Walk-in tubs offer a blend of safety, comfort, and independence, especially for seniors or individuals with mobility challenges. Unlike traditional bathtubs, walk-in tubs are easily accessible, allowing people to enter and exit the tub without the need to step over a dangerous high ledge. This innovative design minimizes the risk of slips and falls, making it a safer option for bathing. Beyond safety, these tubs often come equipped with features like hydrotherapy jets, heated seats, and handrails, enhancing the bathing experience with therapeutic benefits that can ease muscle pain and improve circulation.
One common question we get from customers is “what size water heater do I need for a walk-in tub?”
What Size Water Heater is Necessary for a Walk-in Tub?
The answer might surprise you. Despite the luxurious size and added features of many walk-in tubs, most homeowners will not need to upgrade their existing water heater.
The capacity of walk-in tubs can vary, typically ranging from about 40 to 80 gallons. The key to ensuring your water heater can accommodate your walk-in tub is understanding your tub’s specific capacity and your water heater’s recovery rate—the rate at which it can heat water in an hour. Most residential water heaters are either 40 or 50 gallons, but they are designed to refill and reheat water continuously. As long as the tub is filled less frequently than the water heater’s recovery time, the existing unit should suffice.
No Need for an Upgrade
It’s a common misconception that the installation of a walk-in tub requires a larger or more powerful water heater. However, for most standard walk-in tubs, a typical residential water heater (40 to 50 gallons) is adequate. This is because the operational usage of walk-in tubs doesn’t differ drastically from that of regular bathtubs. Both require a certain volume of hot water which is within the heating capacity of standard water heaters. If your household does not frequently run out of hot water during baths, it’s likely that your current water heater will meet the needs of your new walk-in tub as well.
The Simplicity of Professional Installation
Another concern that homeowners may have is the complexity of installing a walk-in tub. The good news is that professional installation of walk-in tubs is straightforward and can typically be completed in a day or less. Our certified and in-house installers at Independent Home are skilled at ensuring that your new tub is properly connected to your home’s plumbing and electrical systems, including the water heater. Their expertise ensures that your walk-in tub will function efficiently and safely, providing peace of mind along with the many benefits of the tub itself.
Your Walk-in Tub Can be Installed in as Little as a Day
Choosing to install a walk-in tub in your home doesn’t have to come with the headache of upgrading your water heater or enduring a lengthy installation process. For the majority of homes, the existing water heater will be perfectly capable of supplying your walk-in tub with the hot water needed for a relaxing and therapeutic bath. Coupled with the ease of professional installation, a walk-in tub can be a simple yet significant improvement to your home’s bathroom, enhancing safety and comfort for everyone in your household. If you’re considering a walk-in tub, rest assured that the transition can be smooth and straightforward, letting you focus on the benefits and enjoyment it will bring to your daily life.
