Plumbing 101: A Guide to Bathtub Installation
Plumbing 101: A Guide to Bathtub Installation
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Everybody maintains their unique idea on the subject of How to Install a Bathtub: Install an Acrylic Tub and Tub Surround.

Installing a bath tub isn't precisely brain surgery, however it does require strong plumbing, carpentry, and also sometimes, tiling skills. Changing an old bathtub with a brand-new one is also a moderately tough task. If the old bathtub is conveniently accessible, the project can move immediately; if you need to open up a wall to eliminate the old tub as well as position the new bathtub, the task is much harder. In either case, the job is within a house handyman's abilities, although you will require a helper to move out the old bathtub and set in the brand-new one. See to it you have actually certified yourself for the job as well as are comfortable trying it. Rather than working with a specialist to take over a halfway-completed job, it is far better to think about utilizing one before you begin. Possibilities are you might require a professional plumber to make tube links.
This short article will certainly aid you set up a new tub in your shower room if you have actually already acquired a brand-new bathtub as well as don't require to change the setup of your previous water system pipes.
Your tools as well as product checklist should comprise the following:
Preparing for the Setup
To start with, the sustaining framework supplied with the bath ought to be fitted (if needed) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Next, fit the taps or mixer to the bathtub. When fitting the tap block, it is very important to see to it that if the faucet includes a plastic washing machine, it is fitted in between the bathroom and the faucets. On a plastic bathroom, it is also reasonable to fit a supporting plate under the faucets unit to avoid pressure on the bathtub.
Fit the flexible tap ports to the bottom of the two faucets using 2 nuts and also olives (in some cases supplied with the bathtub). Fit the plug-hole outlet by smearing mastic filler round the sink outlet opening, and after that pass the outlet via the hole in the bath. Utilize the nut supplied by the producer to fit the plug-hole. Analyze the plug-hole outlet for an inlet on the side for the overflow pipeline.
Next off, fit the end of the adaptable overflow pipe to the overflow outlet. Afterwards, screw the pipe to the overflow face which must be fitted inside the bath. See to it you make use of all of the provided washers.
Link the trap to the bottom of the waste outlet on the bath tub by winding the thread of the waste electrical outlet with silicone mastic or PTFE tape, as well as screw on the catch to the electrical outlet. Connect all-time low of the overflow tube in a comparable manner.The bath ought to now be ready to be fitted in its last position.
Removing Old Taps
If you need to change old faucets with new ones as a part of your installment, after that the first thing you need to do is disconnect the water. After doing so, activate the faucets to drain pipes any kind of water remaining in the system. The process of removing the existing taps can be quite problematic due to the restricted access that is frequently the case.
Utilize a basin wrench (crowsfoot spanner) or a faucet device to undo the nut that connects the supply pipelines to the taps. Have a cloth all set for the remaining water that will certainly come from the pipelines. When the supply pipes have been removed, make use of the exact same tool to loosen up the nut that holds the taps onto the bath/basin. You will need to stop the solitary taps from transforming during this process. Once the taps have been removed, the holes in the bath/basin will certainly have to be cleansed of any type of old securing compound.
Prior to moving on to fit the new faucets, compare the pipe links on the old faucets to the new taps. If the old taps are longer than the new taps, after that a shank adapter is required for the new taps to fit.
Mounting the Bathtub
Using the two wood boards under its feet, put the tub in the required position. The wooden boards are handy in evenly spreading the weight of the bathtub over the location of the boards rather than focusing all the weight onto 4 little factors.
The following objective is to make certain that the bath tub is leveled all round. This can be attained by inspecting the level and also adjusting the feet on the tub until the level checks out level.
To install faucets, fit the bottom of the outermost adaptable tap connector to the ideal supply pipe by making a compression join; after that do the same for the various other faucet.
Activate the water supply and also check all joints and also brand-new pipework for leaks as well as tighten them if necessary. Load the bathtub as well as also inspect the overflow electrical outlet as well as the typical outlet for leaks.
Ultimately, repair the bathroom paneling as described in the maker's instruction manual. Tiling as well as securing around the tub needs to wait until the bathtub has been made use of at least once as this will settle it into its last placement.
Suitable New Touches
If the tails of the new taps are plastic, then you will need a plastic port to avoid damage to the thread. One end of the connector fits on the plastic tail of the tap and the various other end gives a connection to the existent supply pipes.
If you need to fit a monobloc, after that you will certainly call for decreasing couplers, which connects the 10mm pipeline of the monobloc to the typical 15mm supply pipeline.
Next, place the tap in the mounting opening in the bath/basin making certain that the washers remain in location in between the tap and also the sink. Protect the faucet in place with the maker provided backnut. When the tap is safely in position, the supply pipes can be linked to the tails of the taps. The faucets can either be connected by using corrugated copper piping or with typical faucet connectors. The former type must be linked to the faucet finishes first, tightening just by hand. The supply pipes can later be attached to the various other end. Tighten both ends with a spanner after both ends have been connected.
Tiling Around the Bath tub
In the location where the bathroom meets the floor tile, it is necessary to seal the joins with a silicone rubber caulking. This is necessary as the fitting can move sufficient to fracture a rigid seal, causing the water to penetrate the wall in between the bathroom as well as the tiling, bring about difficulties with wetness and possible leakages to the ceiling listed below.
You can pick from a selection of coloured sealers to blend in your fixtures and installations. They are offered in tubes and cartridges, and can sealing gaps up to a size of 3mm (1/8 inch). If you have a larger gap to load, you can load it with twists of soaked paper or soft rope. Remember to constantly fill the bath tub with water before securing, to allow for the activity experienced when the tub remains in usage. The sealer can fracture relatively early if you do not think about this motion prior to securing.
Additionally, ceramic coving or quadrant tiles can be made use of to border the bath or shower tray. Plastic strips of coving, which are easy to use and also reduce to dimension, are also easily offered on the marketplace. It is a good idea to fit the floor tiles using water-resistant or water resistant glue and also grout.
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.
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