Chapter 3: What are the Regulations to Note, and How will my Bathtub be Installed?

From the previous chapters, you should be equipped with the knowledge to confidently select the right bathtub for your needs.

This next chapter of the guide will walk you through the regulations that you need to take note of.

It will also guide you on the installation process for the various different types of bathtubs. It goes into further details such as the placement of the faucet and drainage which are important to consider before buying your bathtub.

Regulations

Weight Regulations for HDB and Condos

First of all, let us address the most important worry that most HDB owners may have as it is an apartment unit; what exactly is the stipulated weight limit on HDB homes?

This section will go through the HDB Weight Regulations according to HDB Directive. 

Condominium regulations differ from one to another and you should check with your Condo Council before buying for bathtub. However, the regulations for Condos are usually similar to the HDB Regulations. As such they are grouped together under this section.

 

The bottom line is, for Bathtubs in HDB Homes: No More than 150kg for the bathtub alone.

You can find this directive at this link under others.

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Your bathtub is classified as an ‘equipment’ and falls under this regulation. If you select a lightweight bathtub made of Acrylic or Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic, they usually weigh under 40kg and will not pose an issue. However, heavier bathtubs such as Cast-Iron or Marble can weigh above 150kg and are not an option.

 

Total weight allowed inclusive of water and person: 400kg

Apart from the sole weight of the equipment, we need to consider other aspects such as the weight of users, as well as water weight.

All these factors when added up together, must be within the 400kg weight limit.

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For illustration purposes, we have selected our smallest bathtub, middle sized bathtub, and largest bathtub to show you how it falls within the 400kg weight limit.

Example 1

Bathtub: Beatrix
Measurements: 1100mm x 750mm x 550mm
Type: Soaking Tub
Bathtub Material: Acrylic

Calculation Breakdown: 80kg (User Weight) + 100kg (Water Weight) + 40kg (Bathtub + Faucet Weight) = 220kg

Within the 400kg Maximum Limit? : ✅

Example 2

Bathtub: Everlyn
Measurements: 1320mm x 1320mm x 650mm
Type: Corner Tub
Bathtub Material: Acrylic

Calculation Breakdown: 80kg x 2 (User Weight) + 100kg (Water Weight) + 40kg (Bathtub Weight) = 300kg

Is it within the 400kg Maximum Limit? : ✅

Example 3

Bathtub: Sydney 
Measurements: 1800mm
Type: Soaking Tub
Bathtub Material: Acrylic

Calculation Breakdown: 80kg (User Weight) + 100kg (Water Weight) + 40kg (Bathtub Weight) = 220kg

Is it within the 400kg Maximum Limit? : ✅

 

Plumbing and Drainage Regulations

Usually, piping connecting the bathtub drain and your bathroom’s drain, makes use of PVC pipes. However, if you would like to opt for copper or stainless steel pipes, it would be best to seek advise from your contractor.

If you are considering having your water pipes to be concealed under your flooring, the floor slab cannot be tampered with and has to remain intact. However, this is discouraged as water leakage to the floor below may occur if the work is not properly done.

Keep in mind that all piping matters should only be handled by a PUB licensed plumber, such that all works adhere to PUB’s requirements.

(https://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/residential/living-in-an-hdb-flat/renovation/sanitary-and-plumbing/-gas-works)

Flooring and Tiling

When it comes to flooring and tiling matters it is also an area of consideration, given that depending on the method of bathtub installation, it may eventually affect ground works.

HDB regulations state, the Maximum Height for Raising Floor Area: 50mm in Thickness

Apart from that, the hollow allowance beneath the bathtub known as the Void Area, cannot be filled with cement mortar or other materials, and has to be kept empty.

In order for future maintenance to be possible, an inspection opening should be made available, as well as the existence of weep holes.

https://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/residential/living-in-an-hdb-flat/renovation/sanitary-and-plumbing/-gas-works

 

New Home Restrictions

For home owners who have just received the keys to their flats, if you are considering a bigger bathtub (maximum length 1800mm) and yet your bathroom is too small, please be mindful of these following restrictions on your new home.

You will only be able to Enlarge your Bathroom after 3 years has passed from the block completion date.

 

Long Bath(Bigger Bathtubs) Restrictions

If you are thinking of extending your bathroom, just to accommodate a Long Bath (bigger bathtubs) which ranges from 1800mm, 1900mm and larger, unfortunately, it is not allowed.

 

Installation Process

Now that we have a wider knowledge on the varying installation methods available for bathtubs, there are also different accompanying installation processes that we should consider.

A general procedure for the delivery and installation process goes something like this:

Step 1: Singapore Bathtubs will be in-charge of the Doorsite Delivery – where your bathtub will be delivered to your doorstep

Step 2: The Contractor will then takeover from here and start Uncrating the Bathtubs on the spot.

Step 3 & 4: The Bathtub will then be transported into your bathroom and manoeuvred into the designated bathtub space, accounted by the contractor.

Step 5: Pertaining to drainage works, the contractor will then hook up the bathtub drain to the bathroom’s drainage outlet via PVC pipes, and run some tests.

Should you request for your piping to be even more neat and nicely done up, it is possible to cut a hole in the bathtub, in order for the excess of the hose to pass through.

 

Having established the steps each process will consist of, we can look into further detail for each installation type.

Drop-In Bathtub Installation

Drop-in bathtubs generally do not have any finished sides and only embody the core of  what a bathtub is, otherwise known as a tub frame (bathtub shell). Before the frame/shell can be dropped it, an existing skeleton needs to be installed beforehand. As such, this method becomes more complicated and costly. Nonetheless, should you prioritise your bathtub to consummately correspond with your bathroom, you can give this technique a go.

Remember to take note of the above mentioned regulations regarding the weight limits and the flooring limitations, when constructing the pre-structure for the bathtub to be fitted into.

Floor slabs should not exceed 150kg per square meter, and the raised flooring should not exceed 50mm in thickness.

 

Freestanding Bathtub Installation

Freestanding Bathtubs are standalone tubs that rely on its framework to hold itself up. There are legs beneath the bathtub that will be adjusted such that a gap between the bathtub base and floor will exists. This gap is usually around 2cm.

Sometimes, a support structure is required to give the bathtub more foundation, which is otherwise known as the range of Clawfoot Bathtubs. These Clawfoot bathtubs have Clawfoot legs, which are studier than the average bathtub legs, but still serve the same purpose of holding the bathtub up and maintaining that 2cm gap between the floor and the bottom of the bathtub.

 

Alcove and Corner Bathtub Installation

The way that Alcove and Corner bathtubs are installed, are rather similar to that of Freestanding bathtubs such that they do not require any before hand structural work to be done. They are usually installed in the corner of the bathroom to maximise space and mounted against the wall with cement, or sealed with silicon to prevent water from seeping through to achieve a clean and finished look.

Jacuzzi (Hot tub) Installation

For users who wish to have a jacuzzi installed in their home, it has to be purchased ready- made, as  construction of a hot tub using bricks or hollow bricks is not permitted.

In regards to the installation matters, the jacuzzi has to be installed within the intended bathroom space allocated by HDB, and the floor slab that it is installed upon should not be tampered with. The entire weight of the bathtub, water, motor and any other equipment should be kept under 400kg (refer to above bathtub weight regulations). Also, be aware that because the jacuzzi involves hot water, proper water drainage has to be ensured.