How Close Can An Electric Wall Heater Be To A Bathtub?

Nothing compares to the feeling of getting yourself relaxed and refreshed with a warm bath. Homeowners often use electric wall heaters in the bathroom. However, using one might pose risks if the heater is not placed correctly. If you're planning to install one, here's what we've looked up on how close an electric wall heater should be to the bathtub.

An electrical wall heater should be outside of the bathtub. The heat coming from it can still be effective while taking a bath in the bathtub. Also, the electric wall heater should not be in direct contact with the water to avoid electrocution.

When installing one in your bathroom, remember that putting an electric wall heater too close to the bathtub or the shower is dangerous. You might splash water on it and put yourself and your family in danger.

Always consult an expert when installing an electric wall heater near a bathtub. The heater should have accurate measurements when placing it close to a bathtub.  You will want to check out the things we've looked up for you to learn more about electric wall heaters and the bathtub. Keep on reading!

Bathtub and shower in new luxury home, Bathtub and shower in new luxury home

Benefits of Installing an Electric Wall Heater Yourself

Installing an electric wall heater can be easy if you know the proper procedures and have all the necessary tools. Doing it by yourself can also save you a lot of money.

Since electric wall heaters usually come with an installation kit and an easy-to-understand instructions, this would be a big help for you. Electric wall heaters are close-packed and light, which makes them easier to handle. 

How to Install an Electric Wall Heater Yourself

Look for a place where your electric wall heater will fit. A central location is perfect for snaking a supply wire easily through the wall. Avoid installing it where it can be blocked, such as behind a door.

For one side of the hole to be along the edge of a stud, locate a stud and carefully mark the outline of your wall heater. You will support your heater if you cut between studs. Also, it would be best if you switched off the nearby circuits.

To cut the outline of the heater on the wall, use a drywall saw. Always be mindful of the existing electrical wires or pipes you might cut while outlining the wall.

You'll need to install a new circuit breaker at the main panel since electric wall heaters need a dedicated circuit. Then try to connect the cable to the location of the heater.

Wiring in domestic consumer unit circuit breaker

Have an electrician install the new circuit after cutting the opening in the wall. This will enable your electric wall heater to connect the cable to the opening between studs, allowing slack to wire the heater.

Once the cable is installed, the cable sheathing should be removed using a cable ripper. Disconnect the wiring leads using a multi-purpose tool, then pull the cable through the heater mounting box.

Using a power drill, secure the mounting box between two studs while folding the cables behind it into the wall cavity. The wall's interior is protected from heat damage by the mounting box on wall heaters.

Screw the wall heater to the mounting box. The position of the heater must be in the right spot, so everything correctly lines up. The cover plate should be clipped. Switch the power back on, and check if your electric wall heater is functioning.

Tips when Installing an Electric Wall Heater in the Bathroom

Wall-mounted electric radiator

Usually, a heater blowing toward the shower or on a wall when entering the bathroom works well. Whether installed into the wall or portable, wall heaters are normally ideal for younger kids because each design will feature warm vents that are safe to touch and blow warm air.

Getting a heater integrated into the wall is recommended if you are worried that a portable heater could be hazardous for your children or even come into touch with water.

Take note that you should study the owner's manual thoroughly. Although portable or wall-mounted heaters may be labeled as splash-proof or water-proof, it's always a good idea to confirm how much water the heater can resist.

How Much Does Electric Wall Heater Installation Cost?

What does it cost text written in the notebook

Electric wall heater installation costs approximately $779. The total cost for most homeowners ranges between $380 and $1,207 after considering all of the factors that can impact pricing.

Installing an electric wall heater yourself ranges from $60 to $120. The installation cost varies depending on the heater model you purchase and the amount of preparation required.

The labor cost ranges from $85 to $200. If the job calls for significant electrical work, the price could rise by $400 or more. The price of the heater varies from $100 to $500.

