Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Tubs and Disposals - New tub for LARGE person
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thimblyjina
02-12-09, 09:34 AM
I am renovating a bathroom & must replace the BLUE bathtub. It is very strong & holds my 400 lb + husband. Im sure it is cast iron or the like. I asked at a plumbing store & they said to replace it with acrylic and not fiberglass. Is this my best option? Thanks/Jina
shacko
02-12-09, 01:56 PM
thimblyjina: I would say yes, make sure you check the specs. of the tub to see what the overall weight it will handle before you buy it, 400lb.husband plus 8.33 pounds per gallon of the amount of water you will be using ,luck, :)
plumbermandan
02-14-09, 11:25 AM
replace with a new cast iron tub. it is more expensive but will last longer and is about the only thing that will stand up to that much weight. anything else is to flexible and you will have problems with it
plumbingods
02-14-09, 12:08 PM
I happen to have a lot of experience in the question at hand as I am one of the "biggest" plumbers in NH.:)
I personally weigh in at 400lbs :eek: at this time and also install these tubs quite frequently.
The material of what the tub is made of is not as critical as the support under the tub. Some tubs I step into will flex a lot and some are already supported quite well. You will want to make sure to set the tub in a mortar or sand mix cement when placing the tub into its final location., You slightly push down to make sure the tub is fully on the floor and slurry mix, but do not step into the tub causing the slurry mix to spread out and leave a gap under the base of the tub. Many tub manufactureres will recomend this meatod of installation for best fit and least likelyhood of cracking the acrylic or clear coating of the tub.
If he needs extra support when getting in and out of the tub, you may wish to make sure the walls are sturdy and possibly install some wood blocks for future installation of grab rails if needed.
Personally speaking, I have a standard one piece, fiberglass tub and shower unit, and have had no problems with it in 8 years so far. My landlord is cheap and I am on the second floor with no water complaints.
I personally weigh in at 400lbs :eek: at this time and also install these tubs quite frequently.
The material of what the tub is made of is not as critical as the support under the tub. Some tubs I step into will flex a lot and some are already supported quite well. You will want to make sure to set the tub in a mortar or sand mix cement when placing the tub into its final location., You slightly push down to make sure the tub is fully on the floor and slurry mix, but do not step into the tub causing the slurry mix to spread out and leave a gap under the base of the tub. Many tub manufactureres will recomend this meatod of installation for best fit and least likelyhood of cracking the acrylic or clear coating of the tub.
If he needs extra support when getting in and out of the tub, you may wish to make sure the walls are sturdy and possibly install some wood blocks for future installation of grab rails if needed.
Personally speaking, I have a standard one piece, fiberglass tub and shower unit, and have had no problems with it in 8 years so far. My landlord is cheap and I am on the second floor with no water complaints.