Plumbing 101: A Guide to Bathtub Installation

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How to Install a Bathtub
Setting up a bathtub isn't precisely rocket science, however it does require strong plumbing, woodworking, as well as sometimes, tiling skills. Changing an old bath tub with a brand-new one is also a reasonably difficult job. If the old tub is conveniently available, the task can move easily; if you have to open a wall surface to get rid of the old tub and also place the new tub, the task is much harder. In either instance, the job is within a residence handyman's skills, although you will certainly need an assistant to vacate the old tub and also embeded in the new one. See to it you have actually qualified on your own for the job and are comfortable trying it. As opposed to hiring a specialist to take control of a halfway-completed task, it is far better to take into consideration utilizing one before you begin. Possibilities are you may need an expert plumber to make tube connections.
This article will aid you install a brand-new bath tub in your bathroom if you have actually already purchased a new tub as well as do not require to change the plan of your previous supply of water pipes.
Your tools and also product list must make up the following:
  • New Bath tub

  • Hammer

  • Pipe Wrenches

  • Prybar

  • Safety Glasses

  • Level

  • Pliers

  • Flexible Wrench

  • Putty Blade

  • Screwdriver

  • Cold Chisel

  • Tape Measure

  • Pipeline Caps


  • Removing Old Touches


    If you need to replace old faucets with brand-new ones as a part of your installation, then the first thing you must do is separate the water. After doing so, activate the taps to drain any type of 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 access that is usually the case.
    Use a basin wrench (crowsfoot spanner) or a faucet tool to undo the nut that links the supply pipelines to the taps. Have a fabric prepared for the staying water that will originate from the pipelines. Once the supply pipelines have actually been gotten rid of, make use of the very same device to loosen the nut that holds the taps onto the bath/basin. You will require to quit the single taps from transforming throughout this process. As soon as the taps have actually been removed, the holes in the bath/basin will need to be cleaned of any type of old sealing substance.
    Prior to going on to fit the brand-new faucets, compare the pipeline connections on the old faucets to the new faucets. If the old taps are longer than the brand-new taps, then a shank adapter is needed for the new taps to fit.

    Suitable New Touches


    If the tails of the brand-new faucets are plastic, after that you will need a plastic port to avoid damages to the string. One end of the port fits on the plastic tail of the faucet and also the various other end provides a connection to the existent supply pipes.
    If you need to fit a monobloc, after that you will certainly call for decreasing couplers, which links the 10mm pipeline of the monobloc to the conventional 15mm supply pipe.
    Next, position the tap in the installing opening in the bath/basin guaranteeing that the washing machines remain in place between the faucet and also the sink. Secure the tap in position with the manufacturer provided backnut. Once the tap is firmly in position, the supply pipes can be linked to the tails of the faucets. The faucets can either be attached by utilizing corrugated copper piping or with typical tap adapters. The former kind should be connected to the tap ends initially, tightening up only by hand. The supply pipes can later on be linked to the other end. Tighten both ends with a spanner after both ends have been attached.

    Mounting the Bath tub


    Using the two wooden boards under its feet, place the bath tub in the needed position. The wood boards are helpful in equally spreading the weight of the bath tub over the area of the boards instead of concentrating all the weight onto four little points.
    The following goal is to ensure that the tub is leveled all round. This can be achieved by inspecting the spirit level and changing the feet on the bath tub till the spirit level checks out level.
    To mount faucets, fit all-time low of the furthest flexible tap port to the ideal supply pipeline by making a compression join; then do the very same for the other tap.
    Switch on the water system and also examine all joints and new pipework for leaks and tighten them if required. Load the bath tub and also check the overflow outlet and also the regular electrical outlet for leakages.
    Lastly, take care of the bath paneling as explained in the producer's instruction manual. Tiling and securing around the tub ought to wait until the bathtub has actually been utilized a minimum of once as this will certainly settle it into its last setting.

    Preparing for the Installment


    To start with, the sustaining frame provided with the bathroom ought to be fitted (if required) according to the producer's guidelines. Next, fit the taps or mixer to the bathtub. When fitting the faucet block, it is important to make certain that if the tap includes a plastic washer, it is fitted between the bath as well as the faucets. On a plastic bath, it is likewise reasonable to fit a supporting plate under the faucets device to prevent stress on the bath tub.
    Fit the flexible tap ports to the bottom of both faucets utilizing 2 nuts and also olives (occasionally supplied with the tub). Fit the plug-hole electrical outlet by smearing mastic filler round the sink outlet hole, and after that pass the outlet with the hole in the bathroom. Use the nut provided by the supplier to fit the plug-hole. Check out the plug-hole electrical outlet for an inlet on the side for the overflow pipeline.
    Next off, fit the end of the flexible overflow pipe to the overflow electrical outlet. After that, screw the pipe to the overflow face which should be fitted inside the bath. Ensure you utilize all of the supplied washers.
    Link the trap to the bottom of the waste 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 outlet. Attach the bottom of the overflow tube in a comparable manner.The bathroom need to currently be ready to be fitted in its final setting.

