Beginner's Plumbing: The Essentials for Bathtub Installation

Book Service Now

Do you find yourself looking for advice around A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Bathtub?


A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Bathtub
Mounting a bath tub isn't precisely rocket science, yet it does require strong plumbing, woodworking, and also in some cases, tiling skills. Replacing an old tub with a brand-new one is additionally a moderately difficult task. If the old bathtub is readily available, the job can move quickly; if you have to open a wall to eliminate the old tub and position the new bathtub, the job is much harder. In either situation, the job is within a home handyman's abilities, although you will need a helper to move out the old tub and also set in the brand-new one. Make certain you have actually qualified on your own for the task and also are comfortable attempting it. Instead of employing a specialist to take over a halfway-completed project, it is much better to consider employing one before you start. Opportunities are you might require a specialist plumber to make tube connections.
This article will certainly aid you set up a brand-new tub in your restroom if you have actually already acquired a new bathtub and do not require to transform the plan of your previous supply of water pipelines.
Your devices and product checklist need to comprise the following:
  • New Bathtub

  • Hammer

  • Pipe Wrenches

  • Prybar

  • Shatterproof glass

  • Level

  • Pliers

  • Adjustable Wrench

  • Putty Knife

  • Screwdriver

  • Cold Blade

  • Tape Measure

  • Pipeline Caps


  • Removing Old Taps


    If you need to change old taps with brand-new ones as a part of your installation, after that the first thing you ought to do is detach the water system. After doing so, switch on the faucets to drain pipes any kind of water continuing to be in the system. The procedure of eliminating the existing taps can be fairly bothersome as a result of the restricted access that is commonly the case.
    Use a basin wrench (crowsfoot spanner) or a faucet tool to undo the nut that attaches the supply pipelines to the faucets. Have a towel ready for the remaining water that will originate from the pipelines. Once the supply pipelines have been eliminated, use the same tool to loosen the nut that holds the taps onto the bath/basin. You will need to stop the solitary taps from transforming during this procedure. As soon as the taps have actually been eliminated, the holes in the bath/basin will certainly have to be cleaned of any old securing compound.
    Before proceeding to fit the brand-new taps, contrast the pipeline links on the old taps to the new taps. If the old taps are longer than the brand-new faucets, then a shank adapter is needed for the brand-new faucets to fit.

    Fitting New Touches


    If the tails of the new faucets are plastic, then you will require a plastic connector to avoid damage to the string. One end of the port fits on the plastic tail of the faucet and the other end supplies a link to the existent supply pipes.
    If you need to fit a monobloc, after that you will certainly require decreasing couplers, which links the 10mm pipeline of the monobloc to the basic 15mm supply pipe.
    Next, place the tap in the placing hole in the bath/basin guaranteeing that the washing machines are in location in between the tap as well as the sink. Protect the faucet in position with the supplier given backnut. Once the tap is securely in place, the supply pipes can be connected to the tails of the taps. The taps can either be connected by utilizing corrugated copper piping or with regular faucet adapters. The former kind must be attached to the tap ends first, tightening only by hand. The supply pipes can later on be connected to the various other end. Tighten both ends with a spanner after both ends have been attached.

    Setting up the Bathtub


    Making use of both wood boards under its feet, put the tub in the needed position. The wood boards are helpful in equally spreading out the weight of the bathtub over the area of the boards rather than focusing all the weight onto four little factors.
    The next objective is to make sure that the bathtub is leveled all round. This can be accomplished by checking the spirit level and also adjusting the feet on the tub up until the spirit level reads degree.
    To install faucets, fit all-time low of the furthest flexible tap port to the ideal supply pipe by making a compression join; after that do the very same for the various other tap.
    Switch on the water system as well as inspect all joints as well as new pipework for leaks and also tighten them if necessary. Fill the bathtub as well as also examine the overflow electrical outlet and also the normal electrical outlet for leaks.
    Lastly, take care of the bathroom paneling as described in the maker's instruction manual. Tiling and also sealing around the bathtub must wait until the tub has been used at the very least when as this will settle it into its last position.

    Preparing for the Installment


    To start with, the sustaining frame provided with the bath needs to be fitted (if needed) according to the producer's directions. Next off, fit the taps or mixer to the bath tub. When suitable the faucet block, it is essential to see to it that if the tap features a plastic washer, it is fitted in between the bath as well as the taps. On a plastic bathroom, it is likewise sensible to fit a sustaining plate under the faucets device to avoid pressure on the bath tub.
    Fit the flexible tap ports to the bottom of the two taps utilizing 2 nuts and olives (sometimes provided with the bathtub). Fit the plug-hole outlet by smearing mastic filler round the sink electrical outlet hole, and after that pass the electrical outlet with the hole in the bath. Make use of the nut provided by the manufacturer to fit the plug-hole. Analyze the plug-hole outlet for an inlet on the side for the overflow pipeline.
    Next off, fit completion of the flexible overflow pipe to the overflow electrical outlet. Afterwards, screw the pipeline to the overflow face which need to be fitted inside the bathroom. Make certain you use every one of the supplied washers.
    Connect the catch to the bottom of the waste outlet on the tub by winding the string of the waste electrical outlet with silicone mastic or PTFE tape, and screw on the trap to the electrical outlet. Link the bottom of the overflow tube in a similar manner.The bath need to now be ready to be suited its final position.

