Bathtubs come in acrylic and cast iron, and they feel, weigh, and age completely differently. The choice affects the floor, the install, and how long the tub holds heat.
The acrylic
Acrylic tubs are light, affordable, and warm to the touch, and they are easy to install but can scratch and flex.
The cast iron
Cast iron tubs are enameled, heavy, and extremely durable, and they hold bathwater heat far longer, but they need a strong floor.
The weight
A cast iron tub can weigh hundreds of pounds, so the framing and the delivery both matter. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older city rowhomes have aging supply lines In Philadelphia, second-floor installs favor lighter acrylic.
The repair
Acrylic can often be refinished or repaired, while cast iron's enamel can be refinished but the tub itself rarely breaks.
The heat
Cast iron holds bathwater heat far longer than acrylic, which matters for long soaks. The tradeoff is the weight and the price.
The call
Match the tub to the house and the budget. Call 888-217-3585 and Philadelphia Plumbing Pros will match you with a Philadelphia pro.
Plumbing in Philadelphia: what to know
In Philadelphia, freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older city rowhomes have aging supply lines. Pros in our network know the local quirks and bring the right parts on the first visit.
Across Philadelphia County — from Palmyra, Camden and Collingswood to ZIP codes like 19140, 19133, 19120 — homeowners deal with the same kinds of issues. The tips above apply locally, and when a job goes beyond a quick fix, a vetted local pro is only a call away.
Need a hand in Philadelphia?
If a plumbing issue is beyond a quick fix, don't wait for it to get worse. Call 888-217-3585 and Philadelphia Plumbing Pros will match you with a vetted local pro — usually within minutes. Learn more about plumbing help in Philadelphia.