Plumbing 101: A Guide to Bathtub Installation

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How to Install a Bathtub: Install an Acrylic Tub and Tub Surround
Installing a tub isn't exactly brain surgery, but it does call for solid plumbing, woodworking, and often, tiling skills. Replacing an old bath tub with a new one is additionally a moderately challenging task. If the old tub is easily accessible, the job can relocate quickly; if you need to open up a wall surface to remove the old tub as well as place the brand-new bathtub, the task is much harder. In either instance, the project is within a house handyman's abilities, although you will certainly require an assistant to move out the old bathtub and set in the new one. Make certain you have actually qualified on your own for the job as well as are comfortable attempting it. Instead of employing a service provider to take control of a halfway-completed job, it is much better to think about utilizing one before you start. Opportunities are you might need a professional plumber to make tube links.
This post will aid you set up a new bath tub in your washroom if you have currently gotten a new bathtub and do not need to alter the arrangement of your previous water pipes.
Your devices and material list ought to consist of the following:
  • New Bathtub

  • Hammer

  • Pipeline Wrenches

  • Prybar

  • Safety Glasses

  • Degree

  • Pliers

  • Adjustable Wrench

  • Putty Blade

  • Screwdriver

  • Cold Knife

  • Tape Measure

  • Pipeline Caps


  • Removing Old Taps


    If you need to change old faucets with new ones as a part of your setup, after that the first thing you should do is detach the water. After doing so, turn on the faucets to drain pipes any type of water staying in the system. The procedure of removing the existing taps can be fairly bothersome because of the limited gain access to that is commonly the situation.
    Utilize a basin wrench (crowsfoot spanner) or a tap device to reverse the nut that attaches the supply pipelines to the faucets. Have a fabric ready for the staying water that will come from the pipelines. When the supply pipes have actually been gotten rid of, utilize the same tool to loosen up the nut that holds the taps onto the bath/basin. You will require to stop the single faucets from turning throughout this process. Once the faucets have been gotten rid of, the holes in the bath/basin will have to be cleaned up of any old securing compound.
    Prior to proceeding to fit the brand-new taps, contrast the pipe links on the old faucets to the new taps. If the old faucets are longer than the new faucets, then a shank adapter is needed for the new faucets to fit.

    Fitting New Taps


    If the tails of the brand-new taps are plastic, after that you will need a plastic adapter to prevent damage to the thread. One end of the connector fits on the plastic tail of the tap and also the other end offers a link to the current supply pipelines.
    If you need to fit a monobloc, then you will certainly call for reducing couplers, which attaches the 10mm pipeline of the monobloc to the conventional 15mm supply pipe.
    Next off, position the tap in the mounting hole in the bath/basin ensuring that the washers remain in place in between the faucet and the sink. Secure the faucet in place with the supplier supplied backnut. Once the faucet is safely in place, the supply pipelines can be linked to the tails of the faucets. The taps can either be attached by using corrugated copper piping or with regular tap ports. The previous type must be connected to the tap finishes initially, tightening only by hand. The supply pipelines can later on be connected to the other end. Tighten up both ends with a spanner after both ends have been connected.

    Setting up the Bathtub


    Utilizing both wooden boards under its feet, put the bath tub in the needed placement. The wooden boards are useful in equally spreading the weight of the bath tub over the area of the boards as opposed to focusing all the weight onto 4 tiny points.
    The following goal is to make sure that the bath tub is leveled all round. This can be achieved by inspecting the level and changing the feet on the bath tub until the spirit level reads degree.
    To mount faucets, fit the bottom of the outermost flexible faucet adapter to the ideal supply pipeline by making a compression sign up with; after that do the very same for the other tap.
    Switch on the water system and also examine all joints and also new pipework for leakages and tighten them if essential. Fill up the bath tub as well as also inspect the overflow outlet and the normal outlet for leakages.
    Ultimately, deal with the bath paneling as described in the manufacturer's user's manual. Tiling and securing around the bathtub must wait till the tub has actually been used a minimum of when as this will certainly resolve it right into its final placement.

    Preparing for the Installment


    Firstly, the supporting frame supplied with the bath must be fitted (if called for) according to the producer's directions. Next off, fit the faucets or mixer to the bath tub. When fitting the tap block, it is very important to see to it that if the faucet features a plastic washing machine, it is fitted in between the bathroom and also the faucets. On a plastic bathroom, it is additionally reasonable to fit a sustaining plate under the taps unit to stop strain on the bath tub.
    Fit the adaptable tap ports to the bottom of the two taps utilizing 2 nuts as well as olives (sometimes supplied with the tub). Fit the plug-hole outlet by smearing mastic filler round the sink outlet hole, and after that pass the outlet with the hole in the bath. Utilize the nut supplied by the maker to fit the plug-hole. Take a look at the plug-hole electrical outlet for an inlet on the side for the overflow pipe.
    Next, fit the end of the flexible overflow pipeline to the overflow electrical outlet. Afterwards, screw the pipe to the overflow face which ought to be fitted inside the bath. See to it you make use of every one of the provided washers.
    Connect the catch to the bottom of the waste electrical outlet on the bathtub by winding the string of the waste electrical outlet with silicone mastic or PTFE tape, and screw on the catch to the outlet. Connect all-time low of the overflow tube in a similar manner.The bathroom ought to currently be ready to be suited its final placement.

    Tiling Around the Tub


    In the location where the bath fulfills the tile, it is essential to seal the accompanies a silicone rubber caulking. This is essential as the installation can relocate enough to split a rigid seal, triggering the water to pass through the wall between the bathroom and also the tiling, resulting in issues with wetness and possible leaks to the ceiling listed below.
    You can pick from a selection of coloured sealants to blend in your fixtures and fittings. They are offered in tubes as well as cartridges, as well as are capable of sealing spaces as much as a width of 3mm (1/8 inch). If you have a larger space to fill up, you can load it with spins of soaked newspaper or soft rope. Keep in mind to constantly fill up the tub with water prior to securing, to enable the motion experienced when the bathtub remains in usage. The sealer can split rather very early if you do not think about this activity prior to sealing.
    Alternatively, 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 reduce to size, are additionally conveniently offered on the marketplace. It is suggested to fit the ceramic tiles using waterproof or waterproof glue and 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.

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    How to Install a Bathtub

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