Plumbing 101: Tips for Bathtub Installation

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The writer is making a few great pointers related to Installing A Bathtub in general in the content further down.


Installing A Bathtub
Setting up a tub isn't precisely brain surgery, but it does need strong plumbing, carpentry, and also occasionally, tiling abilities. Changing an old bathtub with a new one is likewise a reasonably tough task. If the old bathtub is readily obtainable, the project can relocate rapidly; if you have to open a wall to eliminate the old bathtub as well as position the new tub, the task is much harder. In either instance, the project is within a residence handyman's abilities, although you will certainly need an assistant to vacate the old bathtub as well as embeded in the new one. See to it you have qualified yourself for the job and fit attempting it. Rather than hiring a professional to take over a halfway-completed task, it is better to take into consideration employing one prior to you start. Possibilities are you may require a professional plumber to make tube links.
This article will aid you install a new tub in your washroom if you have actually currently acquired a brand-new tub and don't need to alter the setup of your previous water system pipelines.
Your tools as well as material list ought to consist of the following:


  • New Tub

  • Hammer

  • Pipe Wrenches

  • Prybar

  • Shatterproof glass

  • Degree

  • Pliers

  • Adjustable Wrench

  • Putty Knife

  • Screwdriver

  • Cold Blade

  • Measuring tape

  • Pipe Caps


  •  

Removing Old Touches


If you need to replace old taps with brand-new ones as a part of your installation, after that the first thing you should do is detach the supply of water. After doing so, activate the faucets to drain pipes any water continuing to be in the system. The process of getting rid of the existing faucets can be quite bothersome as a result of the limited gain access to that is usually the case.
Make use of a basin wrench (crowsfoot spanner) or a faucet tool to reverse the nut that links the supply pipes to the taps. Have a towel prepared for the staying water that will originate from the pipelines. Once the supply pipes have actually been removed, utilize the same device to loosen the nut that holds the taps onto the bath/basin. You will certainly require to stop the single faucets from turning throughout this process. When the faucets have actually been removed, the holes in the bath/basin will certainly have to be cleaned up of any kind of old sealing compound.
Before going on to fit the brand-new taps, compare the pipeline links on the old faucets to the new taps. If the old faucets are longer than the brand-new faucets, then a shank adapter is needed for the brand-new faucets to fit.



Fitting New Touches


If the tails of the new taps are plastic, after that you will require a plastic adapter to stop damages to the thread. One end of the port fits on the plastic tail of the faucet and the various other end provides a connection to the current supply pipes.
If you need to fit a monobloc, after that you will certainly require lowering couplers, which connects the 10mm pipe of the monobloc to the basic 15mm supply pipeline.
Next off, place the faucet in the placing opening in the bath/basin making sure that the washers remain in place in between the faucet and the sink. Secure the tap in position with the manufacturer given backnut. Once the faucet is securely in position, the supply pipelines can be linked to the tails of the faucets. The taps can either be connected by using corrugated copper piping or with normal faucet adapters. The former type should be attached to the tap ends initially, tightening 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 actually been connected.



Installing the Bath tub


Making use of both wood boards under its feet, put the bath tub in the called for setting. The wooden boards are helpful in equally spreading the weight of the tub over the area of the boards as opposed to concentrating all the weight onto four small factors.
The following objective is to make certain that the bathtub is leveled all round. This can be achieved by examining the level as well as changing the feet on the bath tub up until the level checks out level.
To mount taps, fit all-time low of the furthest flexible faucet adapter to the suitable supply pipe by making a compression join; after that do the exact same for the other faucet.
Switch on the supply of water and also check all joints and also new pipework for leaks as well as tighten them if necessary. Fill up the bath tub as well as also inspect the overflow outlet as well as the regular outlet for leakages.
Lastly, fix the bath paneling as described in the manufacturer's instruction manual. Tiling and also securing around the bath tub must wait up until the bath tub has actually been used at the very least once as this will resolve it right into its last position.



Preparing for the Setup


First of all, the sustaining framework provided with the bathroom needs to be fitted (if needed) according to the supplier's instructions. Next, fit the faucets or mixer to the bathtub. When suitable the tap block, it is important to ensure that if the faucet comes with a plastic washing machine, it is fitted between the bathroom as well as the faucets. On a plastic bathroom, it is likewise reasonable to fit a supporting plate under the faucets system to prevent pressure on the tub.
Fit the versatile tap ports to the bottom of both faucets making use of 2 nuts and also olives (sometimes supplied with the tub). Fit the plug-hole electrical outlet by smearing mastic filler round the sink outlet hole, and afterwards pass the outlet through the hole in the bath. Utilize the nut supplied by the supplier 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 versatile overflow pipeline to the overflow outlet. Afterwards, screw the pipeline to the overflow face which need to be fitted inside the bath. Ensure you use all of the supplied washing machines.
Link the catch to the bottom of the waste outlet on the bath tub by winding the thread of the waste outlet with silicone mastic or PTFE tape, and screw on the catch to the outlet. Connect the bottom of the overflow tube in a similar manner.The bath ought to now prepare to be fitted in its final position.



Tiling Around the Tub


In the location where the bathroom fulfills the tile, it is necessary to secure the accompanies a silicone rubber caulking. This is important as the installation can move enough to split a stiff seal, triggering the water to permeate the wall surface in between the bath and also the tiling, leading to issues with dampness and feasible leaks to the ceiling listed below.
You can select from a variety of coloured sealers to blend in your components and also installations. They are offered in tubes and also cartridges, and also can sealing voids up to a size of 3mm (1/8 inch). If you have a larger space to fill, you can load it with spins of drenched paper or soft rope. Remember to constantly fill the bathtub with water before sealing, to allow for the motion experienced when the bathtub remains in usage. The sealant can crack rather early if you do not take into account this motion before sealing.
Conversely, ceramic coving or quadrant ceramic tiles can be utilized to edge the bath or shower tray. Plastic strips of coving, which are easy to use and cut to size, are also conveniently offered on the market. It is recommended to fit the ceramic tiles utilizing waterproof or water-proof glue and also 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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