The Front Apron on My New Tub Looks Bowed or Pulled Away: Why It Happens and How to Reseat It

A front apron that looks bowed, sagging or pulled away from the tub when you unwrap a new Ella walk-in tub is usually not damage. The aprons are flexible panels, and they bow downward while the tub is tightly wrapped for shipping protection. Once the wrapping is off, the apron can be adjusted and secured back into place, or simply removed so the bare tub is easier to carry into the bathroom and reattached after the tub is set.

Why the Apron Bows in Shipping

The front apron is a thin, flexible panel held to the tub by screws and clips. During packing, the tub is wrapped snugly so nothing shifts in transit, and that pressure pushes the apron down and out of its natural line. The bow releases once the wrap comes off, but the panel may stay slightly out of position until it is reseated. This is a cosmetic panel issue and is separate from the door. If your door rubs the frame or does not close cleanly, that points to leveling, so start with the leveling fix for a door that rubs the frame.

Two Ways to Handle It

You have two good options, and either is acceptable to the support team.

1. Reseat it now. Press the apron back into line against the tub, check that the clips are engaged along the top edge, and snug the mounting screws. The panel should sit flat with an even line along the floor.
2. Remove it for the move. Take the apron off, carry the tub into the bathroom without it, set and level the tub, then reattach the apron as the last step. This protects the panel from knocks on door frames and keeps it out of the way while your plumber works on the drain and supply connections.

The apron comes off with a few screws and clips. Step-by-step instructions are in how to remove and reattach the front apron.

If the Apron Still Bows After It Is Secured

On occasion an apron holds a slight bow at the center even after the clips and screws are in. The team's fix is a thin washer behind the middle screw, which draws the center of the panel in and straightens the line. Snug the screw without overtightening so the panel is not stressed, and check the fit after the tub is fully leveled, because a level tub changes how the apron sits.

When It Really Is Damage

A crack in the panel, a snapped mounting bracket or a corner that has broken off is shipping damage, not flexing. Photograph the panel and the packaging right away, keep all packaging material, and report it within 48 hours of delivery so a freight claim can be opened. Cracked aprons and broken brackets are handled with a replacement part rather than a repair. See replacing a broken front apron or its mounting brackets and replacement front apron fit and freight for what to expect.

Related Guides

• Gap Between the Apron and the Floor, or the Apron Will Not Sit Flush: Leveling Legs and Bracket Adjustment
• End Panels, Extension Panels, and Aprons: Getting the Right Replacement Panel
• How to Refit a Magnetic Access Panel That Will Not Seat in the Corners

Common Questions

Still Need Help?

Open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850 and have your model and serial number ready.