Double Ended Baths

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Frequently Asked Questions About Baths

Find answers to some of the most common questions about our baths.

Baths

Are cast iron baths too heavy for my bathroom floor?

In most structurally sound homes that meet current building regulations, a cast iron bath should not be too heavy for the bathroom floor.

 

When filled with water, many of our cast iron baths are comparable in weight to around five people standing in the bathroom at the same time. We have never had a case where one of our baths has caused a floor to fail.

 

However, if you live in an older property, are unsure about the condition of your floor, or have any concerns about load-bearing capacity, we recommend speaking to a qualified surveyor or structural professional before installation.

What are the benefits of a cast iron bath vs a stone bath?

Both cast iron baths and stone baths are designed to be durable, long-lasting and visually striking, but they offer slightly different looks and practical benefits.

 

A cast iron bath is ideal if you want a classic bathroom centrepiece with traditional character, weight and presence. It works beautifully in period, traditional and timeless bathroom schemes.

 

A stone bath is often chosen for a cleaner, more contemporary look, with smooth lines and a modern sculptural finish. Some stone baths, such as our Delaunay, are made from a lightweight stone material, making them easier to handle and position than many heavier stone baths on the market.

 

Both our cast iron and stone bath exteriors can also be painted on site, allowing you to refresh your bathroom colour scheme in the future without replacing the bath.

Do cast iron bath feet come with washers?

All bath feet are fitted and levelled before leaving our warehouse. They are also labelled and lined up to make fitting as straightforward as possible.

 

Some bath feet are supplied with washers and some are not. You may find that two feet arrive with washers and two without. This is because not all feet require washers for correct fitting.

 

If you believe washers are missing or would like us to send some to you, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

What plumbing fittings do I need for a freestanding cast iron bath?

Most freestanding baths require an overflow waste and a bath trap to be plumbed in correctly.

 

For many of our freestanding cast iron baths, we recommend purchasing the exposed overflow waste and shallow seal bath trap from us. This is because our waste requirements are not always standard, and we cannot guarantee that fittings purchased elsewhere will be compatible with our baths.

 

Your plumber should always check the bath specification and waste position before installation.

Do cast iron baths take longer to heat up?

Cast iron baths do not take significantly longer to heat up than other baths in normal use.

 

The bath water will lose heat mainly from the exposed surface of the water, rather than through the bath itself. As with any bath, closing the bathroom door, warming the room, and using deeper water can help maintain a comfortable bathing temperature.

How do I fit freestanding bath standpipes?

Standpipes are used to support deck-mounted taps for baths without tap holes. They are usually fitted through the floor and secured in position before the taps are connected. Our standpipes our supplied with flexible tap connectors for easier fitting.

 

First, connect the flexible pipes to your water supply. Remove the top cap of the standpipes and screw this onto the thread of your taps. Slide the standpipes over the flexible pipes and position them upright. Secure the standpipes to the floor, then slide of the support brace (if using) then connect the other end of the flexible pipes to the taps.

 

Once the taps are connected, tighten the grub screws at the top of each standpipe to secure everything in place.

What does 'not suitable for solid floors' mean for standpipes?

When standpipes are described as not suitable for solid floors, this usually refers to concrete floors or other floors where pipework cannot easily be accessed or adjusted from below.

 

If you want to install this type of standpipe on a solid floor, we usually recommend using a suitable timber plinth or raised base. Your plumber should check the installation requirements before fitting.

Should I choose a bath with or without tap holes?

Some of our cast iron baths are available either with tap holes or without tap holes.

 

A bath without tap holes has a continuous roll top all the way around. This option is suitable for wall-mounted taps, freestanding taps, or deck-mounted taps fitted on standpipes.

 

A bath with tap holes is designed for deck-mounted bath taps. Our baths with tap holes normally have two tap holes set 180mm apart, measured from the centre of one tap hole to the centre of the other.

 

Tap holes cannot be added or removed after the bath has been cast. Drilling into a cast iron bath can cause irreversible damage to the enamel and is not recommended.

Can I drill tap holes into a cast iron bath?

No. We do not recommend drilling tap holes into a cast iron bath.

 

The tap holes are pre-formed during manufacture. Attempting to drill into the cast iron or enamel can permanently damage the bath and may invalidate any warranty.

 

If you need taps mounted on the bath itself, choose a bath supplied with tap holes. If you prefer no tap holes, choose wall-mounted taps, freestanding taps, or taps mounted on standpipes.

What is the difference between standpipes and shrouds?

Standpipes and shrouds are used for different types of bath and tap installation.

 

Standpipes are used with baths without tap holes. They allow deck-mounted taps to be installed as freestanding taps beside the bath. If your taps already have legs, you may not need separate standpipes.

 

Shrouds are used with baths that have tap holes. They cover the visible pipework between the tap threads and the floor. If the bath is positioned against a wall and the pipework will not be seen, shrouds may not be necessary. If the pipework will be visible, shrouds create a neater finish.

How will I know when my bath delivery will take place?

Once your order has been placed and processed, we will contact you to discuss the delivery process and the earliest available delivery date.

