Your Plumbing Crash Course: A Guide to Installing a Bathtub

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How to Install a Bathtub: Install an Acrylic Tub and Tub Surround
Mounting a bathtub isn't specifically brain surgery, yet it does call for strong plumbing, woodworking, as well as often, tiling skills. Replacing an old tub with a new one is also a moderately hard task. If the old bathtub is readily available, the job can relocate rapidly; if you have to open a wall to get rid of the old bathtub and also place the new bathtub, the job is much harder. In either case, the task is within a residence handyman's skills, although you will require an assistant to move out the old bathtub and embeded in the new one. Make sure you have actually certified yourself for the work and also fit attempting it. Instead of working with a specialist to take over a halfway-completed job, it is far better to think about using one prior to you start. Opportunities are you might require a professional plumber to make tube connections.
This short article will certainly aid you mount a new bathtub in your bathroom if you have actually currently bought a brand-new tub and also do not need to change the arrangement of your previous water pipes.
Your tools and also material list need to consist of the following:
  • New Bathtub

  • Hammer

  • Pipeline Wrenches

  • Prybar

  • Safety Glasses

  • Level

  • Pliers

  • Adjustable Wrench

  • Putty Blade

  • Screwdriver

  • Cold Blade

  • Measuring tape

  • Pipeline Caps


  • Removing Old Taps


    If you require to replace old faucets with brand-new ones as a part of your setup, after that the first thing you ought to do is separate the water system. After doing so, turn on the faucets to drain pipes any kind of water staying in the system. The process of eliminating the existing faucets can be rather troublesome as a result of the limited access that is usually the instance.
    Make use of a container wrench (crowsfoot spanner) or a faucet device to undo the nut that attaches the supply pipelines to the faucets. Have a cloth all set for the continuing to be water that will originate from the pipes. As soon as the supply pipes have been gotten rid of, utilize the very same tool to loosen up the nut that holds the faucets onto the bath/basin. You will require to quit the solitary faucets from transforming during this procedure. When the taps have actually been removed, the holes in the bath/basin will certainly need to be cleaned up of any type of old sealing substance.
    Prior to going on to fit the new taps, compare the pipeline connections on the old taps to the new taps. If the old faucets are longer than the brand-new faucets, after that a shank adapter is required for the new taps to fit.

    Suitable New Taps


    If the tails of the brand-new faucets are plastic, after that you will certainly need a plastic adapter to prevent damage to the string. One end of the port fits on the plastic tail of the faucet and the various other end offers a connection to the existing supply pipes.
    If you require to fit a monobloc, then you will call for minimizing couplers, which links the 10mm pipe of the monobloc to the conventional 15mm supply pipe.
    Next, position the tap in the placing opening in the bath/basin making sure that the washers remain in area between the tap as well as the sink. Safeguard the faucet in position with the maker offered backnut. As soon as the tap is firmly in place, the supply pipes can be attached to the tails of the faucets. The taps can either be linked by utilizing corrugated copper piping or with normal faucet adapters. The previous kind ought to be linked to the tap finishes first, tightening up just by hand. The supply pipes can later be attached to the other end. Tighten up both ends with a spanner after both ends have been connected.

    Setting up the Bathtub


    Using both wood boards under its feet, position the tub in the called for position. The wooden boards are helpful in uniformly spreading the weight of the bath tub over the area of the boards instead of focusing all the weight onto four small points.
    The following objective is to make sure that the bathtub is leveled all round. This can be achieved by checking the spirit level and also changing the feet on the bathtub until the spirit level checks out level.
    To mount taps, fit the bottom of the outermost flexible faucet connector to the suitable supply pipe by making a compression join; after that do the exact same for the other faucet.
    Activate the water and inspect all joints and brand-new pipework for leakages and tighten them if essential. Load the bathtub as well as likewise check the overflow electrical outlet as well as the normal outlet for leaks.
    Lastly, repair the bathroom paneling as described in the producer's instruction manual. Tiling and securing around the bath tub should wait until the bathtub has been made use of a minimum of once as this will resolve it into its final setting.

    Planning for the Installation


    Firstly, the supporting frame provided with the bath should be fitted (if called for) according to the producer's guidelines. Next off, fit the taps or mixer to the bath tub. When suitable the faucet block, it is very important to make sure that if the tap comes with a plastic washer, it is fitted between the bathroom as well as the faucets. On a plastic bath, it is additionally practical to fit a supporting plate under the faucets device to stop pressure on the bath tub.
    Fit the versatile faucet ports to the bottom of both faucets using 2 nuts and olives (often provided with the bathtub). Fit the plug-hole electrical outlet by smearing mastic filler round the sink outlet opening, and after that pass the electrical outlet via the hole in the bathroom. Use the nut supplied by the manufacturer to fit the plug-hole. Examine the plug-hole outlet for an inlet on the side for the overflow pipe.
    Next off, fit completion of the flexible overflow pipe to the overflow outlet. After that, screw the pipeline to the overflow face which need to be fitted inside the bath. Ensure you make use of all of the supplied washing machines.
    Link the trap to the bottom of the waste electrical outlet on the bath tub by winding the string of the waste outlet with silicone mastic or PTFE tape, and also screw on the catch to the outlet. Attach the bottom of the overflow tube in a similar manner.The bathroom ought to now prepare to be fitted in its final setting.

    Tiling Around the Bath tub


    In the area where the bathroom fulfills the ceramic tile, it is essential to seal the joins with a silicone rubber caulking. This is essential as the fitting can move sufficient to split an inflexible seal, causing the water to permeate the wall between the bath and also the tiling, leading to difficulties with wetness as well as feasible leaks to the ceiling below.
    You can pick from a variety of coloured sealers to blend in your fixtures and fittings. They are sold in tubes as well as cartridges, as well as are capable of sealing voids as much as a size of 3mm (1/8 inch). If you have a bigger space to fill up, you can fill it with twists of drenched newspaper or soft rope. Bear in mind to always fill up the bathtub with water before securing, to permit the activity experienced when the bathtub remains in use. The sealer can crack relatively early if you do not take into account this movement before securing.
    Alternatively, ceramic coving or quadrant tiles can be made use of to edge the bathroom or shower tray. Plastic strips of coving, which are easy to use and also reduce to dimension, are likewise quickly offered on the market. It is recommended to fit the tiles making use of waterproof or water-proof sticky 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.

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    Installing A Bathtub

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