Stop Wasting Money! Use This Flexible Drain Solution For Any Freestanding Bathtub
Installing a freestanding bathtub often poses drainage challenges, as there is no nearby wall or plumbing to easily connect to. This usually requires breaking concrete floors and expensive plumbing alterations to accommodate new drain lines. However, a flexible drain hose provides a convenient and budget-friendly solution for draining any freestanding tub.
A flexible drain kit allows you to neatly route the tub wastewater to an existing floor drain location without major construction. This adjustable piping simply links the tub outlet to the drainage pipes underneath, avoiding costly renovations.
Benefits of a Flexible Bathtub Drain
Convenience and Adjustability
Flexible drain hoses feature a bendable accordion-like design that stretches to span the gap between your freestanding tub drain and the drainage access point on the floor. This adaptable pipe can snake underneath the tub from any location to connect with the plumbing system.
The piping adjusts to the most convenient path for your specific tub and bathroom layout. There is no need to abide by strict drain line routes. This flexibility is ideal for awkward configurations or limited space under the tub.
Cost Savings
Flexible drain kits prevent the need to jackhammer floors and repipe drain lines. By simply linking to the existing plumbing infrastructure, installation avoids expensive altercations that can rack up major costs and construction mess.
The drain hose itself ranges from $20 to $150, making it an extremely budget-friendly plumbing solution compared to moving drain locations or breaking concrete.
Easy Retrofitting
Upgrading to a freestanding tub no longer requires changing the floor drain setup. A flexible hose neatly connects the new tub to the existing plumbing, without needing to shift or replace drainage access points.
For homeowners wishing to switch from a built-in alcove tub to a standalone model, a flexible drain allows seamlessly adapting to the new tub without construction upheaval.
Fits Various Tubs
Flexible drain hoses come in varying lengths and diameters to suit different tub models. Many kits feature adjustable corrugated piping that can be stretched, compressed, or cut to size to properly fit your particular tub make and dimensions.
From compact soaker tubs to expansive corner models, flexible drain kits provide compatible drainage solutions for most freestanding tubs.
Components of a Flexible Drain
Flexible Drain Hose
The bendable drain hose is the core element, ferrying wastewater from the outlet underneath your tub to the drainage access point. Most feature a corrugated accordion-style design that compresses and extends to the desired length.
Hoses are typically made using vinyl, abs plastic, or stainless steel materials. Consider corrosion resistance and durability when selecting a drain hose.
P-Trap
Flexible drain kits include an integrated p-trap - the u-shaped piece of plumbing beneath sinks and tubs which holds water to prevent sewer gas odors from entering living spaces.
Many kits feature a slim "pancake" p-trap that provides the necessary u-shaped water block while maintaining a very low vertical profile to fit under shallow tubs.
Connectors and Fittings
The flexible hose connects to the tub drain outlet and floor drain via adapters, fasteners, washers and other fittings included with the kit. The packaging will specify what connection pieces and hardware are included to link up with standard tub and pipe fixtures.Selecting the Right Flexible Drain
Check Dimensions
When choosing a flexible drain, first assess the rough measurements between your tub drain and the floor drainage access using a tape measure. Consider the direct line distance as well as clearance beneath the tub.
Select a flexible drain hose that matches your measurement needs. Many kits allow you to cut the piping to your custom length if needed.
Confirm Compatibility
Double check that the drain hose kit is compatible with your exact tub model. The product description should outline which tub makes, models, and dimensions that particular flexible drain is designed to work with.
You'll want to ensure that the drain opening diameter, connector types and included hardware are a match. This ensures correct installation and sealing.
Assess Clearance
Consider clearance beneath the tub to determine if a flexible drain will functionally fit. In many cases there are several inches of space under the tub bottom which provides ample room to route the hose.
However for very low profile tubs resting directly on the floor, a flexible drain is likely not feasible. Always confirm adequate vertical space for the drain kit.
Do-It-Yourself Installation
Gather Materials
The flexible drain kit will include all piping, seals, washers, fasteners and connectors needed. You'll also want to have basic plumbing tools on hand like wrenches, Teflon tape, emery cloth, hacksaw, flashlight, buckets and rags.
Prepare Drain Locations
Thoroughly clean out both connection points - the drain outlet underneath the tub as well as the floor drainage access. Remove any debris or old plumbing putty residue. Sand down rough edges around holes.
You want clean and smooth surfaces for the hose connections to adhere and seal properly on both ends.
Connect Hose
Follow the detailed manufacturer instructions for assembling the flexible drain components and connecting to the tub and floor drains. Use included washers, gaskets and fasteners as outlined.
Be sure to maintain the proper downward slope on horizontal runs - usually 1/4 inch drop per foot is recommended for sufficient wastewater flow.
Perform Test
Upon completing tub drain installation, plug the overflow drain and fill the tub with several inches of water. Check beneath for any drips or leaks at connections. Confirm no kinks are blocking water passage. Adjust as needed before finishing tub enclosure.
Why Choose a Flexible Drain?
Save on Plumbing Costs
Routing a new official drain line involves jackhammering floors, rerouting pipes, breaking into walls and extensive construction. Professionally moving or adding a drain can cost thousands.
A flexible drain kit conveniently links to your existing infrastructure for less than $200 in most cases - slashing plumbing costs tenfold.
Easy Installation
Flexible drain connections involve basic hand tools and DIY procedures without needing to tap into complex in-wall piping. Clear manufacturer guides allow homeowners to tackle this project themselves rather than coordinating expensive plumbing pros.
The learning curve is very minimal for inserting a flexible hose compared to reworking existing drain lines.
Neat, Hidden Look
New freestanding tubs look streamlined and spa-like without bulky plumbing fixtures attached. Flexible drain tubing maintains the clean, minimalist aesthetic by hiding necessary plumbing underneath the tub base.
The flexible hose wound underneath is nearly invisible to any bathroom user. There's no need for exposed drains or ugly pipework behind beautiful new tubs.
Quick Solution
Flexible drain kits allow for relatively fast installation compared to moving drain line infrastructure. In a weekend DIY project or simple professional visit, your freestanding tub can be fully fitted and draining without major renovation headaches.
This accelerated process prevents new tubs from sitting non-functional for weeks waiting on drain access solutions.
Flexible Drain Considerations
Limited Adjustability
When extending and manipulating flexible drain piping, be aware of limitations. Excessive bending or narrow angles can result in hose kinking or obstruction.
Measure your plumbing route carefully during initial plans to ensure proper hose lengths and positioning under the tub space.
Ongoing Maintenance
Regularly check for leaks,drainage issues or early wear along the flexible hose piping. Drain kits placed under heavy tubs may be more susceptible to damage over time.
Plan to inspect connections and hoses periodically and replace parts proactively if needed. Consider more durable hoses to maximize longevity.
Accessibility
While convenient initially, flexible drains may require tub removal later to access the piping for repairs or replacement. Consider this limited future access during your planning.
Professionally installing very durable kit components from the start helps minimize this replacement need down the road.
For most homeowners and renovators, flexible drain kits provide an efficient, affordable solution for adding drainage to freestanding tubs. When planned smartly, these adaptable hose systems neatly handle wastewater removal without major construction.
By matching your perfect tub with a well-fitted flexible drain, you can swiftly implement an eye-catching bathroom centerpiece without cost-prohibitive plumbing bills down the line.