Walk-in Tubs
A door instead of a tub wall, a seat at chair height and grab bars where your hands go.
What is walk-in tubs?
A walk-in tub has a watertight door, a step-in height of a few inches, a molded seat at chair height and controls within reach. You sit down to bathe and never climb over a tub wall, which is exactly where a lot of bathroom falls happen. Installed cost depends mostly on the model, the water heater capacity and how much the surrounding wall and plumbing need to change.
Timeline: Most walk-in tubs install in 1 to 3 days. If a new electrical circuit or water heater is needed, add a day.
Estimate your walk-in tub cost
US average prices. Your city page has local numbers.
Project level
How much does a walk-in tub cost?
National installed price ranges. Open your city below for prices adjusted to local labor and housing costs.
Soaker model
Basic walk-in soaker, door, seat, grab bars, standard faucet and hand shower.
Air or whirlpool jets
Air or water jets, heated seat or backrest, quick-drain pump, wall surround.
Premium / bariatric
Wider or bariatric tub, combination jets, inline heater, full wall system and electrical.
Cost breakdown
| Line item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Walk-in tub unit | $2,500 – $10,000 |
| Removal of existing tub | $300 – $900 |
| Plumbing modifications and valve | $500 – $2,500 |
| Dedicated GFCI circuit (jetted models) | $300 – $1,500 |
| Wall surround around the tub | $1,000 – $3,500 |
| Larger or tankless water heater (if needed) | Often $0 – $3,500 |
| Permit | Often $0 – $400 |
How it works
Home safety visit
A specialist measures the opening, checks the doorway width, floor strength, water heater size and electrical panel.
Choose the model
Inward or outward door, left or right drain, soaker or jetted, heated seat, fast-drain.
Old tub out
The existing tub is removed and plumbing is adapted to the new drain and valve position.
Install and seal
The tub is leveled, connected, tested for leaks and the walls around it are finished.
Walkthrough
The installer shows how to fill, use the door seal and drain, and leaves warranty paperwork.
Popular choices
Inward vs outward door
Outward doors are easier for wheelchair transfers. Inward doors seal with water pressure and suit tight bathrooms.
Fast-drain
A pump empties the tub in about 2 minutes instead of 6 to 10.
Heated seat and backrest
With a basic model you sit wet while the tub fills and drains, and people get cold. A heated seat fixes that.
Walk-in shower alternative
For people who prefer to stand or need wheelchair access, a curbless shower with a seat may be the better fit.
Get a free walk-in tub quote
Licensed, insured installers. They measure at your house and the quote costs nothing.
Walk-in Tubs by state
Largest cities we cover
Walk-in Tubs FAQ
How much does a walk-in tub cost installed?
Most homeowners pay $6,000 to $15,000 installed. Basic soakers sit at the lower end; jetted, heated and bariatric models with a new wall surround and electrical work can exceed $15,000.
Does Medicare pay for a walk-in tub?
Original Medicare generally does not cover walk-in tubs because they are not considered durable medical equipment. Some Medicare Advantage plans, state Medicaid waiver programs and VA home-modification grants (HISA, SAH) can help; a doctor's note may also make part of the cost a deductible medical expense.
How long does it take to fill and drain?
Filling usually takes 6 to 10 minutes depending on your faucet flow and water pressure. Standard drains take a few minutes; fast-drain pumps cut that to about 2 minutes.
Will my water heater be big enough?
Walk-in tubs hold roughly 50 to 80 gallons. A 40-gallon tank may not deliver a full warm fill, so installers often recommend a 50-gallon or larger tank, an inline heater or a tankless unit.
Can it fit in my existing tub space?
Most models are made to the standard 60 x 30 inch alcove, so they drop into the space of a regular tub. Shorter and wider units exist for small or bariatric needs.