Proper Way of Cleaning Electric Wall Heaters

Cleaning your electric heater at least twice a year can make the device function better and last longer. These simple steps will keep your heater running normally and keep you and your family warm when you need it most.

  • Disconnect any circuits that connect to your heaters. Check the circuit with your voltage detector once you've shut off the breaker to ensure the heater's electricity has been entirely disconnected.
  • If your heater has a thermostat, remove the knob with your flat head screwdriver first. 
  • Regardless of the blower, avoid allowing the fan blades to rotate while clearing the room of dust since this might harm the motor.
  • When you remove the grill, place it in a bucket of soapy water. As you blow the dust from the heater, that will give it time to absorb.
  • Be sure the grill is completely dry before you reinstall it. Any moisture that gets into the heater can damage the heater or be a safety hazard. Also, when replacing the screws, screw them in, do not bury them to prevent stripping or damaging the grill.
  • After cleaning your heater, you can turn the breaker back on. Turn the thermostat up until the heater comes on, letting it run for a few minutes. Make sure that it usually warms up and listen to make sure it sounds like it is running smoothly. 

Risks of Installing an Electric Wall Heater in the Bathroom 

Electric wall heater

An electric wall heater poses a fire risk regardless of where it is installed. Wall heaters must be connected to the appropriate power source.

Otherwise, they can trip the entire circuit. A fire may start if your wall heater is positioned too close to your towel rack, and even with the proper precautions, wall heaters can still cause burns to young children and careless adults.

Nothing about electric appliances is entirely safe, including wall heaters for bathrooms. Bathroom wall heaters are not dangerous if appropriately placed.

If the proper safety precautions are taken, installing an electric wall heater in your bathroom could be the best decision you've ever made.

Most Recommended Electric Wall Heaters to Install in the Bathroom

  • Cadet Com-Pak Electric Wall Heater 

It is designed with a fast-heating coil element and has a high-temperature safety shut-off. It maximizes living space because it can be placed wherever it's on the wall or the ceiling.

Click this link to see Cadet Com-Pak Electric Wall Heater on Amazon.

  • Broan-NuTone 174 Painted Grille Wall Heater

It provides an energy-saving heating supplement to your home and includes an adjustable, front-mounted thermostat that offers a simple way to control the heat level.

Click this link to see Broan-NuTone 174 Painted Grille Wall Heater on Amazon.

  • Envi Plug-in Electric Panel Wall Heater

It is super-efficient, ultra-safe, wall-mounted, and has low wattage. It doesn't blow dust or allergens around a room, creating a cleaner, healthier environment. It's easy to operate and clean.

Click this link to see Envi Plug-in Electric Panel Wall Heater on Amazon.

Why Electric Wall Heaters Shouldn't Be Left On All Night

Electric radiator in the house

Fire experts recommend that portable heaters be turned off when you're not using them to avoid fire and for your and your family's safety.

They should be turned off after use and unplugged from the wall because they can damage the outlet they're plugged into and act as a fire hazard. Therefore, it's best to turn these on and switch them off before you sleep.

Why Do Electric Wall Heaters Keep Turning Off?

An electric wall heater keeps turning off when it overheats. It automatically shuts down when it overheats. This will prevent it from damaging the internal components. The only way to resolve this is to replace the air filters.

Is it Dangerous to Cover an Electric Wall Heater?

As much as possible, avoid covering the electric wall heater. Covering it may cause a fire if the heater is covered. When operating, it is also dangerous if it touches flammable material, such as curtains, drapes, and bedding. 

In Closing

Now that you know how everything works, you should take action when you think something is wrong with your wall heater.

It's never too late to keep you and your family safe by knowing how an electric wall heater works and the possible risks when it is installed in the bathroom, especially if you have a bathtub.

Check out some additional articles that may interest you before you leave:

Honeywell Heater Not Working – What To Do?

How To Insulate A Bathroom Exhaust Fan

Hot Water Heater Leaking – What To Do?

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