A skirt on a bathtub is a decorative panel that fits around the exterior of a bathtub to give it a more attractive and stylish look. The skirt panel is typically made of wood or other materials, such as tile or stone, and typically extends to the floor or slightly above the edge of the bathtub.
Skirt panels can be used to both protect and beautify a bathtub and add interest and texture for a more cohesive look within a bathroom. Skirt panels are usually added to bathtubs that are either alcove or drop-in and can be installed during the original bathroom remodel or added as a DIY project later down the line.
What are the parts of a bathtub called?
A standard bathtub is typically composed of several main parts, including the bathtub frame, drain, overflow tube, bathtub surround, spout and fixtures, and other associated components.
The bathtub frame is the primary structure that supports the rest of the bathtub components. It holds the tub in place and is typically made of stainless steel, galvanized steel, or cast iron. Depending on the shape, size, and type of bath, the frame can also contain slats known as ribs to provide extra strength and reinforcement.
The bathtub drain is where the water is discharged from the tub and is typically located on the bottom of the tub. It works in conjunction with the overflow tube which is connected to the side of the tub near the highest point and is designed to prevent the tub from overflowing in the event of a clogged or malfunctioning drain.
The bathtub surround is the outside of the tub and usually consists of a synthetic material such as fiberglass or acrylic that helps protect the underlying frame from corrosion. The surround is typically designed to have a slip-resistant coating for safety in wet conditions.
The spout is a piece of hardware that hangs off of the side of the tub and typically features a long and curved pipe. This part controls the flow of water into the tub. Associated hardware such as a faucet or showerhead are often connected to the spout and can be controlled by valves or handles, typically located on the tub frame or near the spout.
Lastly, there are other parts or components that may be present but are less common. For example, an inline heater may be built into the frame of a tub to allow for a continuous hot water supply. There may also be a hand shower, a handheld sprayer, or an LCD touch pad control panel installed in the tub for added convenience.
How do you remove a skirt from a bathtub?
Removing a skirt from a bathtub can be a relatively easy process depending on the type of bathtub you have.
If you have a drop-in/soaking tub with a skirt, it is important to start by turning off the water supply to the tub and drain the water completely. To remove the skirt, you will need to unscrew the deck flange, which holds the skirt in place over the side wall flange and install a slip joint.
Carefully slide the skirt away from the flange, taking care not to damage the skirt or the wall. You can then disconnect the tub and the drain drainplugs.
For a three-wall alcove tub, you should begin by shutting off the water supply and draining the tub before you disconnect the overflow and the drain piping from the tub. Then, you can remove the skirt by removing the tub feet and the additional screws that are holding the skirt panel in place.
If you have a clawfoot tub, you should first shut off the water supply and detach the drain plug/stopper. You will also need to remove the faucet and tub filler, as well as any decorative covers and ornaments.
Once this is done, you can loosen the screws on the skirts and carefully pry the skirt away from the wall, taking care not to damage the skirt or the wall.
No matter the type of tub, the process should always start by turning off the water supply and drain the water completely before attempting to remove the skirt. Doing so will help ensure the removal process is easier and safeguard the skirt and wall from any damage.
How do you open a whirlpool tub skirt?
Opening a whirlpool tub skirt isn’t too difficult. While each model may vary slightly, the general steps are:
1. Look for access points, such as cutouts or thumb latches, along the skirt, which allow you to reach underneath the skirt and unhook it.
2. If available, pop the access panel open with a flat-head screwdriver.
3. Remove any screws, hooks, or clips that may be securing the skirt in place.
4. Check around the entire skirt for any other attaching clips that may need to be removed.
5. Lift and pull the skirt outward from the tub.
6. Take care to lift the skirt from the bottom because the skirt may be heavier than expected.
7. Repeat the above steps for any other panels or sides of the skirt.
After you’ve removed the skirt, you’ll likely be able to see the bathtub and its interior components, as well as the pipes and manual water controls. You can then access these components to clean, change settings, or perform other maintenance tasks.
What is the difference between drop-in and skirted tub?
The main difference between a drop-in tub and a skirted tub is the installation process. A drop-in tub, or alcove tub rests on a base frame, within an alcove or frame that is slightly bigger than the tub.
It doesn’t have any visible decking and is often placed in a corner. On the other hand, a skirted tub, or freestanding tub, is a standalone tub, with visible decking and legs. This type of tub is typically set in the middle of a room, or on its own.
Additionally, drop-in tubs can usually be found with bath accessories already attached, making installation quick and easy, while skirted tubs have to have its accessories installed separately, which can be a longer process.
While the installation differences between drop-in and skirted tubs is the most obvious difference, there are also style differences between the two. Drop-in tubs are typically more traditional in style, while skirted tubs can come in a variety of modern and traditional looks.
What is a Murphy tub?
A Murphy tub is a small, space-saving combination of a bathtub and a shower. It is designed to fit into a small bathroom, while still providing the style and comfort of a traditional full-sized tub. Murphy tubs typically feature a curtain-like door that can be opened or closed to choose between a bathtub and a shower.
When closed, a small portion of the tub is used as a shower. When open, the entire tub is available as a bath, making it easy to switch between activities in a small space. In some models, a shower head is mounted to the wall and can be used with the tub when the door is open.
Murphy tubs are the perfect choice for those in need of a small yet stylish tub and shower combination.
What is apron in drainage?
An apron in drainage is a device designed to increase the discharge capacity of drains, pipes and other drainage systems. The apron is typically made out of concrete and it is usually placed at the bottom of the drainage system to help improve the flow of water out of the drainage system.
