The Basics of Plumbing Skills for Bathtub Installation

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Tools You Need to Install a New Bathtub
Mounting a bathtub isn't exactly brain surgery, yet it does call for strong plumbing, woodworking, and also sometimes, tiling skills. Changing an old bathtub with a brand-new one is likewise a reasonably challenging job. If the old bathtub is conveniently accessible, the project can move quickly; if you have to open a wall to remove the old bathtub and also place the brand-new bath tub, the task is a lot harder. In either case, the task is within a house handyman's skills, although you will need an assistant to leave the old bathtub and embeded in the new one. Make certain you have qualified on your own for the job as well as are comfortable trying it. As opposed to employing a professional to take over a halfway-completed project, it is much better to consider employing one prior to you begin. Opportunities are you may need a professional plumber to make tube links.
This article will aid you mount a new tub in your bathroom if you have currently bought a new tub and also do not need to alter the plan of your previous water supply pipelines.
Your devices and material checklist need to make up the following:


  • New Bath tub

  • Hammer

  • Pipe Wrenches

  • Prybar

  • Shatterproof glass

  • Level

  • Pliers

  • Flexible Wrench

  • Putty Blade

  • Screwdriver

  • Cold Chisel

  • Measuring tape

  • Pipeline Caps


  •  

Preparing for the Setup


To start with, the supporting framework provided with the bath needs to be fitted (if required) according to the producer's directions. Next off, fit the faucets or mixer to the bath tub. When fitting the tap block, it is important to make sure that if the tap includes a plastic washer, it is fitted between the bathroom as well as the taps. On a plastic bathroom, it is additionally sensible to fit a sustaining plate under the taps unit to avoid strain on the bath tub.
Fit the flexible tap connectors to the bottom of the two taps using 2 nuts and also olives (sometimes supplied with the bathtub). Fit the plug-hole outlet by smearing mastic filler round the sink electrical outlet opening, and afterwards pass the electrical outlet via the hole in the bathroom. Use the nut supplied by the producer to fit the plug-hole. Examine the plug-hole electrical outlet for an inlet on the side for the overflow pipe.
Next off, fit completion of the flexible overflow pipe to the overflow electrical outlet. After that, screw the pipeline to the overflow face which should be fitted inside the bath. Make sure you use every one of the provided washers.
Connect the trap to the bottom of the waste outlet on the bath tub by winding the string of the waste electrical outlet with silicone mastic or PTFE tape, and screw on the trap to the electrical outlet. Link all-time low of the overflow tube in a comparable manner.The bathroom must currently be ready to be fitted in its final placement.



Removing Old Touches


If you require to replace old taps with brand-new ones as a part of your installment, after that the first thing you must do is separate the water. After doing so, activate the taps to drain any water continuing to be in the system. The procedure of removing the existing taps can be quite bothersome because of the restricted access that is frequently the instance.
Utilize a basin wrench (crowsfoot spanner) or a faucet tool to reverse the nut that connects the supply pipelines to the taps. Have a towel ready for the remaining water that will originate from the pipelines. As soon as the supply pipes have been removed, utilize the same device to loosen up the nut that holds the taps onto the bath/basin. You will certainly require to quit the solitary faucets from turning throughout this procedure. When the faucets have been removed, the holes in the bath/basin will certainly need to be cleaned of any type of old securing compound.
Prior to proceeding to fit the brand-new faucets, compare the pipeline links on the old taps to the brand-new faucets. If the old faucets are longer than the new faucets, after that a shank adapter is required for the new taps to fit.



Mounting the Tub


Utilizing the two wood boards under its feet, position the bath tub in the called for setting. The wooden boards are practical in evenly spreading the weight of the tub over the location of the boards as opposed to focusing all the weight onto 4 little factors.
The following objective is to guarantee that the tub is leveled all round. This can be attained by examining the spirit level as well as readjusting the feet on the bathtub up until the level checks out degree.
To install taps, fit the bottom of the outermost versatile faucet adapter to the ideal supply pipeline by making a compression join; then do the very same for the various other tap.
Switch on the supply of water as well as examine all joints and also brand-new pipework for leakages and tighten them if needed. Load the bathtub as well as additionally check the overflow outlet as well as the typical outlet for leaks.
Ultimately, take care of the bath paneling as described in the maker's user's manual. Tiling and also sealing around the tub should wait up until the bathtub has been utilized at least once as this will certainly settle it right into its final setting.



Suitable New Touches


If the tails of the brand-new taps are plastic, then you will certainly require a plastic port to avoid damages to the string. One end of the adapter fits on the plastic tail of the faucet and also the other end gives a connection to the existent supply pipes.
If you need to fit a monobloc, then you will call for lowering couplers, which connects the 10mm pipe of the monobloc to the standard 15mm supply pipe.
Next off, place the faucet in the placing hole in the bath/basin guaranteeing that the washers are in location in between the tap as well as the sink. Safeguard the tap in position with the maker offered backnut. As soon as the tap is firmly in position, the supply pipes can be attached to the tails of the taps. The faucets can either be linked by utilizing corrugated copper piping or with typical tap adapters. The former kind should be attached to the faucet finishes initially, tightening just by hand. The supply pipelines can later be linked to the other end. Tighten up both ends with a spanner after both ends have actually been connected.



Tiling Around the Tub


In the area where the bathroom satisfies the floor tile, it is needed to secure the joins with a silicone rubber caulking. This is important as the installation can move enough to fracture an inflexible seal, causing the water to permeate the wall in between the bathroom and also the tiling, resulting in problems with moisture and possible leakages to the ceiling listed below.
You can pick from a selection of coloured sealers to blend in your components and installations. They are sold in tubes and cartridges, and also are capable of securing gaps up to a width of 3mm (1/8 inch). If you have a larger gap to load, you can load it with twists of drenched paper or soft rope. Keep in mind to always fill the tub with water before sealing, to allow for the activity experienced when the tub remains in usage. The sealant can fracture relatively very early if you do not take into account this activity prior to sealing.
Conversely, ceramic coving or quadrant ceramic tiles can be used to edge the bathroom or shower tray. Plastic strips of coving, which are easy to use as well as reduce to dimension, are likewise easily offered on the market. It is advisable to fit the floor tiles using water-resistant or water resistant adhesive and 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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