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Resealing, Trimming and Add-Ons: Which Changes Keep Your Walk-In Tub Warranty Intact

Updated September 2026

▶Glossary8
  1. Resealing an Existing Fitting Keeps Your Coverage
  2. Cutting or Trimming the Tub Voids the Warranty
  3. Gluing Panels or Trim to the Tub Surface
  4. Adding a Seat Belt or Similar Accessory After Installation
  5. Before Your Plumber Modifies Anything
  6. Related Videos
  7. Common Questions
  8. Still Need Help?

Having a licensed plumber reseal an existing fitting on your Ella walk-in tub does not void the warranty, as long as no new holes are drilled and nothing is cut. The changes that do affect coverage are cutting or trimming the tub, and gluing anything directly to the tub surface. Accessories installed with care, such as a seat belt, leave the warranty exactly as it was. This article walks through the situations support hears about most often so you and your installer know where the line is.

Resealing an Existing Fitting Keeps Your Coverage

Fittings such as the chromatherapy light pass through openings made at the factory. If one of those fittings develops a leak, a licensed plumber can remove it, clean the surfaces and reseal it in the same opening. Because the tub is not being drilled or cut, the warranty stands in full. Related repair steps are described in removing and replacing an air jet and in fixing a leak at the microbubble tank fitting. If you are unsure whether a repair counts as a reseal, open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support before the work starts and the support team will confirm.

Cutting or Trimming the Tub Voids the Warranty

Installers sometimes ask whether an inch can be taken off each end of the deck to fit a tub into a tight opening. Ella does not recommend this, because cutting the tub voids the warranty, even for an experienced installer who has done it on other brands. If the opening is tight, measure again and talk with your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 about a model or panel option that fits, rather than modifying the tub you have. Filler options are explained in what an extension panel is, and the published exclusions are listed in what can void your warranty.

Gluing Panels or Trim to the Tub Surface

Decorative PVC panels can, in theory, be added to the exterior of the tub to enhance its appearance, as long as they do not interfere with the tub's functionality. Keep every access panel reachable, trimming the decorative panels around them if needed. The important caution is the method of attachment. Gluing panels directly to the tub surface voids the warranty on the tub surface. If you want a decorative look, plan trim that is fastened to the surrounding wall or floor framing, and keep adhesives off the tub.

Adding a Seat Belt or Similar Accessory After Installation

Owners occasionally add a safety accessory, such as a seat belt, after the tub has been in use. Support has confirmed that installing a seat belt leaves the warranty the same, with one reminder: be careful when drilling. The reasoning matches why drilling for a faucet or grab bar does not void the warranty. Clean, correctly placed holes made by a competent installer are an accepted part of finishing the tub. Damage caused by careless drilling is installation damage rather than a covered defect, so have a licensed professional do the work.

Before Your Plumber Modifies Anything

  1. Identify exactly what will be done: resealing in an existing opening, drilling a new hole for an accessory, or cutting material.
  2. If it is a reseal or an accessory hole, proceed with a licensed plumber or contractor and keep the receipt for your records.
  3. If it involves cutting the tub shell, deck or panels, stop and contact support first, because that work voids the warranty.
  4. Photograph the area before and after the work in case you ever need to file a claim.
  5. Review how installation choices affect coverage so the rest of the install stays within the terms.
Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Reversible End Panel Placement The video explains how to position the reversible end panel on either side of the tub to cover plumbing and the frame.
  2. 0:33 Extension Panel For Shorter Tubs Ella's Bubbles walk-in tubs under 60 inches long include an extension panel to fit standard 60-inch alcoves.
  3. 1:06 Removable Front Apron Panels Ella's Bubbles walk-in tubs feature a removable front apron with access panels for servicing plumbing and components.
  4. 1:28 Removing Panels Before Moving Tub All removable panels, including the front apron, end panel, and extension panels, must be removed before moving the walk-in tub.
Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Reversible End Panel Included Every Ella walk-in tub includes one reversible end panel that can be placed on either side of the tub.
  2. 0:36 Extension Panel for Tubs Ella walk-in tubs under 60 inches long come with an extension panel to fit a standard 60-inch alcove.
  3. 1:08 Removable Front Apron Ella walk-in tubs feature a removable front apron with access panels for plumbing and component service.
  4. 1:30 Removing Panels Before Moving All removable panels must be taken off before the walk-in tub is moved into the house and bathroom.
Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 What Are Extension Panels? Ella's Bubbles walk-in tubs use extension panels to create the best fit for your new tub in your home.
  2. 0:14 Trimming Panels For Fit Extension panels can be trimmed to ensure your tub fits seamlessly and beautifully, even if your alcove is out of square.
  3. 0:29 Panel Storage Space The extension panels provide a convenient place for towels, shampoos, soaps, and other bathing items.

Common Questions

Does my plumber need written authorization before resealing a leaking fitting?
No formal authorization is required for a reseal that reuses the existing opening. Because no holes are drilled and nothing is cut, the warranty stands in full. If you would like written confirmation for your records, open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support and describe the fitting involved.
Can I cut the tub deck to fit a tight alcove?
No. Cutting the tub voids the warranty, and Ella does not recommend it even for experienced installers who have done it on other brands. Re-measure the opening and speak with your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 about a model or panel option that fits.
Will decorative panels on the outside of the tub void the warranty?
Panels added to the exterior that do not interfere with the tub's functionality are acceptable in theory. Gluing them directly to the tub surface, however, voids the warranty on the tub surface. Fasten decorative trim to the surrounding framing instead of the tub.
Does installing a seat belt after the tub is in use change coverage?
No. Support has confirmed that adding a seat belt leaves the warranty the same. The only caution is to be careful when drilling, since damage from careless drilling is installation damage rather than a covered defect.
Who does the labor if a fitting needs resealing under warranty?
Ella does not send technicians. Any replacement parts ship under the parts warranty, and a local licensed plumber performs the resealing. Support can answer your plumber's questions about that fitting by phone or through a ticket.

Still Need Help?

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

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