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How Do I Fix a Walk-In Tub That Is Not Level?

Updated September 2026

▶Glossary7
  1. How an Unlevel Tub Shows Itself
  2. Leveling the Tub with the Legs
  3. Why the Hinges Are Not the Fix
  4. Who Does the Work
  5. Related Guides
  6. Related Videos
  7. Common Questions

A walk-in tub that is not level is fixed at its leveling legs, never at the door or the hinges. Ella tubs have at least six leveling legs, and each one must rest solidly on the floor with no gap beneath it; when a leg hangs free the shell bows, the door rubs the jamb and the seal can leak. The Proper Door Alignment video shows the correction, and Adjusting the Door Handle Lock Nut, and Why the Hinges Are Not the Fix for a Door That Is Hard to Close explains why leveling comes before any other adjustment.

How an Unlevel Tub Shows Itself

Most owners notice the problem at the door. When the tub is bowed down in the middle, the door rubs the jamb or needs a hard push to close, and the gasket may not touch on the lower handle side. The video explains the cause: one or more legs are not carrying weight, so the tub warps and the door contacts the jamb.

Leveling the Tub with the Legs

The video walks through the fix, one leg at a time.

  • Check every leg. Any foot that is not solidly on the ground, or that has a gap beneath it, is the cause.
  • If the tub is bowed down in the center, raise the center by extending the leveling leg there until the tub opens up and the door frame clears the swing of the door.
  • Adjust each leg so it rests firmly on the floor with no gap.
  • Take careful measurements on all sides of the tub and keep adjusting until the tub is level and straight.
  • Open and close the door several times. It should close securely and pull evenly into the seal.

Then check the seal and the latch. If the seal is still not compressed enough on the latch side, the team may suggest adding a shim to the door latch and testing again.

Why the Hinges Are Not the Fix

The door is designed to carry its own weight and nothing more, and the door and seal warranty is valid only when the tub and door are aligned correctly and the alignment has not been changed by a bather's weight on the door. A door that sits low after someone leaned on it is still not a hinge job: level the tub, check the seal, and contact the team with photos. A door that visibly droops or tilts when open is a different fault, a bent hinge, which is a replacement part rather than an adjustment. Bent or Loose Door Hinge: Diagnosis, Tightening, and Replacement shows how to tell the two apart, and notes that a new seal will not fix a door that is out of level.

Who Does the Work

Leveling is part of installation, so it belongs to your local licensed plumber or installer; Ella does not send technicians. If the door still rubs or leaks after every leg is firmly on the floor, open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850 with your serial number and a photo of the open door from the side.

Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Door Rubbing the Jamb The video explains that a door rubbing the jamb indicates the tub is bowed down.
  2. 0:33 Ensuring Tub is Level Ella's Bubbles tubs have at least six leveling legs that must be solidly on the ground to prevent leaks.
  3. 0:47 Making Final Adjustments Each leg is adjusted to rest firmly on the floor, and careful measurements are taken to achieve a level tub.

Watch: Ellas Bubbles: Proper Door Alignment with chapters and a full transcript.

Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Leveling Legs Are Critical Many Ella's Bubbles walk-in tubs have up to eight leveling legs to evenly disperse weight and ensure proper function.
  2. 0:14 Secure Each Foot The technician checks if each foot is securely on the ground, as an unsealed door could leak.
  3. 0:28 Check Tub Levels The technician checks levels on all sides of the tub to ensure all feet sit securely on the floor.
  4. 0:41 Proper Door Alignment Proper leveling assures correct door alignment and closure for your walk-in tub.

Common Questions

How many leveling legs does an Ella walk-in tub have?
Ella walk-in tubs have at least six leveling legs, and the Proper Door Alignment video stresses that every one must be solidly on the ground with no gaps. A single leg left hanging is enough to bow the tub and put the door out of alignment.
Can a walk-in tub that is not level make the door leak?
Yes. When the tub is not level the door cannot close securely against its seal, and the video warns that this can lead to a leak. Leveling the legs lets the door close properly again.
Should I adjust the hinges if the door is hard to close?
No. A door that has become hard to close or rubs the jamb is corrected by adjusting the leveling legs until every foot is firmly on the floor. The hinge screws are meant to stay untouched, and changing the door alignment can affect the door and seal warranty.
What if the door hangs crooked when it is open?
A door that droops or tilts when fully open is riding on a bent hinge rather than an unlevel tub. That hinge is a replacement part available through your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850, who will ask for your model and serial number and a photo of the open door from the side.
Will Ella send someone out to level my tub?
No. Ella does not send technicians; leveling is done by your local licensed plumber or installer, and the team supports the work by phone and ticket. Usually no parts are needed.

Related guides

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