Thinking about getting a walk-in tub to make bathing safer and more comfortable? You might be wondering whether your home has the space and setup for one. The great news is that these tubs are quite versatile and can be installed in various types of homes, whether it’s a spacious single-family house, a cozy townhome, or even a mobile home.

Concerns about space, plumbing, and structural support are totally normal. However, with innovative designs and professional installation, companies like Safe Step make it possible to fit a walk-in tub—or even a tub and shower combo—into most homes. Curious if a walk-in tub will work in your space? Let’s go through where they can be installed and what factors to bear in mind.

Installing a Walk-In Tub: What to Know for Your Home

Walk-in tubs can function in different types of homes, but each type of house comes with its own set of limitations. Whether you’re in a single-family house, a townhome, or even a mobile home, chances are there’s a walk-in tub that will fit your space. Let’s go over the requirements each housing type and explore your options.

Single-Family Homes

If you’re looking to add a walk-in tub to your home, single-family houses usually make the process pretty easy. Whether you’re swapping out an old tub or giving your bathroom a full makeover, these homes typically have the space and plumbing setup needed for a smooth installation. Since most homes already have the correct electrical and plumbing connections in place, getting your new walk-in tub up and running is usually a smooth process.

Townhomes

Installing a walk-in tub in a townhome takes a little extra planning since these homes often share walls and plumbing with neighboring units. Consider these factors before you start an installation:

• Water Pressure: Because townhomes often share a water supply, water pressure can vary. Walk-in tubs need consistent pressure to fill properly and power features like therapeutic jets. A consultation with an installer can help determine if any plumbing adjustments are needed.
• Shared Walls: Since townhomes are connected, minimizing noise and disruption during installation is important. A professional installer can finish the job in a day, so you and your neighbors can return to your routines quickly.
• Maximizing Space: Townhome bathrooms tend to have standardized layouts, which means major remodeling isn’t always an option. The good news? Walk-in tubs are designed to fit right into the space where your existing bathtub or shower is, making installation much easier.

Mobile Homes

Adding a walk-in tub to a mobile home takes a bit of extra planning, but it’s definitely doable with the right approach. Experienced installers know how to work with the unique structure and layout of mobile homes to ensure a smooth installation. Below are some factors to consider:

• Optimizing Space: Space is often limited in mobile home bathrooms, so choosing a tub that fits your layout is important. A walk-in tub and shower combo can be a great solution, letting you enjoy both a relaxing soak and a quick shower without needing extra room.
• Structural Support: Unlike houses with concrete foundations, mobile homes are built on piers or crawl spaces, which means the floor might need reinforcement to handle the weight of a filled walk-in tub. A professional can evaluate your home’s support system and recommend upgrades if necessary
• Plumbing Adjustments: Mobile home plumbing setups can be different from those in traditional homes. An installer may need to make modifications like upgrading drain lines, adjusting pipe configurations, or adding extra water lines to ensure everything runs smoothly.

What You Need to Install a Walk-In Tub

Before getting your walk-in tub installed, a few important factors need to be checked to ensure everything runs smoothly. Here’s what our team will look at:

Water Supply and Drainage

Your home needs a reliable water supply and proper drainage to accommodate a walk-in tub. We’ll check that your water lines are the right size (usually ¾ inch or larger) and that your water heater can provide enough hot water for a comfortable soak.

Measurements

To make sure your new tub fits, we’ll measure your bathroom layout and check that doorways are wide enough for installation. Most models fit through standard 28- to 34-inch doors, and we’ll help you choose one that works best for your space.

Floor Support

A filled walk-in tub can be heavy, so your floor needs to be strong enough to support it. Our team will assess your flooring and recommend reinforcements if needed to keep everything safe and stable.

Electrical Setup

For features like heated seating or hydrotherapy jets, your tub will need a dedicated 15-amp circuit. We’ll ensure your electrical system is up to code and ready to handle the tub’s requirements.

What If My Bathroom Feels Too Small for a Walk-In Tub?

Worried your bathroom isn’t big enough? Don’t let space limitations stop you from enjoying a safer, more comfortable bathing experience. There are plenty of options to make a walk-in tub work, even in tight spaces:

Opt for Compact Models

For bathrooms with limited space, compact walk-in tubs are a great solution. Measuring around 47 inches long by 28 inches wide, these smaller tubs still provide all the key safety and therapeutic features without taking up too much room.

Convert Tubs to Showers

If a walk-in tub isn’t the right fit, a walk-in shower could be a great alternative. These setups offer an easy step-in base, along with built-in safety and comfort features to ensure a relaxing and secure experience.

Custom Adjustments

Older homes or uniquely shaped bathrooms sometimes require a little creativity. Our expert installers can explore solutions like relocating fixtures or modifying plumbing to ensure your walk-in tub fits seamlessly into your space.

Not sure what’s possible? Schedule a free consultation, and our team will assess your bathroom setup and help you find the perfect option!

Get Your Walk-In Tub Installed with Ease

No matter your home type, a walk-in tub can bring safety and comfort to your daily routine. A professional team ensures a smooth installation process, with most projects completed in just one day—so you can start enjoying your new tub without major disruptions.