Plumber's Essentials: Your Key to Installing a Bathtub

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Almost everyone will have their own individual thinking in relation to A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Bathtub.


How to Install a Bathtub
Setting up a tub isn't precisely rocket science, but it does call for strong plumbing, carpentry, and sometimes, tiling abilities. Replacing an old tub with a new one is additionally a reasonably challenging job. If the old tub is readily accessible, the task can move rapidly; if you need to open up a wall surface to eliminate the old bathtub and also position the brand-new tub, the job is much harder. In either situation, the project is within a residence handyman's skills, although you will require an assistant to move out the old bathtub and also set in the new one. Make certain you have actually qualified yourself for the task as well as fit attempting it. Instead of employing a professional to take over a halfway-completed task, it is better to think about using one prior to you start. Opportunities are you may require a specialist plumber to make tube connections.
This short article will aid you set up a new bathtub in your restroom if you have actually already acquired a new bathtub and also do not require to change the arrangement of your previous supply of water pipelines.
Your devices and also material checklist ought to make up the following:

 

  • New Bathtub

  • Hammer

  • Pipeline Wrenches

  • Prybar

  • Safety Glasses

  • Degree

  • Pliers

  • Adjustable Wrench

  • Putty Knife

  • Screwdriver

  • Cold Chisel

  • Measuring tape

  • Pipe Caps


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Removing Old Taps


If you require to change old taps with new ones as a part of your setup, after that the first thing you should do is detach the water. After doing so, turn on the taps to drain any type of water continuing to be in the system. The process of eliminating the existing taps can be rather troublesome because of the limited gain access to that is often the case.
Use a basin wrench (crowsfoot spanner) or a faucet device to reverse the nut that connects the supply pipes to the taps. Have a cloth all set for the remaining water that will come from the pipes. As soon as the supply pipelines have been removed, utilize the very same tool to loosen the nut that holds the faucets onto the bath/basin. You will require to stop the solitary taps from transforming throughout this procedure. As soon as the taps have been gotten rid of, the holes in the bath/basin will have to be cleaned up of any old securing compound.
Prior to carrying on to fit the brand-new faucets, contrast the pipe links on the old faucets to the brand-new taps. If the old taps are longer than the new faucets, after that a shank adapter is needed for the brand-new faucets to fit.

 

 

Fitting New Taps


If the tails of the new faucets are plastic, after that you will certainly require a plastic connector to stop damages to the string. One end of the adapter fits on the plastic tail of the tap and the other end offers a connection to the existing supply pipes.
If you need to fit a monobloc, then you will need 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 guaranteeing that the washing machines remain in location between the tap and the sink. Safeguard the tap in position with the supplier provided backnut. When the tap is securely in position, the supply pipelines can be attached to the tails of the faucets. The faucets can either be connected by utilizing corrugated copper piping or with regular tap connectors. The previous kind must be linked to the tap ends initially, tightening just by hand. The supply pipelines can later on be connected to the various other end. Tighten both ends with a spanner after both ends have actually been linked.

 

 

Installing the Bathtub


Using the two wooden boards under its feet, put the tub in the needed setting. The wooden boards are practical in equally spreading out the weight of the bath tub over the location of the boards rather than concentrating all the weight onto 4 little points.
The next objective is to make certain that the bath tub is leveled all round. This can be attained by examining the level as well as adjusting the feet on the bath tub until the level checks out degree.
To install faucets, fit the bottom of the outermost versatile tap connector to the proper supply pipeline by making a compression join; then do the very same for the other faucet.
Switch on the supply of water and also check all joints as well as brand-new pipework for leakages and also tighten them if required. Fill up the tub and likewise inspect the overflow electrical outlet and the typical electrical outlet for leakages.
Ultimately, take care of the bathroom paneling as described in the maker's user's manual. Tiling and also securing around the bathtub ought to wait until the bathtub has been used a minimum of when as this will resolve it right into its final position.

 

 

Preparing for the Installation


Firstly, the sustaining frame provided with the bathroom needs to be fitted (if called for) according to the maker's directions. Next off, fit the taps or mixer to the bathtub. When suitable the tap block, it is very important to see to it that if the faucet comes with a plastic washing machine, it is fitted between the bathroom and also the taps. On a plastic bath, it is likewise reasonable to fit a supporting plate under the faucets unit to avoid pressure on the bathtub.
Fit the adaptable faucet adapters to the bottom of the two taps utilizing 2 nuts as well as olives (sometimes supplied with the bathtub). Fit the plug-hole electrical outlet by smearing mastic filler round the sink electrical outlet opening, and then pass the outlet with the hole in the bathroom. Make use of the nut supplied by the maker to fit the plug-hole. Check out the plug-hole electrical outlet for an inlet on the side for the overflow pipe.
Next, fit completion of the adaptable overflow pipeline to the overflow electrical outlet. Afterwards, screw the pipe to the overflow face which should be fitted inside the bathroom. Make certain you use every one of the provided washers.
Connect the catch to the bottom of the waste electrical outlet on the tub by winding the thread of the waste electrical outlet with silicone mastic or PTFE tape, as well as screw on the trap to the electrical outlet. Link the bottom of the overflow tube in a comparable manner.The bath ought to now be ready to be suited its last setting.

 

 

Tiling Around the Tub


In the area where the bath fulfills the tile, it is needed to secure the accompanies a silicone rubber caulking. This is necessary as the fitting can relocate sufficient to crack an inflexible seal, creating the water to pass through the wall in between the bath and the tiling, resulting in problems with dampness as well as feasible leaks to the ceiling below.
You can select from a selection of coloured sealants to assimilate your components and installations. They are offered in tubes and cartridges, as well as are capable of sealing gaps up to a width of 3mm (1/8 inch). If you have a bigger void to load, you can fill it with spins of soaked paper or soft rope. Remember to always load the bathtub with water before securing, to allow for the movement experienced when the bathtub remains in use. The sealant can split rather early if you do not take into consideration this activity prior to securing.
Alternatively, ceramic coving or quadrant 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 easily available on the marketplace. It is suggested to fit the floor tiles making use of waterproof or water resistant sticky 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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