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Who Installs My Walk-in Tub? Hiring a Licensed Contractor and How Ella Supports Them
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Who Installs My Walk-in Tub? Hiring a Licensed Contractor and How Ella Supports Them
Updated September 2026
Who installs my walk-in tub? A licensed, experienced local contractor of your choice. Ella's Bubbles manufactures walk-in tubs and never performs or charges for installation, and you are never required to purchase installation from anyone. Any licensed plumber and electrician can install an Ella tub by following our installation manuals, and our technical support team backs up you and your installer for the life of the tub at no charge, including live video help. This article explains who should install your tub, how to find someone, and how your installer choice relates to your warranty.
Who Should Install Your Ella Walk-In Tub
It is best to hire licensed and experienced contractors who know your local building requirements and codes. Experienced plumbers and electricians can install the bathtub by following our installation manuals and the directions of Ella's technical support team. Any licensed installer is fine; certification by Ella is not required. If you are handy and want to do most of the work yourself, our DIY installation guide explains what a self-install involves and the one step, the electrical connection, that always goes to a licensed electrician.
How Ella Supports Your Installer
- Complete installation manuals and specification sheets for every model, available on each product page's Downloads tab. Our installation requirements checklist summarizes them on one page.
- Free lifetime technical support by phone and email for you and your contractor.
- Live video chat with our technical support team, available on request. Our agent can show you your bathtub live and lead your installer in the right direction.
- A full installation videos library in the order an installation actually happens.
Finding an Installer
If you do not already have a contractor in mind, the team at (800) 480-6850 can help you locate a local company through our credible nationwide network of installers, including Angi Pro. Share your installation address and the tub you are considering, and the team will reach out to an installer in your area and have them contact you. You are also free to hire any local licensed plumber and electrician you trust. Because installation is arranged directly between you and your contractor, labor pricing is set by the contractor, not by Ella, so please ask the installers you are considering for written estimates.
Watch: Buying the Tub and Installation Are Separate Decisions
Chapters in this video
- 0:00 DIY Walk-In Tub Installation The video explains that customers can purchase Ella's Bubbles walk-in tubs directly and arrange their own installation with independent contractors.
- 1:01 Ella's Professional Installation Benefits The video highlights the advantages of choosing Ella's professional installation, including expert teams and comprehensive follow-up service.
- 2:05 Accountability With Ella's Dealers The video discusses the potential for finger-pointing with independent contractors and emphasizes the accountability of Ella's in-house dealer network.
- 2:52 Ella's Dedicated Customer Service The video details Ella's commitment to customer service, including prompt team response and a seamless, stress-free installation process.
Key points from the video: Watch: Why Choose Ellau2019s Walk-In Tub Dealers: Key Benefits | Voted Best 2020 with chapters and a full transcript.
- The tub and the installation are separate decisions. You are not required to purchase installation with your tub.
- You can act as your own general contractor: bring in a carpenter to demo the space, then a plumber and electrician, have the tub set, and have each trade trim out their portion.
- Assembling your own team of independent contractors can reduce the overall project scope, but keep in mind that separate trades from separate companies can mean divided accountability if a question comes up later.
- Many customers prefer a single full service installation company or dealer crew that handles removal, haul away, installation, and testing with one point of contact. Either path is fully supported by Ella.
- Whichever route you choose, Ella remains your manufacturer contact for the tub itself, with one number to call for product support: (800) 480-6850.
Chapters in this video
- 0:00 Pre-Installation Checks and Tips Before installation, the video emphasizes checking tub dimensions, inspecting for damage, and leak-testing the tub with water.
- 1:34 Dual Drain System Installation The video demonstrates how to install Ella's exclusive dual drain system, showing various configurations and recommending a two-inch house drain.
- 3:09 Leveling and Door Alignment The technician levels the tub, ensuring proper door alignment for a leak-proof seal, and advises leaving the door unlocked when not in use.
- 3:53 Water Supply and Electrical Connections The video shows connecting fast-fill faucets with three-quarter inch supply lines and emphasizes using GFCI-protected outlets and breakers for electrical connections.
Watch: Ellas Bubbles: Walk-In Tubs Installation Tips and Recommendations with chapters and a full transcript.
This is the video to share with whoever you hire. It covers confirming fit with actual dimensions, inspecting for shipping damage, filling the tub outside to check for transit leaks, removing all panels before the tub comes indoors, connecting the four-port dual drain and capping unused ports, leveling every foot, leaving the door open so the gasket recovers, using 3/4 inch supply lines with shut-offs without over-torquing them, and testing everything on dedicated GFCI circuits before the walls close.
What to Ask a Prospective Installer
- Have they read the installation manual for your door family, and will they run the pre-installation water test before finishing the walls?
