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Determining whether a tub is left-hand or right-hand is crucial when installing or replacing a tub in your bathroom. To determine the orientation, stand in front of the tub and face the drain. If the drain is on your left side, it is a left-hand tub. If the drain is on your right side, it is a right-hand tub. Another way to identify the orientation is by looking at the apron, which is the decorative panel on the front of the tub. If the apron is on your left side, it is a left-hand tub, and vice versa. Make sure to consider the orientation when purchasing or installing a tub to ensure a proper fit in your bathroom layout.
It is crucial to determine whether the drain of an alcove bath should be on the left or right side. If incorrectly installed, the bath needs to be removed, and the installation process must be restarted. However, not all bathtubs require this step.
Instructions for Alcove Baths
Step 1: Assess the Tub Area
Examine the area where you want to place the bathtub to ensure that it is enclosed by three bathroom walls, making it ideal for an alcove bath.
Step 2: Determine Location of Drain
Stand in front of the accessible side of your existing tub and examine the other three sides. Check to see if they have flanges at the upper lips where the bath attaches to the wall.
Step 3: Align Drain Openings
Locate the drain in the bathtub and make sure it matches with the bathtub you want to buy. If the drain is on the right, it is a right-hand drain, and if it is on the left, it is a left-hand drain.
Instructions for Freestanding Tubs
Step 1: Measure for Fit
Measure the bathroom area to ensure that a freestanding tub will fit comfortably in the space.
Step 2: Align Drain Openings
Place the bathtub over the drain in the floor and make sure it is easy to run water lines to the faucets on the tub.
Step 3: Seat Tub for Easy Access
Position the tub in the best way to access the drain and water lines. Unlike an alcove tub, there is no set way for a freestanding tub to sit. Seat the tub so that it is easily accessible.
Safety or Corner Tubs
Select a left-hand or right-hand tub when choosing a safety or corner tub, as they typically come with both options.
Platform or Spa Tubs
Determine the orientation of the drain by examining the accessible side of the platform bath, whirlpool bath, or spa. Check where the tub will sit in the bathroom and see if it matches up.
Some jetted tubs have a reversible drain, which allows you to switch the drain handing by rotating the tub. Jetted tubs might require additional space due to heaters or pumps, and the flooring may need to be reinforced, according to Bob Vila.