Built-in bathtub: installation and repair features

Today, many owners of country cottages in the design of bathrooms give preference to built-in baths. This design solution is good because it is suitable for almost any interior and allows creating the illusion of saving space. However, the bath (built-in) has several design features that distinguish it from the background of standard models. After reading this article, you will learn about the main advantages and installation conditions for such products.

The most important features

The main characteristic of integrated models, which distinguishes them among other products, is the configuration and dimensions of the bottom. As a rule, the built-in bath in the podium with a flat bottom has quite impressive dimensions. Such models are ideal for spacious bathrooms, which do not look standard options.

Most integrated products are additionally equipped with special ladders, located on the side inner surface. This allows you to avoid splashing water on the podium or floor.

Some manufacturers produce oval built-in bathtubs , which can be installed even in small bathrooms. Such models without problems arise in a corner or near one of the walls of the room.

Existing varieties

Depending on the configuration features, such products can be conditionally divided into:

• Round;
• Angular;
• Rectangular.

To date, the most popular is the circular bath built-in. It is able to transform any interior, making it truly luxurious. Such models are often installed in the very center of the bathroom.

Manufacturers often provide in such products all sorts of additional functions. So, an integrated bath with a mixer can be equipped with imitation of sea waves, hydromassage, ozonation and illumination. Installation of models with such options should be carried out by a qualified specialist.

Materials used for production

Depending on what is made of this or that model, all products can be classified into:

• Acrylic;
• Steel;
• Cast iron.

Each of these materials has its advantages and disadvantages, so all of them are in demand. However, the most popular is the acrylic bath, which has excellent thermal insulation properties. Due to this, the water collected in such products cools down rather slowly.

Convinced conservatives will certainly love the impressive cast-iron products. Like the acrylic bath, these models retain heat for a long time. For the installation of these bulky products in the floor, it is necessary to strengthen the supporting structures.

Features of the installation

To ensure that the bath (built-in) lasts as long as possible, several important conditions must be observed during its installation. First of all, it should be mentioned that such models are not suitable for all city apartments, but only for those located on the first floor. However, it is almost impossible to obtain permission for such work. A unauthorized installation is fraught with serious problems not only with government bodies, but also with the integrity of the entire building.

In private houses, a bath (built-in) is installed in spacious bathrooms located on the ground floor or in the basement. Otherwise, for these purposes, it is necessary to create a reinforced concrete foundation for support. And this should be done at the design stage of the mansion.

An important condition for the installation of integrated models is the availability of a properly installed sewerage system. In terms of dimensions, such bathtubs are quite comparable with a jacuzzi or a swimming pool, therefore, when planning their installation, it is necessary to take into account the future costs of water. The volume of most models on average is about three hundred liters.

Basic stages of installation

Since the installation of such baths is a rather difficult task, it is advisable to entrust it to specialists. It is almost impossible to cope with this task independently. Before you make a final decision on installing such plumbing, you need to calculate whether the floors will withstand such an impressive load. Otherwise, there is a risk of damage to the foundation.

The design of integrated plumbing implies the arrangement of a so-called pit, exactly repeating the configuration of the product installed in it. It is impossible to just dig a hole and install a bath in it.

Once the pit is fully ready, you need to extend the communication. The next step is to install the siphon, after which you can start to insert the mixer and attach the support to the bottom of the installed sanitary ware.

To connect a bath installed in the pit to the sewage and water supply, it is necessary to raise its legs as much as possible. At the final stage it is necessary to collect a full bath of water to make sure of its tightness. And only then you can proceed to the flooring.

A few words about the podium

It can be an ideal alternative for those who plan to install integrated plumbing in a city apartment. So, the podium, equipped in a spacious room, allows you to create a skilful imitation of a built-in bathtub floor. In addition, thanks to the decoration of this element, you can emphasize the interior features. Even a single-stage podium is capable of transforming the bathroom beyond recognition.

Bath mixer, built-in bath

Modern manufacturers offer a fairly wide range of similar products. These devices differ from the standard models in that some part of them is hidden in the bathtub. The popularity of the integrated faucets is due to the flexibility in choosing the installation site.

Built-in bath appliances are good in that all of their controls are in the horizontal plane, and all the hoses are hiding under the podium. In some cases, a mixer having special legs is mounted on the side of the bath.

Such instruments look great on large round or corner baths with wide edges. Such a constructive solution allowed to solve the problem of masking unaesthetic hoses connecting the mixer with the shower head.

When choosing such devices, you should ask whether you need to purchase special integrated frames for them. Before buying a model you like, you need to clarify with the seller whether warranty and service are covered by it. Also you need to ask in advance where you can buy spare parts and where you can go in case of possible damage. It is not necessary to save on built-in mixers, because repair or replacement of these devices can cost much more.