- Will a licensed electrician provide the dedicated GFCI circuit or circuits your therapy package needs?
- Will they level the tub with every leveling leg firmly on the floor and check level on all sides?
- Will they keep the front apron and access panels reachable for future service?
- Will they sign the installer section of the warranty activation form and include their electrician's license and insurance information?
Your Installer and Your Warranty
You are free to choose any installer, and that freedom comes with one responsibility: the quality of the installation matters to your coverage. Improper or negligent installation and modifications to the tub are excluded from warranty coverage, and installation labor is never covered by the warranty. Your installer also signs the warranty activation form along with you. For the details, see our article on how installation choices affect your warranty. If you have a specific question along the lines of will this void my warranty, please ask us before the work is done.
What About Installation Cost?
Ella never charges for installation, so there is no installation line item from Ella. Labor pricing belongs entirely to your contractor and varies by region and by the scope of the project, so we do not estimate it. Our article on what an installation involves lists the tasks a contractor typically includes so you can compare estimates fairly.
Related Guides
- Faucet Supply Hose Leaking Under the Deck: Access, Identification and Replacement
- Does Drilling Holes for a Faucet or Grab Bars Void the Ella Warranty? Pre-Drilled Holes, Reinforced Walls and Choosing an Installer
- Will Someone Come to My Home for an Estimate?
- Where can I buy an Ella walk-in tub near me?
- Does Ella's Bubbles Install Walk-In Tubs, and How Do I Choose an Installer?
- Who can install a walk-in tub with built-in seating and grab bars?
Common Questions
Do you have installers or dealers in my area?
Ella's Bubbles works with a nationwide network of independent installers and dealers. Share your installation address and the tub you are considering with your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850, or open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support, and the team will connect you with an installer near you.
Does Ella install the tub?
No, Ella's Bubbles manufactures walk-in tubs and never performs or charges for installation. Installation is always completed by a licensed local contractor of your choosing or one referred from Ella's nationwide network of installers. You are never required to purchase installation from anyone, and the tub and installation are separate decisions.
Does my installer need to be certified by Ella?
No, your installer does not need to be certified by Ella. Any licensed, experienced plumber and electrician can install an Ella walk-in tub by following our installation manuals and specification sheets. Ella's technical support team provides free lifetime assistance to you and your installer by phone and live video chat.
Do you send someone to my home to measure?
Ella's Bubbles does not send representatives to homes. The team helps you choose the right model by phone, live video, and the dimension guides, often from a few photos of your bathroom, doorway, and utility connections, and then your installer visits to confirm measurements.
How much does installing a walk-in tub cost?
Labor is set by your contractor based on the scope of the job, such as removing the old tub, plumbing, electrical, and wall finishing, so Ella does not estimate it. Because you choose your own installer, you can compare written estimates.
Who handles service after installation?
Ella's technical support diagnoses the issue with photos and ships any covered part at no charge. Fitting the part is done by your installer or a local tradesperson, since labor is not covered. See our article on who repairs your tub after installation.
Can the tub be delivered to my contractor instead of my home?
Yes, if your home or building cannot accept a freight delivery, your Ella walk-in tub can be shipped directly to your installer's business address. This option ensures the tub reaches a secure location that can accommodate freight deliveries. Please coordinate this with your installer and Ella's team when arranging delivery.
Can a contractor or dealer get support directly?
Yes, Ella's technical support team works directly with installers and dealers by phone and live video. Our support team can join a three-way call or video call with your contractor before you order, or installers can call during the job with the model in hand. Our dealer, installer, and contractor programs article explains the specific resources available to trade professionals.
Can a regular plumber install it, or does it have to be your people?
Any licensed plumber and electrician you trust can install an Ella tub with the spec sheet, installation video and electrical diagram. Ella manufactures and ships the tub; installation is a separate agreement, and installers from the referral network are independent third parties who quote their own labor.
What does an installer's site visit check?
Doorways and the turn into the bathroom, the drain location, the electrical panel and the tile to tile alcove measurement, all before anything is ordered. Installation cost cannot be judged over the phone because tear out, door widening, plumbing and electrical vary by house.
Can support talk to my contractor directly?
Yes. The team can join a three way call or video call with your contractor before you order, and installers can call (800) 480-6850 during the job with the model in hand. Ask the installer to fill the tub, confirm no leaks and walk you through the controls and drains before leaving.
Do I need permission from my condo association?
Yes. Condo and HOA owners should get written approval before ordering, since some associations require licensed plumbers and electricians, permits, insurance certificates and hold harmless agreements, and water shutoffs affect neighbors. Renters need the property owner's permission.
Is my Ella walk-in tub a freestanding unit that needs extra support?
Yes, Ella's Bubbles walk-in tubs are freestanding units. They are designed with leveling feet that are screwed to the support beneath the tub to keep it stable and level once it's set in place. Your installer will set, level, connect, and test the tub before closing the walls.
