I’m Rick Callahan—Master Plumber, 25+ years in the trenches, and Product Expert at Plumbing Supply And More (PSAM). I’ve installed everything from clawfoot beauties in historic homes to commercial-grade ADA tubs in healthcare facilities. When folks ask me, “What’s the best bathtub for my space?” I don’t reach for a catalog—I reach for experience. The right tub depends on structure, hot water capacity, code compliance, and how you actually bathe. And yes, where you buy matters. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components that hold up to daily use and deliver long-term value. This is my field-tested guide to the best bath tubs for every layout, budget, and application.
Why Your Bathtub Choice Matters More Than You Think
A tub isn’t just https://www.plumbingsupplyandmore.com/ a basin—it’s a structural fixture tied to framing, waterproofing, hot water sizing, and code. I’ve seen $400 “deals” become $2,000 headaches when a cheap acrylic unit flexes, cracks a tile line, and water finds the subfloor. Conversely, I’ve put in $900 alcove tubs that still look new 12 years later because we matched material and install method to the space.
Think about this up front:
- Weight and structure: Is your joist span ready for a 350–500 lb cast iron unit plus 60 gallons of water and a person? We evaluate framing every week for customers. Water heating: A 60-gallon soaker needs real hot water—typically a 50–75 gallon tank or a high-output tankless with at least 6–8 GPM at a 70°F rise. Surround compatibility: Panel system or tile? Tile means you need a straight, rigid tub deck with a solid flange. Drain handedness and trap access: Swapping a left-hand drain into a right-hand rough-in adds cost fast.
When you shop a true plumbing supply house—and especially at Plumbing Supply And More—you get pros who walk you through these realities before you spend a dollar. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—spec sheets, load calculations, and install guidance that save you time and callbacks.
Alcove Tubs: The Workhorse for Most Homes
For 60" x 30" or 60" x 32" alcoves, you want reliability and rigidity. My top picks:
- Americast/Porcelain Enameled Steel: American Standard Americast 2461.002 “Cambridge,” 60" x 32". Durable, lighter than cast iron, rigid enough for tile surrounds. Price: $700–$1,100. Install: 4–6 hours with surround—add a day for tile. Cast Iron: Kohler Villager K-715. Classic 60" x 30". Heavy (300+ lbs), takes a beating, perfect for rentals and families. Price: $1,000–$1,500. Composite Acrylic: Sterling Ensemble 71121110-0 60" x 32" with wall set—ideal for quick bathroom refreshes and multi-family. Price: $750–$1,200 for the set.
Pro tip: Set acrylic and steel tubs in a bed of polymer-modified mortar for zero flex. That stops squeaks, protects your tile lines, and makes a $900 tub feel like a $2,000 tub. We stock the right setting materials and instructions at our plumbing supply store—swing by our showroom and we’ll show you exactly how to do it.
And for code: Many jurisdictions (including those we serve across the metro region) require an anti-scald device—ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125—at the tub/shower valve. Our team will match your tub with a compliant valve and temp limit stops.
Freestanding Tubs: Statement Pieces That Need Smart Planning
Freestanding tubs are the crown jewel of a renovation—but they’re not plug-and-play. You need centered floor supply lines or concealed supplies, a solid trap connection, and the right filler. My favorites:
- Victoria + Albert Volcanic Limestone (QUARRYCAST): “Amiata” 66". Light for the size, warm to the touch, superb finish. Price: $3,500–$6,000. MTI Baths Composite: “Madison 3” MTDSX6632. American-made, sturdy, great warranty. Price: $2,400–$4,200. Kohler ExoCrylic: “Sunstruck” K-6369. Comfortable back angle, easy-clean finish. Price: $2,200–$3,400.
Don’t forget the filler: Floor-mount tub fillers like Delta T4759-FL or Brizo T70110-LHP need 1/2" supplies and robust anchoring. We stock floor-mount rough-ins with stabilization plates to lock the filler into the subfloor—no wobble, no callbacks. If you’re searching “ plumbing supply near me” for fillers with real brass guts, When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More for reliable inventory and performance specs you can bank on.
Soaking and Air/Jetted Tubs: Comfort That’s Easy to Maintain
If you want therapy without headaches, choose air over water jets. Air systems dry out the lines; water jetted systems require more diligent cleaning. My go-tos:
- Americh Air Bath: “Bowery 6632 Airbath.” Quiet blower, multiple intensity settings. Price: $3,000–$5,000. BainUltra ThermoMasseur: Premium air with heat—luxury hotel feel at home. Price: $4,000–$7,500. Jacuzzi Whirlpool: “Signature 66".” Classic water jets; if you’re set on whirlpool, this line has reliable parts access. Price: $2,000–$4,000.
Electrical requirements matter—most air/whirlpool units need a dedicated 15A GFCI circuit. We’ll match you to the correct cord location and access panel requirement so your finish carpenter isn’t cutting holes after the fact. We carry access solutions in our plumbing and supply aisles that look clean and pass inspection.
