What Are Leveling Legs on a Walk-In Tub?

Leveling legs on an Ella walk-in tub are the adjustable threaded legs on the tub frame, at least six per tub, that must all touch the floor and carry equal weight so the frame stays true and the door seals. Owners also call them leveling feet, adjustable legs or tub feet. Misleveling is the number one cause of door leaks and voids the warranty, so these legs deserve real care.

How It Works

Each leg threads in and out of the frame so the tub can be set level on the actual floor, and many models have up to eight legs, including center legs that spread the weight, reduce subfloor movement and frame twist, and protect the silicone seams. A level frame lets the door meet its seal evenly all the way around. When a leg is not carrying weight, the frame and shell slowly warp, the door falls out of alignment, and the seal leaks. The factory height leaves about 3 inches under the tub for the drain piping to run above the floor, and each leg stops at its limit screw and must never be extended beyond it. Our leveling guide walks through the full procedure, and lowering the tub explains what happens if you want a lower step-in.

Which Ella Models Have It

Every Ella tub has at least six leveling legs, and many have up to eight. On the Standard and Standard60, the Zen and Zen60, the Flow and the HomeCare, the front legs must also be screwed into the subfloor. The legs sit behind the front apron, which is removable for service, so the apron comes off to see and adjust them. Our acrylic construction and frame article shows the frame they are part of.

What to Know as an Owner

• The paper test is the quickest check: try to slide a slip of paper under each leg. If it slides under, that leg is not carrying weight.
• A door that rubs the jamb usually means the center leg is not carrying weight and the tub is bowed in the middle. Raise the center leg until the door frame clears, then re-check every leg. See door rubs the frame.
• The tub is leveled at the factory, but the installer must re-verify on site and again after the plumbing and electrical connections are made.
• Uneven gaps between the door and frame are a leveling sign. Adjust the legs until the gaps close evenly; our door leaks article covers what to check first.
• Misleveling voids the warranty, and the activation form your installer signs confirms all legs are touching. See what voids your warranty.
• For a ticket, have your model, serial number, photos of the door gap and a note on whether the paper test passed at every leg ready at ellasbubbles.com/support.

Related Guides

• How Do I Reach the Leveling Legs When the Apron Is On?

Common Questions