 

Standard delivery is usually available between 9am and 5pm. Delivery to a specific time of day may incur an additional charge. A smaller transit van may also involve an additional charge where required.

 

Our standard delivery is kerbside only. The driver is not insured to enter your property, so you will need to arrange suitable help to move the bath indoors.

 

For cast iron bath deliveries, we recommend having two to three able-bodied people available on site to safely move the bath from kerbside into the property.

How are baths delivered?

We use a pallet network courier service.

 

Your items are collected from us by our local depot and transported to your local delivery depot. The local depot then completes the final delivery to your address.

 

Delivery is kerbside only unless otherwise agreed. Please make sure access is suitable for a large delivery vehicle and that you have enough people available to move the bath safely.

What is the most common size of a bath?

The most common standard bath size in the UK is approximately 1700mm long x 700mm wide. This size suits many typical bathrooms and is widely used for straight, fitted baths.

 

Freestanding and roll-top baths can vary more in size, with many designs ranging from around 1500mm to 1800mm long. When choosing a bath, it is important to check the exact product dimensions, available floor space, plumbing position and access into the room before ordering.

What is the difference between a single ended and double ended bath?

A single ended bath has the taps and waste positioned at one end, with the opposite end designed for reclining. This makes it a practical choice for everyday bathing, shower-over-bath arrangements and bathrooms where plumbing is best located at one end.

 

A double ended bath has the taps and waste positioned centrally, allowing both ends of the bath to be used comfortably. This creates a more balanced, luxurious bathing experience and is ideal if you want the option for two people to bathe or simply prefer more space to recline at either end.

 

The right choice depends on your bathroom layout, plumbing position and how you like to use your bath.

How do I paint a cast iron or stone bath?

To paint the exterior of a cast iron or Rossastone bath, take a light grade sandpaper and whisk this around the bath until it appears 'misty'. Wipe away any excess dust, then apply 2-3 coats of any wood and metal paint using a sponge roller to give a flawless finish.

What waste do I need for a bateau bath with overflow?

For a cast iron bateau bath with an overflow, we usually recommend purchasing the exposed overflow waste from us.

 

Our Rossastone baths have integrated overflow wastes so you don't need to purchase a separate overflow waste.

 

The bath trap can normally be sourced separately from your local plumber's merchant because it will not usually be visible once the bath is installed.

 

Please note that this style of bath is generally designed to be plumbed through the floor. The waste exit at the back of the bath is usually not large enough to allow a trap pipe to exit from the rear.

How do I fit a trap to a bateau bath with a plinth?

If your bateau bath has a plinth and you cannot access the underside once it is in position, the waste and trap should be fitted before the bath is lowered into place.

 

Place the bath temporarily on timber supports to give your plumber enough room to work underneath. Fit the waste first, then connect the trap and waste pipe. The U-bend will usually sit below floor level and can be connected to a flexible hose, allowing the bath to be moved slightly without disturbing the plumbing connections.

 

Once all fittings are secure and checked, remove the timber supports and carefully lower the bath into its final position.

 

We strongly recommend that this work is carried out by a qualified plumber.

How do I fit freestanding bath standpipes?

Standpipes are used to support deck-mounted taps for baths without tap holes. They are usually fitted through the floor and secured in position before the taps are connected. Our standpipes our supplied with flexible tap connectors for easier fitting.

 

First, connect the flexible pipes to your water supply. Remove the top cap of the standpipes and screw this onto the thread of your taps. Slide the standpipes over the flexible pipes and position them upright. Secure the standpipes to the floor, then slide of the support brace (if using) then connect the other end of the flexible pipes to the taps.

 

Once the taps are connected, tighten the grub screws at the top of each standpipe to secure everything in place.

What does 'not suitable for solid floors' mean for standpipes?

When standpipes are described as not suitable for solid floors, this usually refers to concrete floors or other floors where pipework cannot easily be accessed or adjusted from below.

 

If you want to install this type of standpipe on a solid floor, we usually recommend using a suitable timber plinth or raised base. Your plumber should check the installation requirements before fitting.

Should I choose a bath with or without tap holes?

Some of our cast iron baths are available either with tap holes or without tap holes.

 

A bath without tap holes has a continuous roll top all the way around. This option is suitable for wall-mounted taps, freestanding taps, or deck-mounted taps fitted on standpipes.

 

A bath with tap holes is designed for deck-mounted bath taps. Our baths with tap holes normally have two tap holes set 180mm apart, measured from the centre of one tap hole to the centre of the other.

 

Tap holes cannot be added or removed after the bath has been cast. Drilling into a cast iron bath can cause irreversible damage to the enamel and is not recommended.

What is the difference between standpipes and shrouds?

Standpipes and shrouds are used for different types of bath and tap installation.

 

Standpipes are used with baths without tap holes. They allow deck-mounted taps to be installed as freestanding taps beside the bath. If your taps already have legs, you may not need separate standpipes.

 

Shrouds are used with baths that have tap holes. They cover the visible pipework between the tap threads and the floor. If the bath is positioned against a wall and the pipework will not be seen, shrouds may not be necessary. If the pipework will be visible, shrouds create a neater finish.