    Tiling Around the Bath tub


    In the area where the bathroom fulfills the ceramic tile, it is essential to secure the accompanies a silicone rubber caulking. This is very important as the fitting can relocate enough to break an inflexible seal, causing the water to penetrate the wall surface between the bath and the tiling, bring about issues with moisture and also possible leakages to the ceiling below.
    You can choose from a selection of coloured sealants to assimilate your components and fittings. They are marketed in tubes and also cartridges, and also can sealing spaces as much as a width of 3mm (1/8 inch). If you have a larger gap to load, you can fill it with twists of soaked newspaper or soft rope. Remember to constantly fill the bathtub with water prior to sealing, to allow for the movement experienced when the bathtub remains in usage. The sealer can break fairly early if you do not take into consideration this activity before securing.
    Conversely, ceramic coving or quadrant floor tiles can be made use of to border the bathroom or shower tray. Plastic strips of coving, which are easy to use and also reduce to dimension, are additionally quickly offered on the market. It is suggested to fit the ceramic tiles using water-resistant or waterproof adhesive as well as cement.

    How to Install or Replace a Bathtub


    Find Your Dimensions


    The first step in any bathtub installation or replacement is to select the right size tub for your bathroom. Start by measuring your existing bathtub’s alcove from wall to wall. The standard size for bathtubs is around 5 feet long and 30 or 32 inches wide. Purchase the size that’s closest to your previous tub.



    After you’ve measured, you’ll need to figure out what type of tub you need. Face the alcove. If the drain is on the right-hand side, you’ll need a right drain tub. If it’s on the left, get a left drain tub. Easy enough, right?


    Disconnect the Water Supply and Drain Assembly


    Before you can start on your removal, make sure that you turn off the tub’s water supply. Some bathrooms have a shutoff valve, but if you don’t see one, you’ll need to turn off the supply at your house’s water main. Once the water’s off, open the valves to release any remaining air in the supply lines.



    Then, disconnect the tub drain flange. This process varies based on the type of drain you have, but in most cases, you’ll need a drain flange removal tool to perform this task. If you’re feeling handy, you might be able to use a pair of needle-nose pliers to twist and pull the flange.



    Now comes the fun part. In order to disconnect the drain assembly, you’ll need to be able to get to the space underneath the tub. You might need to access the tub drain from a crawlspace or a basement. Don’t forget to take a pipe wrench with you, as you’ll need it to loosen the pipe at the connection.


    Cut Out the Old Tub


    After removing the drainpipe assembly, you can take out the old bathtub. Cut a strip above the tub edge in the wall surrounding the bathtub that's about 6 inches in height. The tools you need here may vary depending on the type of wall surround you have in the alcove. If you’re cutting drywall, use a drywall saw and remove the section of the wall all the way down to the studs. If you have tile, you’ll need to use a grinder with a diamond blade to cut through the grout line. Then, use a chisel to remove the individual tiles. Take care here not to cut through any studs.



    Find the tub flange. Remove the screws that attach the flange to the studs in the wall. At this point, the tub should be freed from the wall.



    Once you’ve removed the flange, use a utility knife to cut away the caulk between the tub and the floor. When this is done, you should be able to lift the tub up and out of the alcove. Keep in mind that, depending on what it’s made of, the old tub could be tremendously heavy. You should plan to have a friend help you move it just in case.


    Install the New Tub


    Before you make any adjustments to the area, place the new tub in the alcove to make sure it fits properly and that the tub drain lines up with the P-trap underneath the floor.



    Remove it and install a 2 x 4 ledger board. Measure the tub’s flange, then mark that height on the wall. Screw the ledger board to studs in the wall. This will help to support the weight of the tub.



    Once the ledger board has been installed, go ahead and secure the drain to the tub. For this step, you’ll need some plumber’s putty. Roll a small amount of putty in your hands and wrap it around the underside of the drain flange. Push the drain into the tub from underneath the tub.



    When the drain has been attached, connect the overflow drain. To do this, you’ll place the gasket on the overflow elbow and move it behind the tub. Once that’s on, connect the overflow pipe and the drainpipe, but take care not to overtighten.


    Secure the Tub


    After the connections are in, it’s time to set the tub in place. Before you start, make sure the flange lines up with the markings you made in Step 4. Because the ledger board holds the tub in place, it’s important that it matches up. If not, you’ll need to remove it and readjust.



    Once your measurements line up, attach the flange to the studs on all three sides of the wall. Please note that you should not screw the flange to the wall. Instead, you should use roofing nails because they won’t rust over time. When the tub is in place, install the baseboard and the molding in front of and around the tub.



    Repair and finish off the drywall or tile that you cut in Step 3. If you’re installing a fiberglass bath surround, now’s the time to adhere it to the alcove.



    Then, enjoy your tub! While all these steps might seem intimidating, removing and installing a new bathtub is a relatively easy DIY project that can be completed in a single day. And now, when you settle in for your next bubbly soak, you can enjoy your bath without the distraction of a tub in disrepair.

    https://www.homeserve.com/en-us/blog/how-to/bathtub-replacement/


    How to Install a Bathtub Yourself

    I was made aware of that write-up on How to Install a Bathtub Yourself from an associate on a different site. Sharing is caring. You never know, you could be doing someone a favor. Thanks so much for taking the time to read it.


    Access certified emergency plumbing excellence.

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *