Sacramento's Premier Home Remodeling Company

Folsom Walk-in Tubs: The Complete Guide

For many Folsom families, a walk-in tub is the perfect way to help accommodate family members who are facing mobility challenges. Stepping over the threshold of a traditional bathtub can be a trip and fall hazard for family members aging in place or dealing with disabilities. If you’re looking for a reliable contractor to help install Folsom walk-in tubs, JC Construction & Remodeling is a licensed, bonded and insured general contractor with years of experience in the Sacramento area.

Since we’re based here in the Sacramento area, we’ve seen many homes with walk-in tubs, in neighborhoods like the Regency at Folsom Ranch, Anindell Residences, the Four Seasons Community, Revel Folsom, and Diamond Glen, to name a few. We know exactly what to look for when installing a walk-in tub. There’s more to it than pulling out the old tub and putting in a walk-in tub. 

Most walk-in tubs have a 50 to 80 gallon capacity, but the hot water heater in most Folsom homes is 40-gallons, meaning you’ll probably need a bigger tank. Also, the drain pipes for walk-tubs must be wider than the standard installed in most homes, or the same amount of water will take far too long to drain. Our team is prepared for all of these situations, and we can help appraise what infrastructure needs to be upgraded to make your walk-in tub run trouble-free.

Professional Walk-in Tub Installation

If you aren’t familiar with what a walk-in tub is, they are tubs designed for people with mobility issues, usually due to advancing age or disability. The threshold of a walk-in tub is no more than 2 or 3 inches high, which is much easier to step over than the 30 or 32 inch threshold of a traditional alcove tub. With a walk-in-tub, you enter, close the watertight door, and fill the tub with water. This allows aging family members to bathe independently

Most walk-in-tubs are designed to fit the same floor space as a regular bathtub, about 60” by 32”. Some things to keep in mind: walk-in tubs require a special electrical outlet to power the heating elements and water jets in many tub models. Also, your contractor should be able to install the tub according to standards set by the American Disabilities Association (ADA)

Walk-in Tub Standards & Considerations

Most walk-in tubs have inward-opening doors, which allow the bather to enter and shut the watertight door easily. Some models come with outward-opening doors, and these models are primarily designed for wheelchair-bound people.

Most walk-in tubs have a fill capacity of 50 to 80 gallons, which is up to double the size of most water heaters. Our team can inspect your water heater to determine whether you will need an upgraded water heater (this is common for most homes in the Folsom area). The last thing you want is an undersized water heater as the water will be cold before the tub is filled.

If you need hydrotherapy, some tub models are built with therapeutic water jets and air jets, which create a whirlpool effect, which can be soothing for sore leg and back muscles. Most water jets operate at 15 to 20 PSI, helping stimulate circulation.

There are several brands and models of Folsom walk-in tubs to consider.  If you need help choosing the best tub for you, the experts at JC Construction & Remodeling can help you make the best choice for your family.

Walk-in Tub Brands

Here are some of the most popular walk-in tub brands in a side by side comparison.

Brand Name Cost (Installed) Select Features Warranty
American Standard $10,000 – $15,500 Patented quick-draining water technology (less than two minutes). Seal: 10 years. Tub: Lifetime.
Kohler $15,000 – $25,000 Extra wide seats. Ultra-low threshold. Limited lifetime warranty
Safe Step $12,000 – $20,000 Heated seat and backrest. Hydrotherapy jets. LIfetime warranty on manufacturing defects

Pros and Cons of Installing a Walk-in Tub

Our team has helped hundreds of homeowners with accessible tubs, and here are the main things we’ve noticed.

Pros

 

  • Increases independence. As of 2020, 14.4% of people living in Folsom were 65 yeas or older. A walk-in tub can help older or mobility-challenged family members to bathe independently and consistently.
  • Safer than traditional tubs. For family members with mobility issues, the 2-inch threshold is much easier to clear than the 30-inch threshold in a traditional tub. This makes it over 80% safer than a traditional tub.
  • ADA-compliant. Walk-in tubs are ADA-compliant, with convenient seats that allow bathers to sit comfortably. Handrails are also available to make sitting and standing easier.

Cons

  • May require floor reinforcement. Many walk-in tubs weigh in excess of 1000 pounds when filled with water. Some older Roseville homes must have the floor structurally reinforced to support the increased weight.
  • Longer filling and drainage time. Traditional tubs can fill and drain in a few minutes. Walk-in tubs can take 8 to 10 minutes to fill and then again to drain so the bather can exit the tub.
  • Higher water and energy bills. The extra water and energy required to heat the water in a walk-in tub can raise your utility bills.

Get Expert Walk-in Tub Installation in Folsom CA

If you have family members who need a more accessible bathroom, installing a walk-in tub makes a lot of sense. You’ll want a contractor you can trust. JC Construction & Remodeling has helped hundreds of homeowners in the Sacramento and Folsom area with bathroom remodeling, home remodeling, and walk-in tub installation. We’ve seen every type of home, every layout, every type of architecture. We can expertly install your walk-in tub and preserve the beauty of your Folsom home. We’re here to make your bathroom more functional, accessible, and beautiful. 

If you need expert advice on which walk-in tub is best for you, we offer free, no obligation consultations in your home. We can assess your bathroom dimensions, plumbing, and hot water heater capacity. We’re not here to upsell you, we’re here to help solve problems for you and make your home more functional and comfortable.  Feel free to check our local track record and verified credentials (CSLB  #1065275) – we’re looking forward to installing your walk-in tub and ensuring it works perfectly.

Your Trusted Home Improvement Partner

JC Construction & Remodeling is more than just a construction company; we are your dedicated partners in transforming your vision into reality. With over a decade of industry experience, our locally owned and operated business has honed its craft, delivering exceptional home improvement solutions to our valued clients. Integrity and honesty are the cornerstones of our approach, guiding every interaction and decision we make. We understand that each project is unique.

Why we offer a diverse range of customizable home improvement services

Whether you’re looking to renovate your entire home or simply need a few repairs, our team is equipped with the expertise and resources to exceed your expectations. At JC Construction & Remodeling, quality is not just a goal; it’s a standard we uphold in every aspect of our work. Specializing in general home improvement and remodeling, we take immense pride in the craftsmanship and attention to detail that defines our projects.

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      *Free estimates for residential homeowners only. By submitting this form, you agree to receive a call from JC Construction about your project.
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        *Free estimates for residential homeowners only. By submitting this form, you agree to receive a call from JC Construction about your project.