Aprons are designed to reduce the amount of turbulences or eddies in the water flow and also to reduce material depositing in the pipes. Aprons can also be used in combination with various other drainage systems, such as a trap or a collector, to improve the efficiency of the drainage system.
Aprons are often used in areas where large amounts of dirt and debris make it difficult for water to move freely. In these situations, aprons can be used to help reduce the amount of material clogging the pipes.
What is a shower apron?
A shower apron, also known as a shower splash guard or shower splash panel, is a specialized product that is designed to be attached to a shower stall to prevent water from splashing outside of the shower enclosure.
It consists of a single or multiple pieces of waterproof material that extends from the edge of the shower stall onto the floor outside of it. The material can be made of many different materials including vinyl, plastic, fiberglass, glass, or solid surface.
The purpose of the apron is to limit the amount of water that escapes into the surrounding area, reducing the potential risk of slipping and other water-related accidents. Additionally, showers aprons can bring about an aesthetically pleasing design to the bathroom, as they can be customized to be a color or pattern that matches the surrounding decor.
What are the two types of apron?
The two main types of aprons are bib or waist aprons. Bib aprons typically cover the entire torso and have straps that wrap around the neck and waist. These are commonly used by chefs, kitchen, and waitstaff.
Waist aprons are short, cover only the waist and extend down to the upper thighs. They often have pockets and ties. Waist aprons are popular amongst bartenders, servers, and housekeepers who need to move quickly and need their hands to be free to carry items.
What does a skirted tub mean?
A skirted tub is a type of bathtub with a skirt or apron on the front side. The skirt extends down the sides of the bathtub and usually covers the plumbing lines and other components underneath it. The skirt is typically made of the same material as the tub and is often used to hide unsightly components from view.
The skirt also helps add to the overall design aesthetic of the bathroom and can often be a nice accent to the room. It is important to select the right skirt for your particular bathtub and bathroom size, as the wrong skirt could cramp the space or clash with the design style of the room.
Skirted tubs can come in different materials such as acrylic, porcelain, and cast iron and are a great way to add a unique and functional touch to your bathroom.
What shape of soaking tub is the most comfortable?
The shape of a soaking tub that is most comfortable will depend on the individual’s height and body shape. Long, narrow tubs are great for tall people, while a wide, square tub is perfect for those with wider hips and shoulders.
Freestanding tubs provide more space and create a luxurious feel, while corner tubs are often preferred by those who are short and need a more contained space. They are also easier to fit in a corner.
Many people also find Japanese-style deep soaking tubs to be especially comfortable and relaxing. These tubs fill up with enough water to fully submerge the body, leading to a feeling of total relaxation.
No matter which shape you choose, make sure it’s the right size so you can fully relax and enjoy your soak.
What type of tub surround is best?
When deciding on the best type of tub surround for your bathroom, there are several factors to consider, including cost, aesthetics, functionality, and maintenance requirements. Depending on your home’s style and design, a traditional tile or marble surround could give your bathroom a timeless and polished look.
Tile is also one of the most durable and low-maintenance materials for a tub surround. If you prefer a more contemporary approach, cultured marble or solid surface surrounds offer sleek lines and easy to clean surfaces.
For a unique and updated look, try installing a decorative glass panel or a shower wall system featuring custom patterns and textures. Acrylic surrounds are also a popular choice and provide an affordable, easy-to-clean option.
When choosing a tub surround, make sure to select a product that is waterproof and mold-resistant and offers easy installation. All of these factors should be taken into account so you can choose the right material that best fits your style and budget.
What kind of tub are in mobile homes?
The type of tub most often found in a mobile home is a fiberglass or acrylic tub that is usually installed in one piece, with no seams. This type of tub is lightweight and easy to install, and is often described as a “garden” tub due to its high, deep sides and large capacity.
It is also particularly suitable for use in mobile homes because of its ability to fit into tight spaces. Many mobile homes also feature built-in fiberglass shower stalls, or shower/tub combos, which are much deeper than a regular bathtub and are designed with plenty of room for showering and bathing, as well as a seated area for relaxing.
Acrylic one-piece tub/shower combos are becoming increasingly popular in mobile homes as they offer a more modern look while eliminating the need for separate parts, such as a separate shower curtain, shower doors, or separate bathtub and shower fixtures.
How do you open the panel on a jetted tub?
Opening the panel on a jetted tub depends on the make and model you have, but generally the process is the same. For most models, the panel should be located on one side of your tub, usually near the faucet, and can be opened by either unscrewing the panel screws, or by pressing a button to release a latch.
Once the panel is open, you will have access to the jets and the plumbing controlling them. You may also find the circuit breaker and the wiring for the pump and heater inside. When you are finished working on the tub’s panel, be sure to turn off all power before closing to avoid the risk of shock.
How do you remove bathtub jet covers?
Removing bathtub jet covers depends on the model and design of the tub and covers. Generally, however, you should be able to follow these steps to remove the covers:
1. Start by determining the type of cover. Some covers are snapped or latched into place, while others might be bolted or screwed in.
2. For covers that snap or latch in place, locate any release mechanisms or latches. These are usually found along the edge of the cover and should be easy to locate.
3. Use a flathead screwdriver to manually release the latch or snap the cover off.
4. If the cover is bolted or screwed in place, use a screwdriver or socket wrench to unscrew the screws, bolts, or nuts securing the cover in place.
5. Once all the screws/bolts have been removed, carefully lift the cover off the tub and set it aside.
Once the covers have been removed, you can perform necessary cleaning and maintenance, such as descaling the jets and tub surface.