Bathtubs and Showers

Bathtubs and showers are fundamentally very simple appliances designed to contain water and a person or two and to drain spent water into the sewer system. Of course from those basics, a world of possibilities has been developed. Bathtubs and showers are made in many different types, sizes, shapes, colors and configurations.

Bathtubs may be either built-in or freestanding. Built-in tubs range from familiar tub/shower combinations to ultra modern, computerized whirlpool tubs that automatically deliver and maintain a given water temperature. Freestanding tubs come in many styles too, from classic claw-footed tubs to elegantly sleek, jetted models.

The best bathtubs are made from enameled cast iron. Though they're incredibly heavy, particularly in large sizes, cast iron tubs have deep, durable finishes. Tubs made from acrylic that's reinforced with fiberglass are also good and, because they're lighter and more easily molded, acrylic tubs tend to come in larger, more intricate styles than cast-iron. Some tubs are also made of fiberglass, but this tends to fade in direct sunlight and scratch a little too easily.

Showers may be built-in or prefabricated. Built-in showers are essentially small rooms with walls of tile, stone or some other waterproof material and a glass door that slides or swings open. The floor may be a one piece unit made of plastic or some type of solid-surfacing material. Or it may be tile or a similar material with a pan that's flashed and hot-mopped using methods similar to those used on a flat roof.

Prefabricated showers, like bathtubs, are made from fiberglass-reinforced acrylic or fiberglass and come in a wide range of colors and styles. Some are made as single, one-piece units that are installed during construction and others are made as modular units consisting of a base and three walls.

Bathtubs are either freestanding or built into a three-wall alcove. Conventional length of a bathtub is 5 feet but they're made up to 7 feet long. A wide range of widths and depths is available.

Showers may be installed as a single unit, a modular set or custom built-in. It's critical that the shower pan at the base doesn't leak over time-this would rot the floor-so some type of waterproofing system is employed during construction.

MORE ABOUT:
/ Water service / / Water valves / / Drain, waste & vent plumbing /
/ Kitchen plumbing / / Kitchen sink plumbing / / Kitchen sinks / / Faucets /
/ Bathroom plumbing / / Bathroom sinks & lavatories /
/ Bathroom sink plumbing / / Bathrubs & showers / / Toilets / / Water heaters /

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