Plumbing

Tubs

- Most tubs hold 75–110 gallons
- Water heater capacity–80 Gallon size is optimum
- Water line size to the area-¾” is best
- Inline heater needed if jetted tub
- Integrated air heater needed if bubble tub
- Jetted tubs require routine maintenance to prevent pipe slime.
- Bubble tubs can have a remote mounted blower
- Cost differences between free-standing and deck-mounted tubs are minor

Deck Mounted Tubs 
- More sizes available-larger sizes
- Whirlpool capability
​- Bubble tub capability
- More difficult to get in if not designed well
- Many newer models have low profile edges available
- Low profile rims accommodate under-mounting & flush-mounting

Free Standing Tubs
- Bubble tub capability
- Most have bather in a seated position, rather than prone
- Different look than deck mounted tubs
- Can present cleaning challenges around them.
- Free-standing tubs becoming more popular
- Average tub is deeper-better for soaking
- Easier to climb in & out-smaller rim
- Smaller foot print can leave room for a larger shower.​
​
Walk-in Bathtubs
- Expensive–Quality models are $5-10K installed
- Must sit & wait for to 75 gallons to flow.
- 20 minutes with a ½”water line at 60PSI
- Upgrade to 80 Gal water heater
​- Upgrade to a ¾” fill valve & water line.​

Showers

- Combine showering with bathing only as a last resort
- Climbing into tubs to shower is inconvenient
- Unsafe for older adults
- A shower with a seat and an adjustable hand shower is a much safer option.

Glass Shower Walls
- Requires daily maintenance to look nice-must squeegee
- 3/8” clear glass walls cost slightly less than tile walls.
- Shower has more room inside–3” per side
- Clear glass makes rooms feel larger
- Spaces benefit from shared visual space

Walk-in Showers
- Walk-in showers-no door
- Low or no curb
- Spacious & airy feeling
- Users report being cold
- Extra heat source needed
- Often requires a baffle to prevent splash-out.
- Requires a minimum of 2 feet more in length

Curb-less Showers
- Curb-less or very low curb is easy to do
- Works with either glass doors or walk-in
- Wonderful to use–at any age.
- Glass door or shower curtain must fit very close to floor–within ¼” is best.
- Slope should start outside of door
- If using with a glass door–best if shower has room for door to open in as well as out.

Wet Rooms
- Large size–glass will likely stay dry
- Realistic distance from the tub
- Multiple showerhead options
- Niches for soap & shampoo
- Glass enclosure will retain heat
- Bench with nearby hand shower for sitting, leg-shaving, or foot washing
- High window will stay dry
​- No grab bars​
​
Best Features
- Thermostatic valves
- Rain heads
- Adjustable hand showers
- Grab Bars
- Corner shelves
- Shampoo niches
- Seats
- Lights
- Exhaust fan grilles

Toilets

- Standard height 14-1/2" to 15"-preferred if under 5'-3" tall
- Comfort or universal height 16' to 17"- measured to rim w/out seat
- Low Flush 1.6 GPF
​-Ultra Low Flush 1.28 GPF
-Dual Flush .8 or 1.28 GPF

 Skirted Toilets
- One piece or two piece–a matter of style, clean-ability, & price
- Skirted toilets are much nicer to clean and more modern looking-adds about $100
- Most brands offer models

Wall-Hung Toilets
- Tank is concealed in the wall
- Toilet does not touch the floor
- Easiest cleaning
- Requires remodeling
- $3,000 & up-installed

Luxury Toilets
- Skirted & dual flush
- Touch Screen Remote
- Warm water washBlow dryer
- Deodorizer
- Heated seat
- Foot warmer
- Mood lighting
- Motion sense, hands-free auto lid
- Bluetooth stereo
- $6,338.00 List Price

Bidet Seats
- More popular in USA than bidets
- Bolts to your existing toilet
- Uses heated water for better cleaning
- Heated toilet seat–MMMMM!
- Requires a standard outlet at the toilet
​- $250 to $1500 depending on brand & model-Toto is the leader

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