Plumbing Basics: Before Bathtub Installation

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Nearly everybody has their own way of thinking about How to Install a Bathtub: Install an Acrylic Tub and Tub Surround.


A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Bathtub
Setting up a bathtub isn't precisely brain surgery, yet it does need strong plumbing, carpentry, as well as sometimes, tiling abilities. Replacing an old bathtub with a new one is also a moderately difficult task. If the old tub is readily accessible, the job can move immediately; if you need to open up a wall surface to remove the old tub and also place the brand-new bath tub, the job is a lot harder. In either instance, the job is within a house handyman's skills, although you will require an assistant to leave the old tub and set in the brand-new one. See to it you have actually qualified on your own for the task as well as are comfortable trying it. As opposed to working with a service provider to take over a halfway-completed task, it is much better to consider utilizing one prior to you begin. Possibilities are you might need an expert plumber to make tube links.
This write-up will certainly assist you set up a brand-new tub in your shower room if you have currently bought a brand-new bathtub and don't need to transform the plan of your previous water system pipelines.
Your tools and also product list should consist of the following:
  • New Bathtub

  • Hammer

  • Pipe Wrenches

  • Prybar

  • Safety Glasses

  • Level

  • Pliers

  • Flexible Wrench

  • Putty Blade

  • Screwdriver

  • Cold Blade

  • Tape Measure

  • Pipe Caps


  • Removing Old Taps


    If you need to replace old taps with new ones as a part of your installation, then the first thing you need to do is detach the water supply. After doing so, switch on the faucets to drain any kind of water continuing to be in the system. The process of getting rid of the existing taps can be rather problematic due to the restricted gain access to that is typically the case.
    Utilize a container wrench (crowsfoot spanner) or a tap device to reverse the nut that connects the supply pipelines to the faucets. Have a towel prepared for the staying water that will certainly originate from the pipelines. When the supply pipes have actually been gotten rid of, utilize the exact same tool to loosen the nut that holds the taps onto the bath/basin. You will need to quit the solitary taps from transforming during this process. Once the taps have been eliminated, the holes in the bath/basin will have to be cleaned up of any type of old securing compound.
    Before proceeding to fit the new faucets, contrast the pipe links on the old faucets to the brand-new faucets. If the old taps are longer than the new faucets, after that a shank adapter is required for the brand-new taps to fit.

    Suitable New Taps


    If the tails of the new faucets are plastic, then you will certainly need a plastic port to prevent damages to the thread. One end of the port fits on the plastic tail of the faucet as well as the various other end supplies a connection to the current supply pipes.
    If you need to fit a monobloc, after that you will certainly require minimizing couplers, which connects the 10mm pipe of the monobloc to the standard 15mm supply pipe.
    Next, position the faucet in the placing opening in the bath/basin ensuring that the washers are in location in between the faucet as well as the sink. Safeguard the faucet in position with the maker supplied backnut. As soon as the faucet is firmly in position, the supply pipes can be linked to the tails of the faucets. The faucets can either be connected by using corrugated copper piping or with typical faucet adapters. The former type ought to be attached to the faucet finishes initially, tightening up just by hand. The supply pipes can later on be connected to the various other end. Tighten up both ends with a spanner after both ends have been connected.

    Setting up the Tub


    Using both wooden boards under its feet, position the tub in the called for setting. The wooden boards are helpful in uniformly spreading out the weight of the tub over the location of the boards instead of concentrating all the weight onto 4 small factors.
    The next objective is to ensure that the tub is leveled all round. This can be attained by checking the spirit level as well as readjusting the feet on the tub up until the level reviews degree.
    To install taps, fit the bottom of the furthest versatile faucet port to the appropriate supply pipe by making a compression join; then do the same for the other tap.
    Switch on the supply of water as well as check all joints and new pipework for leaks and tighten them if necessary. Load the bath tub as well as likewise inspect the overflow outlet and also the typical electrical outlet for leakages.
    Finally, repair the bath paneling as defined in the maker's user's manual. Tiling and also sealing around the bathtub ought to wait up until the tub has been used at the very least once as this will certainly settle it into its final placement.

    Planning for the Setup


    To start with, the supporting structure supplied with the bath must be fitted (if called for) according to the manufacturer's directions. Next off, fit the faucets or mixer to the bathtub. When fitting the tap block, it is necessary to ensure that if the faucet comes with a plastic washing machine, it is fitted between the bath and the taps. On a plastic bath, it is likewise practical to fit a supporting plate under the taps device to stop pressure on the bathtub.
    Fit the flexible faucet ports to the bottom of both taps using 2 nuts and olives (sometimes supplied with the bathtub). Fit the plug-hole outlet by smearing mastic filler round the sink outlet opening, and then pass the outlet with the hole in the bathroom. Use the nut supplied by the producer to fit the plug-hole. Take a look at the plug-hole electrical outlet for an inlet on the side for the overflow pipeline.
    Next off, fit completion of the adaptable overflow pipeline to the overflow electrical outlet. After that, screw the pipe to the overflow face which should be fitted inside the bath. Ensure you utilize all of the supplied washing machines.
    Link the trap to the bottom of the waste outlet on the tub by winding the thread of the waste outlet with silicone mastic or PTFE tape, and also screw on the catch to the electrical outlet. Link the bottom of the overflow tube in a similar manner.The bathroom need to currently be ready to be fitted in its last setting.

    Tiling Around the Tub


    In the area where the bathroom satisfies the floor tile, it is needed to seal the joins with a silicone rubber caulking. This is important as the installation can relocate enough to fracture a stiff seal, creating the water to permeate the wall between the bathroom as well as the tiling, leading to difficulties with dampness as well as possible leaks to the ceiling listed below.
    You can select from a selection of coloured sealants to blend in your components and also fittings. They are marketed in tubes and cartridges, as well as can sealing spaces approximately a width of 3mm (1/8 inch). If you have a larger space to load, you can load it with twists of drenched newspaper or soft rope. Remember to always fill up the tub with water prior to securing, to enable the activity experienced when the bathtub is in use. The sealant can split relatively early if you do not think about this movement before sealing.
    Alternatively, ceramic coving or quadrant tiles can be used to edge the bath or shower tray. Plastic strips of coving, which are easy to use and reduce to dimension, are likewise easily available on the marketplace. It is suggested to fit the ceramic tiles utilizing waterproof or water resistant adhesive 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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    How to Install a Bathtub

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