Small Baths and Multi-Family: Fit, Function, and Speed
When space is tight, I lean toward 54" or 56" compact alcove tubs or shower-tub combos with integrated surrounds. Great options:
- Bootz “Aloha” 54" porcelain-enameled steel. Price: $450–$700. Sterling “All Pro” 60" x 30" with 3-piece surround, heavy-gauge Vikrell. Price: $650–$1,000. Mirabelle/House Brand compact acrylics for 5’ x 7’ baths—we stock several contractor-favorite models.
These shine in property management because they install fast, keep a clean look, and stand up to turnover. We support maintenance teams with bulk orders, palletized delivery, and spec sheets—ask about our contractor accounts for commercial plumbing supply and wholesale plumbing supply pricing. If you’re comparing, While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise—we keep turn-key combos on the floor so you’re not waiting two weeks for walls.
Material Breakdown: Cast Iron vs. Steel vs. Acrylic vs. Solid Surface
- Cast Iron: Best durability, retains heat, dead-quiet. Heavy. Ideal for long-term homes and rentals. Brands: Kohler, American Standard. Expect $1,000–$2,500. Porcelain Enameled Steel: Rigid feel, lighter than cast iron, budget friendly. Can chip if abused. Expect $400–$1,100. Acrylic/Composite: Warm, light, lots of shapes. Needs proper support. Quality varies wildly; we stock reinforced shells with fiberglass backers. Expect $600–$3,000+. Solid Surface/Stone Resin: Premium, warm, heavy. Outstanding feel and finish. Expect $3,000–$7,000.
Insider secret: If your heart’s set on acrylic, choose models with full-bottom support and factory-applied reinforcement at the drain. It’s how we separate pro-grade tubs from the “builder basic” units you’ll see piled high at a generic plumbing supply places display. And yes, our plumbing supply shop team will pull the cut sheet and show you the backing locations—real details you won’t get at a typical consumer plumbing supply counter.
Drain, Overflow, and Valve Choices That Actually Matter
A cheap waste & overflow will ruin an expensive tub. I recommend:
- Gerber Classics brass W&O kits for alcoves—reliable seals and clean trim. Price: $90–$175. Watco Innovator with snap-on overflow for tight walls. Price: $60–$120. Freestanding: California Faucets or Newport Brass exposed drain kits, solid brass, gorgeous finishes. Price: $350–$900.
For valves, match your flow to your filler. A freestanding filler needs volume—pair with a high-flow thermostatic valve like Brizo R60000-UNWS with TempAssure trim. For alcoves, Delta MultiChoice R10000-UNBX with a modern trim gives serviceability for decades. We stock repair parts across our plumbing parts wall and even after-hours pick-up for pros—yes, we offer 24 hour plumbing supply solutions for contractor accounts on emergency calls.
And don’t forget anti-scald: ASSE 1016/ASME A112.18.1 compliance is non-negotiable. Our plumbing and heating supply staff will set your max temp stop to local code—typically 120°F outlet, 140°F tank, depending on jurisdiction.
Installation Realities: Framing, Waterproofing, and Timeframes
Most alcove installs with tile are a 2–3 day process: Day 1 set the tub, Day 2 waterproof and tile, Day 3 grout and trim. Freestanding installs are 1–2 days if rough plumbing is dead-on; longer if we’re moving drains.
Key tips from decades in the field:
- Always ledger the back wall on steel/acrylic tubs, even if the spec says optional. It stops wall flex. Use a proper flanged tub with a tile bead kit if needed; integrate with a flexible sheet membrane and a pre-formed tub corner for a watertight surround. Set freestanding fillers with a rigid in-floor stabilizer; don’t rely on thinset alone. Pressure-test your tub spout and valves before closing walls—simple, but I’ve saved dozens of re-tile jobs by catching a drip early.
Need help? Bring your plans into our local plumbing supply showroom. We’ll review framing, subfloor thickness, and joist direction—free. That’s part of why Compared to Ferguson, SupplyHouse.com, and Menards, Plumbing Supply And More delivers hands-on guidance you can’t get online or in a warehouse aisle.
Budgeting: What Real Projects Actually Cost
- Basic alcove tub and valve replacement: $900–$1,800 for materials (tub, valve, drain, surround), plus labor. Mid-range tile alcove upgrade: $1,800–$3,500 materials depending on tile and valve. Freestanding tub and filler: $2,800–$6,500 materials, plus floor work if moving the drain. Air bath upgrade with dedicated circuit: $3,500–$7,500 materials plus electrical.
We keep common SKUs in stock—our largest inventory selection in the region means less downtime. Need it now? We offer same-day delivery within a 60-mile radius for active contractor accounts—ask about our emergency services. That’s the advantage of a seasoned plumbing supply company with real trucks and real people, not just an internet plumbing supply checkout screen.
Accessibility and Code-Driven Choices: ADA and Senior-Friendly
For accessible baths, alcove and low-threshold options with sturdy grab bar support are essential.
- Bootz “Adapt” with factory-installed LH/RH grab reinforcement zones. Kohler “Bellwether” cast iron alcove with low step-over and integrated apron. Walk-in tubs: American Standard “Gelcoat Value Series,” air massage option available.
