub shipments freight companies will only deliver to your curbside. Remember, a quality bathtub will weigh 75 pounds and up and will likely require two people to safely move the carton.

    Finally, you might be wondering whether you should hire a plumber to install your new bathtub. There are a few factors to consider when making this decision:

    Your skills and experience: If you're comfortable with plumbing and have experience with bathroom renovations, you might feel confident tackling the installation yourself. However, if you're not comfortable working with pipes and plumbing, it's probably best to leave the job to a professional.

    The complexity of the job: If your new bathtub requires extensive plumbing work, such as moving pipes or installing new fixtures, it's probably best to hire a plumber. On the other hand, if the installation is fairly straightforward, you might be able to handle it yourself.

    The cost: Hiring a plumber can be expensive, especially if the job is complex. If you're on a tight budget, you might be tempted to try and install the bathtub yourself to save money. However, it's important to consider the cost of any potential mistakes or problems that could arise if you don't have the necessary experience.

    In conclusion, knowing when to purchase a new bathtub, how to purchase one online, and whether to hire a plumber to install it are all important considerations. By doing your research and being honest about your skills and experience, you can make an informed decision that will help you get the most out of your new bathtub. Here at Malibu Home, we always suggest reaching out to us with questions so that your bathtub buying experience is as smooth as possible.


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