4 Hidden Dangers in Your Bathroom — and How a Tub Cutout Can Eliminate Them

How often do you look around your bathroom and question its safety? Even if you have never given any thought to the topic, domestic bathrooms can be home to a number of dangers — some more obvious than others.

These hazards can transform a space designed for cleansing, hygiene, and relaxation into a potential minefield. One of the most problematic areas of the bathroom is the tub. Many of us enjoy a comfortable soak every day, particularly in the colder months, but using a standard bathtub can pose various safety risks.

This is especially true for people with conditions, injuries, disabilities, and illnesses that limit their mobility. Fortunately, a tub cutout can make a huge difference.

How? In this post, we’ll explore four hidden bathroom dangers related to standard tubs and explain how a cutout can address them.

What is a Tub Cutout?

A tub cutout is a popular solution for converting standard bathtubs into accessible models. If you have a tub installed at home that you want to keep, a cutout is a simple and effective way to improve your bathroom safety.

During the conversion process, a large portion of the tub’s side is removed and a lower threshold is created. Thanks to this convenient, safe access point, you can step into the tub with a smaller, simpler movement.

Hidden Danger #1: Slippery Tubs Create Risk of Falls

The Problem:

Falls are a common issue among Canadian adults aged 65 years and older in Canada: fall-related injuries in this group led to an estimated cost of $5.6 billion in 2018. Falls can contribute to lasting health and mobility problems, so it’s crucial to prevent them in any way possible.

One problem with average bathtubs is that people tend to climb in once the tub already contains water. As the tub floor is usually slippery, placing one or two feet firmly on the base can be difficult — even for younger, stronger individuals.

But for people who may be infirm or affected by mobility limitations, this is a major hazard. Losing a grip with one foot, even for a second, could cause dangerous falls to the floor. 

How a Tub Cutout Can Help:

Creating an opening in the side of a tub will allow you to step inside more safely and confidently. Instead of needing to raise your legs to the full height of the tub, only a smaller range of motion is required.

Hidden Danger #2: Entering Showers Over Baths and Curbed Enclosures Safely Can Be a Challenge

The Problem:

Showering is a quicker, more environmentally friendly alternative to soaking in a full bathtub. But using a standard shower can be dangerous for people affected by mobility limitations.

If you have an enclosed shower (e.g. in a booth), you’ll need to step over a curb to access it. Even if thresholds are only an inch or two high to prevent leaks, this can be difficult to clear (particularly if staying upright demands a lot of effort).

If your shower is mounted over your bathtub, climbing over the side may create a serious safety risk, too. You might require assistance from a carer or loved one each time, creating obvious privacy issues.

How a Tub Cutout Can Help:

A tub cutout can transform your bathtub into a more accessible shower space and eliminate the need to compromise your stability. The lower threshold provides a convenient entry and exit point in your existing tub.

This is more cost-effective than installing a new shower or turning your bathroom into a wetroom.

Hidden Danger #3: Full Bathtubs Can Be Difficult to Exit Safely with Benches

The Problem:

Transfer benches are a common accessibility solution that empower people of different ages and physical capabilities to bathe safely. They enable you to get into and out of the tub without climbing over the side: simply ease yourself into a seated position, then lower yourself into the water.

However, moving onto a transfer bench could still be a formidable challenge for those with certain disabilities or injuries.

How a Tub Cutout Can Help:

Combining a transfer bench and tub cutout can provide you with a smoother way to get into your bath. Lowering the side of the tub will allow you to move onto the bench more easily before and after showering.

Additionally, grab bars may be installed to improve accessibility further. Placing one or two grab bars beside the tub will provide you with a fixed handhold, aiding stability when climbing onto and off the bench.

Hidden Danger #4: Reaching for Taps Can Compromise Stability

The Problem:

When preparing to take a bath, you may struggle to reach over the side of a high tub to turn the taps on and off. You might need to lift one or both feet off the ground slightly, which could put you at risk of a fall.

How a Tub Cutout Can Help:

By creating a cutout close to the taps in your existing tub, you can make running a bath easier and safer. You won’t need to reach as far over the side of the tub, allowing you to stay more stable.

How to Create a More Accessible Bathroom with Professional Tub Cutout Solutions

Creating a lower threshold in your tub will make bathing more accessible, safer, and convenient. It’s a cost-effective alternative to installing a new walk-in tub or converting your bathroom into a wetroom. You may also combine cutouts with other aids, such as grab bars and transfer benches.

At Total Access Solutions, we can transform your bathroom with tub cutout solutions and a host of other accessibility products. We proudly serve customers across Toronto and the GTA, with a best price and price-match guarantee.

To schedule an in-home or virtual consultation with a member of our friendly team, contact Total Access Solutions today.