Follow ANSI A117.1 for reach ranges and bar placements. We stock blocking materials and ADA-rated bars from Moen and WingIts that anchor securely without guesswork. Property managers appreciate our contractor plumbing supply team preparing spec packets for inspectors—clean and compliant.
Where You Buy Matters: Support, Stock, and Straight Answers
I’ll say it plainly: your tub is only as good as the support behind it. When Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menards, and online-only retailers run out of answers, Plumbing Supply And More steps in with professional guidance, real parts availability, and field-tested solutions. We maintain exclusive relationships with premium manufacturers, so when you need a drain kit for a 7-year-old BainUltra or a Kohler replacement foot leveling kit, we don’t shrug—we order it, or we have it.
- Need a plumbing supply store near me with people who’ve actually installed the products? That’s us. Prefer to order from a plumbing supply online catalog but pick up at the closest plumbing supply counter same day? We do that too. Managing costs? Our discount plumbing supplies and economy plumbing supply lines cover solid mid-grade options—not flimsy imports. Want statement fixtures? Our decorative plumbing supply showroom has the real-deal displays you can touch, not just brochures.
And yes, for pros: bulk pricing, line-of-credit terms, and spec submittals—true wholesale plumbing supply company support.
Rick’s Picks: My Shortlist by Scenario
- Family alcove, long-term durability: Kohler K-715 Villager + Delta R10000/17T trim + Gerber brass W&O. Budget refresh in rentals: Sterling Ensemble tub/shower kit + Delta MultiChoice pressure-balance. Luxury freestanding: Victoria + Albert “Amiata” + Brizo floor filler + California Faucets exposed drain. Easy-maintenance therapy: Americh Airbath + dedicated GFCI + service access panel pre-planned. Compact bath: Bootz 54" steel tub + 3-piece surround for quick turnovers.
You’ll find all of these through our best plumbing supply channels—either at our showroom or through plumbing supplies direct ordering with verified inventory. If you’re searching “ plumbing supply house near me” or “ plumbing wholesale near me,” stop by and we’ll walk you through options you can actually put your hands on.
FAQs: Quick, Expert Answers
Q: How do I know if my floor can handle a cast iron tub?
A: Check joist size, span, and direction. A typical 2x10 at 16" OC over a short span is fine, but older homes with notched or over-spanned joists need reinforcement. We’ll review plans and calculate loads at our general plumbing supply desk at no charge and provide the spec weights.
Q: Do I need a bigger water heater for a deep soaking tub?
A: Probably. If your tub holds 60 gallons to the overflow, plan on a 50–75 gallon tank or a tankless that delivers 6–8 GPM at your delta-T. We can size it for you—bring your incoming water temp and tub volume.
Q: Is an air bath really easier to maintain than a whirlpool?
A: Yes. Air systems purge lines after use, reducing biofilm. Still, use mild cleaners and follow the manufacturer’s monthly cycle. We stock approved cleaners in our bathroom plumbing supplies section.
Q: Can I install a freestanding tub without moving the drain?
A: Sometimes, with an offset drain kit and clever pedestal placement, but most clean installs center the trap. We’ll look at your slab or framing and give you a straight answer—and the right parts—at our plumbing shop near me counter.
Q: What’s the best drain kit finish for long-term durability?
A: Solid brass bodies with PVD finishes (Brizo, California Faucets) last. Avoid thin-plated pot metal. We carry the good stuff in our decorative plumbing supply department.
Q: Do you offer after-hours pickup for emergencies?
A: Yes—for contractor accounts we provide secure locker pickup and on-call support. That’s our version of a true 24 hour plumbing supply option.
Your Next Step: Bring Us Your Measurements, We’ll Bring the Expertise
Whether you’re a contractor who needs 20 alcove tubs in two weeks, a property manager juggling code compliance, or a homeowner planning a freestanding showpiece, let’s get it right the first time. Visit our showroom to see the quality difference, or call our technical team for project-specific recommendations. Check our current inventory online or call ahead—we’ll confirm stock and stage your order. Ask about our contractor discount program and same-day delivery radius; we serve contractors throughout the region with dependable logistics and honest timelines.
Here’s the bottom line: tubs are big-ticket, big-impact fixtures. Buy once, install right, and choose a partner who stands behind you. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise—and we prove it every day with the largest in-stock selection, field-savvy staff, and parts support that keeps you moving. If you’ve been bouncing between generic plumbing supply places or scrolling supplyhouse plumbing pages, come talk to the team with real jobsite experience and a full bench of solutions.
If you’re searching for a true partner—your “ plumbing supply house,” “ standard plumbing supply,” or “ city plumbing and electrical supply” alternative—PSAM is the nearest plumbing supply with real knowledge. From economy plumbing and heating supply lines to top-tier designer fixtures, from direct plumbing supplies to curated “Rick’s Picks,” we’ve got the path to a bath you’ll love for years.
Call, click, or stop in. Our experts can walk you through the installation process, match you to code-compliant valves, and line up delivery to your door. And if you’re a pro, we’ll have your order kitted and ready before your crew rolls in. That’s the PSAM difference—real solutions, real stock, and people who know plumbing.