How do you waterproof the back corner of the tub against the wall?
A flexible tile flange pan is fitted between the wall and the tub to seal that joint, so a rounded back corner does not need to sit flush against the wall to stay watertight. There is no separate cover channel for the back of the tub, since that side rests directly against the drywall.
Can tile be installed directly on top of the tub's deck?
Yes, tile can be laid directly on top of the tub's deck as part of the surrounding bathroom finish. Your installer can plan this into the tile work around the tub during installation. Tile work is typically completed after your walk-in tub is installed, allowing your contractor to set the tub first and then finish tiling around it.
Do I need to bolt in the color therapy light myself?
No, the color therapy bulbs come pre-installed in your Ella walk-in tub, so there is no separate bolting or installation step for that feature. Your installer simply completes the standard electrical connections outlined in the installation manual, and the color therapy light is already in place.
Do the faucet and grab bars come already installed on the tub?
No, the faucet and grab bars ship uninstalled in their own box separate from the tub. They are straightforward for a licensed contractor to mount and connect during the standard installation process, following the installation manual for your model.
Will my installer need to remove a wall to fit the tub?
It depends on your bathroom's layout. Some installations, especially where doorways, hallways, or turns are tight, may require removing a section of wall to get the tub into place, which is one reason a contractor's site visit to check doorways, turns, and access points is recommended before ordering.
For the Escape 36x72 tub, can plumbing connections be made through the front access panels alone?
Yes, on the Escape 36x72, final plumbing connections can be made through the access panels on the front of the tub, under the seat. This allows the tub to be installed in an alcove with no side or back access, though the initial installation may be a bit more involved since everything is reached from the front.
What happens to the wall and floor after my old tub is removed?
Your licensed contractor is expected to assess and prepare the wall and floor conditions once your existing tub comes out, before setting your new Ella walk-in tub in place. This is a standard part of a professional installation, so it is worth asking your contractor how they plan to handle it. Ella's technical support team remains available to guide your installer on tub specific requirements once the space is ready.
Should bathroom tile be installed before or after my walk-in tub is set in place?
Tile work is typically completed after your walk-in tub is installed, allowing your contractor to set the tub first and then finish tiling around it. If your bathroom already has existing tile, your installer can also position the tub directly against it instead. Your contractor is the best person to plan the exact sequence that fits your bathroom's layout.
How do I adjust the leveling legs on my Ella walk-in tub?
To adjust a leveling leg, first loosen the lock nut on that leg, then turn the leg to raise or lower it as needed. Once the tub sits level, tighten the lock nut again to hold the leg in place. This adjustment is typically handled by your installer while leveling the tub during setup.
Do you have to remove a panel to reach the tub's leveling legs?
Yes, the front apron panel of the tub can be removed to access the leveling legs underneath. This provides your installer with a clear path to loosen, adjust, and re-secure each leveling leg while ensuring the tub is perfectly level on all sides. Your installer should keep the front apron and access panels reachable for future service.
What should I tell my installer about the tub's draining system?
Ella's Bubbles walk-in tubs use an exclusive dual drain system with four ports, and any ports not needed for your setup are capped off during installation. Let your installer know the installation video recommends connecting to a two-inch house drain for proper flow. Your installer can review the drain details in the installation manual and video before finishing the walls.
Can my builder install the walk-in tub in a new construction home?
Yes, for new construction your builder can install the walk-in tub as part of the build. Any licensed plumber and electrician on the builder's crew can complete the installation by following the installation manual for your model, with Ella's technical support available to them by phone and live video. If your builder would like the specification sheet or installation manual ahead of time, they can find it on the product page's Downloads tab or ask your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850.
Do you have installers or contractors available in Canada?
Yes, Ella's Bubbles works with contractors across the United States and in Canada. Share your installation address and the tub you are considering with your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850, or open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support, and the team will look for an installer near you. You are also welcome to hire any local licensed plumber and electrician you trust, since local options are often more readily available.
Is it better to use a local plumber or a contractor from your network?
Ella's Bubbles recommends hiring a local plumber or contractor whenever you can, because the tubs are designed so they do not require a specialized or high maintenance installer. Local tradespeople are often more readily available, and any licensed plumber and electrician can complete the job by following the installation manual with Ella's technical support behind them. The referral network remains available if you would rather have the team locate someone for you.
Is installing an Ella walk-in tub different from installing a standard bathtub?
Installing an Ella walk-in tub is similar to installing a standard bathtub, with one addition: the therapy features need dedicated electrical connections. A licensed electrician wires those connections on GFCI-protected circuits alongside the plumbing work any tub installation requires. This keeps the job well within reach for an experienced, licensed plumber and electrician.
