Your Plumbing Crash Course: A Guide to Installing a Bathtub

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Tools You Need to Install a New Bathtub
Mounting a bathtub isn't specifically rocket science, however it does call for strong plumbing, woodworking, and often, tiling abilities. Replacing an old bath tub with a brand-new one is likewise a reasonably challenging task. If the old bathtub is readily available, the project can relocate speedily; if you have to open up a wall to eliminate the old bathtub and position the new bathtub, the job is a lot harder. In either instance, the project is within a residence handyman's skills, although you will need a helper to leave the old tub and also set in the new one. See to it you have qualified yourself for the task and also are comfortable trying it. As opposed to working with a specialist to take control of a halfway-completed task, it is far better to take into consideration employing one before you begin. Possibilities are you might require a specialist plumber to make tube connections.
This post will help you install a brand-new tub in your washroom if you have actually already purchased a new bathtub and also don't need to transform the plan of your previous supply of water pipelines.
Your tools as well as material list should make up the following:

 

  • New Bath tub

  • Hammer

  • Pipe Wrenches

  • Prybar

  • Shatterproof glass

  • Degree

  • Pliers

  • Flexible Wrench

  • Putty Blade

  • Screwdriver

  • Cold Knife

  • Measuring tape

  • Pipe Caps


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Removing Old Taps


If you need to replace old taps with new ones as a part of your installation, after that the first thing you ought to do is detach the supply of water. After doing so, turn on the taps to drain pipes any kind of water staying in the system. The process of removing the existing taps can be quite bothersome due to the limited access that is typically the situation.
Make use of a basin wrench (crowsfoot spanner) or a faucet tool to reverse the nut that attaches the supply pipelines to the taps. Have a towel all set for the staying water that will originate from the pipelines. When the supply pipes have actually been eliminated, utilize the same device to loosen up the nut that holds the faucets onto the bath/basin. You will require to quit the single faucets from turning during this procedure. When the faucets have actually been gotten rid of, the holes in the bath/basin will need to be cleaned up of any old sealing compound.
Prior to moving on to fit the new faucets, compare the pipeline links on the old taps to the new taps. If the old taps are longer than the brand-new faucets, then a shank adapter is needed for the brand-new faucets to fit.

 

 

Suitable New Taps


If the tails of the brand-new faucets are plastic, after that you will need a plastic connector to prevent damages to the thread. One end of the port fits on the plastic tail of the tap as well as the various other end gives a link to the existing supply pipelines.
If you need to fit a monobloc, after that you will certainly call for minimizing couplers, which links the 10mm pipe of the monobloc to the common 15mm supply pipe.
Next, position the faucet in the installing hole in the bath/basin ensuring that the washers are in area in between the tap as well as the sink. Protect the faucet in position with the manufacturer provided backnut. As soon as the faucet is firmly in place, the supply pipes can be attached to the tails of the faucets. The taps can either be attached by using corrugated copper piping or with typical tap ports. The previous type should be attached to the tap ends first, tightening only by hand. The supply pipes can later on be attached to the various other end. Tighten both ends with a spanner after both ends have been attached.

 

 

Installing the Bathtub


Making use of the two wood boards under its feet, place the bath tub in the needed position. The wooden boards are handy in equally spreading the weight of the bathtub over the location of the boards as opposed to focusing all the weight onto four small factors.
The next objective is to make sure that the bath tub is leveled all round. This can be achieved by checking the level and also readjusting the feet on the tub up until the spirit level checks out degree.
To set up faucets, fit the bottom of the outermost versatile tap adapter to the appropriate supply pipeline by making a compression join; after that do the very same for the various other faucet.
Turn on the water supply and check all joints and also brand-new pipework for leakages and also tighten them if needed. Fill up the bath tub and likewise examine the overflow outlet and the typical electrical outlet for leakages.
Ultimately, fix the bathroom paneling as explained in the supplier's user's manual. Tiling as well as sealing around the tub must wait till the bath tub has been made use of at least when as this will certainly settle it into its final placement.

 

 

Getting ready for the Installation


First of all, the sustaining framework provided with the bathroom should be fitted (if required) according to the maker's directions. Next off, fit the faucets or mixer to the bath tub. When fitting the tap block, it is important to make certain that if the faucet features a plastic washing machine, it is fitted in between the bath and the taps. On a plastic bathroom, it is also sensible to fit a supporting plate under the taps device to prevent strain on the bathtub.
Fit the adaptable faucet ports to the bottom of the two faucets making use of 2 nuts and also olives (sometimes supplied with the bathtub). Fit the plug-hole electrical outlet by smearing mastic filler round the sink electrical outlet opening, and afterwards pass the electrical outlet through the hole in the bath. Use 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 pipe.
Next off, fit the end of the adaptable overflow pipeline to the overflow outlet. After that, screw the pipeline to the overflow face which should be fitted inside the bathroom. See to it you use all of the supplied washing machines.
Attach the catch to the bottom of the waste outlet on the bathtub by winding the thread of the waste outlet with silicone mastic or PTFE tape, and screw on the trap to the electrical outlet. Connect the bottom of the overflow tube in a similar manner.The bathroom ought to currently prepare to be fitted in its final setting.

 

 

Tiling Around the Tub


In the location where the bathroom fulfills the tile, it is essential to secure the accompanies a silicone rubber caulking. This is important as the installation can relocate enough to break a rigid seal, causing the water to penetrate the wall surface between the bathroom and the tiling, causing difficulties with dampness and possible leaks to the ceiling listed below.
You can pick from a selection of coloured sealants to blend in your fixtures and also installations. They are offered in tubes and cartridges, and can sealing voids as much as a size of 3mm (1/8 inch). If you have a bigger gap to fill, you can fill it with twists of drenched newspaper or soft rope. Bear in mind to always fill the tub with water prior to securing, to permit the motion experienced when the tub is in usage. The sealer can crack fairly early if you do not think about this activity prior to securing.
Conversely, ceramic coving or quadrant floor tiles can be utilized to edge the bath or shower tray. Plastic strips of coving, which are easy to use and reduce to size, are likewise easily available on the marketplace. It is suggested to fit the floor tiles utilizing waterproof or water resistant adhesive as well as 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 Yourself

 

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