Planning Where to Place Your Bathtub Plumbing Fixtures When Doing a Bathroom Renovation Project!
Bathtub plumbing fixtures can be either coordinated or function as an individual piece. The main things to consider are the location, size and type of material you will use. Another important item to think about is whether or not the bathtub has special design features and where you will put plumbing access in case of an emergency.
Most bathtub manufacturer’s offer coordinated bathroom suites in matching colors and styles however there are also suppliers out there that create bathtub fixtures primarily to be mixed and matched with your existing bathroom décor.
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Unlike other bathroom fixtures that can be readily replaced, the bathtub is somewhat permanent so your choices in style, color and location should be considered very carefully. The bathtub must be suitably positioned so as not to hinder the flow of users while at the same time be easy to get in and out of.
It should be noted here that if you plan on putting the faucet on the exterior wall that some municipal plumbing codes do not allow this due to energy conservation, so it would be in your best interest to check with your local authority on this matter.
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To make plumbing access easier create a small door or panel that can be easily removed to allow access to the overflow and drain pipes. If it is difficult to locate the bathtub near the drain then you can raise the tub on a platform, now all you have to do is install the P-trap and drainpipe above floor height to an adjacent wall.
The bathtub is such a big prominent fixture, still, you can decide whether you want it to stand out or not. To make it dominate the room, even more, you can place it in the center of the bathroom or raise it on a platform. If on the other hand, you don’t want it to be the center of attention, position it in the corner or in its own private alcove.
This of course will furthermore depend on who will be using the bathroom. Can you bathe in the open or do you need to share your bathroom with other family members so a more intimate enclosure would be more appropriate?
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Another important thing to bear in mind is the structural integrity of your bathroom floor. Depending upon the bathtub that you purchase, they can be quite heavy. Consider the size of the tub filled with water and one or two bathers. The other thing that will determine the ability of your floor to hold up your tub is how close it is to a bearing wall. Types of material and water capacity of the bathtub will also affect the weight of the tub.
The standard size of a bathtub is approximately five feet long and about thirty inches wide, so if you plan on installing a larger tub, get professional advice about the possibility of reinforcing your bathroom floor. And don’t forget the area surrounding the tub, there should be ample space to get in and out and convenient access to dressing areas.
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