Can an Ella walk-in tub be installed in either a left or right corner?
Yes, Ella walk-in tubs are available in left-hand and right-hand corner configurations so they can match your bathroom layout. Your installer can help you decide which configuration fits your space best before the tub is ordered. This flexibility applies whether you use an independent contractor or a dealer installer.
Do walk-in tubs with therapy options need electrical work during installation?
Yes, walk-in tubs with therapy options such as air or hydrotherapy jets need a dedicated electrical connection in addition to the standard plumbing work. A licensed electrician should provide the GFCI-protected circuit your therapy package requires, following the installation manual and electrical diagram for your model. Your installer coordinates this electrical work alongside the plumbing connections during setup.
Will I need to rip out my entire tile alcove to install a new tub?
Not necessarily, since your installer assesses your existing bathroom during a site visit to determine what work is actually needed, which can include cutting or removing some existing tile. The extent of any demolition depends on your current space and the tub being replaced, so ask your installer to walk you through what your specific bathroom requires. Your installer, not Ella, determines the exact scope of tile work for your project.
Does Ella's Bubbles work with Medicaid, Medicare, or other programs for installation costs?
No, Ella's Bubbles does not work directly with third-party financing companies or government programs such as Medicaid or Medicare for installation costs. Installation is arranged directly between you and your independent contractor, so any financing or assistance programs would need to be coordinated through your installer or those programs directly. Your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 can point you toward general options if you have questions.
Does Ella's Bubbles test tubs before they leave the factory?
Yes, every Ella walk-in tub is tested at the factory before it ships to confirm the jets, pump, and other functions are working properly. Your installer should still perform a water test on site after delivery, since transit can occasionally cause leaks. Testing at both the factory and on site helps catch any issues before the walls close.
What information does a contractor need before giving me an accurate installation estimate?
A contractor typically needs to know which Ella walk-in tub model you are considering, since your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 can then share that model's electrical diagram and specification sheet with the installer. This helps the contractor account for the tub's specific plumbing and electrical requirements when preparing their estimate. Ask each installer you are considering for a written estimate so you can compare them fairly.
Who is responsible for getting the permit for my installation?
Pulling the permit is your installer's job. Installers need to carry insurance and be able to pull permits where you live. Ella's Bubbles is the manufacturer and does not perform installation, so permits are handled between you and your contractor.
Can a contractor remove my old tub and install an Ella tub?
Yes, contractors can remove an old tub and install your new Ella walk-in tub. Your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 can also recommend local installers in your area. Ella never performs installation itself, so the work is arranged directly with your chosen contractor.
What do installers need to give me an installation estimate?
Installers can come out to your home to measure and provide their own estimate. If you would like an estimate without a visit first, pictures and measurements of the space may be needed. Your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 can point you to installers in your area.
Do I usually need a permit to replace an existing shower pan?
Permits are not typically needed for replacing an existing shower pan with a new one of the same type. Your licensed contractor knows your local building requirements and codes, so it is a good idea to confirm with them before the work begins.
Where does the tile flange on a shower pan go?
The tile flange on a shower pan needs to go under the tile so that water is directed into the pan and does not leak behind the wall. Your installer can plan this into the tile work during installation.
Are the installers in Ella's network experienced and well rated?
Yes, Ella's Bubbles works with a network of installers throughout the United States. The network is made up of experienced professionals with good ratings. Your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 can help connect you with an installer in your area.
Can I ask for another installer referral if the first one is not a fit?
Yes, Ella's Bubbles can provide installer referrals. Contact your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850, or open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support, and share your installation address and the tub you are considering. You are also always free to hire any licensed local plumber and electrician you trust.
Do all referred installers do residential bathroom installations?
Some referred installers may only do commercial installations. When you speak with a referred installer, confirm that they take on residential walk-in tub projects before you request a written estimate. If one is not the right fit, you can ask for another referral.
Are there Ella dealers or installers near me in Nebraska?
Ella's Bubbles does not have many dealers or local installers in Nebraska. Your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 can still help with installer referrals, and you are free to hire any licensed local plumber and electrician you trust. Ella's technical support team is available to you and your installer for the life of the tub.
Where is Ella's Bubbles located?
Ella's Bubbles is based in Chicago, where its warehouse, main showroom, and office are located. Ella works with a nationwide network of independent installers and dealers, so your installer is typically a local licensed contractor near you.
Still need help? Our team is always happy to assist. Open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call us at (800) 480-6850.
About this guide. Answers in the Ella’s Bubbles Support Center are compiled from real conversations with tub owners, our technicians’ notes and the product documentation, then reviewed by our team. Tub models and options have evolved over the years, so a detail here may differ slightly from your exact tub. If something looks different on yours, send us your serial number and a specialist will confirm it for your model.
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