Plumbing 101: A Guide to Installing a Bathtub

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Everybody seems to have their own unique way of thinking in relation to Installing A Bathtub.


How to Install a Bathtub Yourself
Installing a tub isn't exactly rocket science, however it does call for solid plumbing, carpentry, as well as occasionally, tiling skills. Replacing an old tub with a brand-new one is additionally a moderately challenging job. If the old bathtub is easily obtainable, the task can relocate speedily; if you have to open a wall to remove the old tub and place the brand-new bath tub, the job is a lot harder. In either situation, the job is within a home handyman's skills, although you will certainly require a helper to move out the old tub and also embeded in the new one. Ensure you have certified yourself for the job and fit attempting it. As opposed to hiring a contractor to take control of a halfway-completed project, it is far better to think about using one before you start. Opportunities are you may need a specialist plumber to make tube connections.
This post will certainly aid you mount a brand-new bathtub in your washroom if you have currently acquired a new tub and also don't need to alter the setup of your previous supply of water pipelines.
Your devices and material checklist must consist of the following:
  • New Bathtub
  • Hammer

  • Pipe Wrenches

  • Prybar

  • Safety Glasses

  • Level

  • Pliers

  • Adjustable Wrench

  • Putty Knife

  • Screwdriver

  • Cold Knife

  • Measuring tape

  • Pipeline Caps


  • Preparing for the Installment


    Firstly, the sustaining structure 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 bathtub. When fitting the tap block, it is essential to ensure that if the faucet features a plastic washer, it is fitted between the bathroom and the faucets. On a plastic bath, it is also sensible to fit a supporting plate under the taps unit to stop pressure on the bath tub.
    Fit the adaptable faucet ports to the bottom of the two faucets making use of 2 nuts as well as olives (often supplied with the tub). Fit the plug-hole electrical outlet by smearing mastic filler round the sink electrical outlet hole, and afterwards pass the electrical outlet through the hole in the bathroom. Utilize the nut supplied by the supplier to fit the plug-hole. Take a look at the plug-hole outlet for an inlet on the side for the overflow pipeline.
    Next, fit completion of the flexible overflow pipeline to the overflow outlet. After that, screw the pipeline to the overflow face which should be fitted inside the bath. Ensure you utilize every one of the provided washing machines.
    Attach the catch to the bottom of the waste electrical outlet on the bath tub by winding the string of the waste electrical outlet with silicone mastic or PTFE tape, and also screw on the catch to the outlet. Connect all-time low of the overflow tube in a comparable manner.The bathroom need to now prepare to be suited its final setting.

    Removing Old Touches


    If you require to change old taps with new ones as a part of your installation, then the first thing you must do is separate the supply of water. After doing so, activate the taps to drain pipes any water remaining in the system. The process of getting rid of the existing faucets can be quite problematic due to the limited access that is usually the case.
    Use a basin wrench (crowsfoot spanner) or a tap tool to reverse the nut that links the supply pipes to the taps. Have a fabric prepared for the remaining water that will originate from the pipes. When the supply pipes have actually been removed, utilize the same tool to loosen up the nut that holds the taps onto the bath/basin. You will need to stop the single taps from transforming during this procedure. Once the faucets have actually been eliminated, the holes in the bath/basin will certainly have to be cleaned of any old sealing compound.
    Before proceeding to fit the new taps, compare the pipeline links on the old faucets to the brand-new faucets. If the old taps are longer than the brand-new taps, then a shank adapter is needed for the new faucets to fit.

    Installing the Tub


    Using the two wood boards under its feet, put the tub in the called for setting. The wooden boards are practical in equally spreading out the weight of the tub over the area of the boards instead of concentrating all the weight onto four small factors.
    The following goal is to ensure that the bath tub is leveled all round. This can be accomplished by checking the level and readjusting the feet on the tub till the spirit level reads degree.
    To install taps, fit all-time low of the furthest adaptable faucet connector to the ideal supply pipe by making a compression join; then do the exact same for the other tap.
    Switch on the supply of water and examine all joints as well as new pipework for leakages as well as tighten them if required. Fill the tub and additionally inspect the overflow electrical outlet as well as the regular outlet for leakages.
    Lastly, take care of the bathroom paneling as defined in the manufacturer's user's manual. Tiling as well as securing around the bathtub must wait until the tub has actually been used at least once as this will settle it right into its final placement.

    Fitting New Taps


    If the tails of the brand-new taps are plastic, then you will certainly need a plastic adapter to avoid damage to the string. One end of the connector fits on the plastic tail of the faucet as well as the various other end supplies a link to the existing supply pipelines.
    If you need to fit a monobloc, after that you will need reducing couplers, which links the 10mm pipe of the monobloc to the conventional 15mm supply pipe.
    Next off, place the tap in the installing opening in the bath/basin making certain that the washers are in place between the tap and the sink. Secure the tap in place with the manufacturer offered backnut. When the tap is firmly in position, the supply pipelines can be connected to the tails of the faucets. The taps can either be attached by utilizing corrugated copper piping or with normal faucet ports. The previous kind should be connected to the tap ends first, tightening up just by hand. The supply pipelines can later be connected to the other end. Tighten up both ends with a spanner after both ends have actually been linked.

    Tiling Around the Tub


    In the area where the bathroom satisfies the tile, it is necessary to secure the accompanies a silicone rubber caulking. This is very important as the fitting can relocate enough to crack an inflexible seal, triggering the water to penetrate the wall surface between the bathroom and the tiling, bring about problems with wetness and feasible leaks to the ceiling below.
    You can pick from a variety of coloured sealers to assimilate your fixtures as well as installations. They are sold in tubes as well as cartridges, and also can sealing spaces approximately a size of 3mm (1/8 inch). If you have a larger gap to fill up, you can load it with spins of drenched paper or soft rope. Keep in mind to constantly load the bath tub with water before securing, to allow for the motion experienced when the bathtub is in use. The sealant can split rather very early if you do not consider this motion prior to securing.
    Conversely, ceramic coving or quadrant floor tiles can be made use of to border the bath or shower tray. Plastic strips of coving, which are easy to use and cut to dimension, are likewise quickly available on the marketplace. It is suggested to fit the ceramic tiles using waterproof or water-proof adhesive 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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    Tools You Need to Install a New Bathtub

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