Is it possible to cut down part of a plastic bathtub in a mobile home?

Nancy Collins
by Nancy Collins

I fell and fractured my hip and have 2 steel rods holding everything together. I have a hard time getting in and out of the tub. Was wondering if I could get someone to cut out part of outside wall so it would be a shorter entry way to get in and out of the tub. If so, what would we have to do to close off where it was Cut? icon


  15 answers
  • I think I would just change it out with a walk-in shower. I think cutting the existing one will just lead to problems with structure/ water leaking, etc.

  • Mogie Mogie on Aug 09, 2020

    I am seriously considering a tub cut out. Here is more info:


    https://www.lifewaymobility.com/blog/tub-cut-out-or-walk-in-tub-which-is-right-for-you/

  • FrugalFamilyTimes.com FrugalFamilyTimes.com on Aug 09, 2020

    I think cutting an outside wall is a pretty severe way to solve this sort of problem. Maybe find a way to replace tub with a shower?

  • Morgan McBride Morgan McBride on Aug 09, 2020

    I can't imagine how it would ever be water tight again

  • Could you get a shower chair and some bars installed to hold onto to help you get out easier?

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Aug 09, 2020

    It seems like a practical solution to remove the side of a tub so you can easily get in an out of it. Probably even before you injured yourself you were not taking baths, most of the adult population showers. We put the kids in the tub to scrub them and to keep them busy and make cute videos, the soap/shampoo rinse off is in the form of a shower of some sort.


    As we have gotten older, we no longer want or can use the tub, it was nice in the beginning, not so much now, totally impractical. And I have thought of cutting down a side for easier access. It would be a hot mess, it can be done though. I would worry about trip and cut hazards.


    The main hurdle is getting in and out of the tub/shower combo. Grab bars are helpful, but the actual lifting of the legs is difficult. They do make pivotal seats that fit over the lip of the tub, so you'd have to sit on it, raise your legs and pivot into the tub while still on the seat. Reverse the process when done with your shower. Also you can have a waterproof seat in the tub to sit on if needed.


    As for walk in tubs, they are expensive and think about what you are doing with them, this is what they don't advertise. You will be sitting in it buck naked waiting for it to fill...brrr.

    Same deal when you are getting out waiting for the water to drain.


    Bottom line, I would pursue a walk-in shower complete with grab bars. Do it right. Best to you.

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Aug 09, 2020

    There are companies that can remove and replace your entire tub with a walk-in shower in one day. It must not be rocket science then.

    I suggest you keep on looking for more information on removal and replacement.

    If you try to cut a tub that is fiberglass, it is a recipe for failure.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Aug 10, 2020

    Hello Nancy,

    You may wish to look at bath seats and transfer panels available in invalid care shops or online - eBay , amazon etc. or maybe changing the bath for a shower. Do you have a social services dept. If so check them out to...

  • Oliva Oliva on Aug 10, 2020

    If you have the side of your tub cut out, you will need a guarantee that the remaining drainage slope is sufficient to keep the water contained , and that the water will rapidly flow into the drain. Note that the interior shower curtain must be sufficiently long to avoid water escaping onto your floor outside the tub.


    If you opt for this, please do lengthy research before commiting to any contract, and check for a written, ironclad guarantee of all aspects. You don't want to have to incur costs to correct someone's mistakes.


    As mentioned, installing grab bars at the front, middle and rear of the tub area, as well as a fold down , sturdy seat would be wise, should you ever need these.

  • I would replace it with a walk in shower, I think that if you cut into it that there may be more harm in that than good. Plus, the edges may be sharp or partially hollow on the inside...

  • Deb K Deb K on Aug 12, 2020

    Hi Nancy, there are companies out there that do this, here's one, hope it helps you

    https://www.cleancutbath.com/


    If it is a fiberglass tub you can cut it with virtually any saw blade. The easiest and most versatile saw for this type of cutting is the reciprocating saw or "sawzall". Blades are available up to nearly a foot in length, making it easy to cut most anything. Just don't cut through the floor or your plumbing!

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Aug 12, 2020

    Nancy

    First let me say I am so sorry about your hip injury. Bless you my dear. Here is some info that may help you out. Another idea is find a used tub that is lower at usually some place like habitat for humanity stores, or stores that sell things like this. might be easier to take out old tub and put in smaller one


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCDoxE9i7XU



    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/15973773652034623/


  • Sharon Sharon on Aug 12, 2020

    I would just take the tub out and put in a shallow shower pan and then you can add a shower chair. Lowe's has many shower pans. My disabled clients is about 1" lip.