    Tiling Around the Bathtub


    In the area where the bath meets the tile, it is required to secure the accompanies a silicone rubber caulking. This is important as the installation can move enough to crack an inflexible seal, causing the water to pass through the wall surface between the bath and the tiling, causing difficulties with wetness and feasible leaks to the ceiling below.
    You can select from a range of coloured sealers to assimilate your fixtures as well as fittings. They are sold in tubes as well as cartridges, and also are capable of sealing gaps approximately a size of 3mm (1/8 inch). If you have a larger gap to fill up, you can load it with twists of drenched paper or soft rope. Remember to always fill the tub with water before sealing, to enable the activity experienced when the bathtub remains in use. The sealant can split relatively very early if you do not think about this activity prior to securing.
    Additionally, ceramic coving or quadrant tiles can be made use of to border the bath or shower tray. Plastic strips of coving, which are easy to use as well as reduce to dimension, are also conveniently offered on the marketplace. It is advisable to fit the tiles utilizing waterproof or water-proof glue and also cement.

    A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Bathtub


    Is your bathtub looking a bit dated lately? Believe it or not, installing a new one is a project you can do yourself. Whether your bathtub is broken or doesn’t fit in with your current bathroom’s design, you can fix it without having to hire a contractor or paying labour costs.



    But, beyond saving money, there are other benefits of installing your own bathtub. When you do this project yourself, you can customise every step of the process. You can also make sure the finished product looks exactly the way you want it to.



    This DIY project is quite involved, but by doing some research, preparing your bathroom and using the right equipment, it is definitely one you can take on. This guide will help you understand the technical procedures behind installing a new bathtub.


    Remove the Existing Bathtub


    To remove the old bathtub, you will need to turn the water supply off before you start any work. After you turn the water off, there will likely still be some water left in your plumbing system, which you can remove by turning on a faucet below the level of the bathtub. Once the water stops running, you are ready to start working.



    The easiest way to remove the tub is to remove the faucet, handles and other piping and then pull the tub out from the wall. If this doesn’t work in your situation, you will need to remove part of the wall, remove the piping and then slide the tub out.


    Choose the Right Bathtub


    The ideal way to replace your bathtub is to find one that has the exact dimensions and has the drain and faucet on the same side as your old one. This way, it will fit in the same place and you won’t have to change the piping system in your bathroom. Choose a tub that matches your home’s decor and fits with the style of the bathroom.


    Install the Plumbing and Ledger Board


    You can purchase a tub drain kit at a hardware store which will have all the pieces you will need for your new tub’s plumbing. Follow the instructions that came with the kit to install the plumbing in the new tub and then take measurements to make sure the plumbing in the tub will align with the plumbing in your bathroom. If it doesn’t, now is the time to make necessary adjustments.



    Some bathtubs need a ledger board that is installed on the wall behind the tub to help support it. If your new bathtub requires one, the directions that came with it will tell you how high it should be installed. If your old bathtub had a ledger board, and it is still in good condition, you can adjust its height to match the new bathtub.


    Install the Bathtub


    When the plumbing and ledger board are ready, you can install the new bathtub. Carefully lower it into the space, being careful not to damage the tub, wall, plumbing or ledger board. Since bathtubs are very heavy and you will need to line the tub up exactly, it is wise to have someone help you with this step.



    Once the tub is in place, it needs to be perfectly level, so use a bubble level instead of estimating how level the tub is. Put the level on the top edge of the tub, not the bottom on the inside, since many tubs are designed with a sloped bottom.



    If the bathtub isn’t level, adjust the ledger board and shift the tub until it is. When it is level, use screws to attach the tub to the wall studs. Most bathtubs have pre-drilled holes in the upper flange, so use these but do not over tighten the screws.


    Hook up the Plumbing


    Now that the bathtub is installed, it needs to be attached to your plumbing system. First, install the shoe fitting under the tub and drain pipe, then the overflow pipe and then the drain flange. Your tub plumbing kit will include specific instructions on how to install these pieces.


    Install the Bathtub Surround


    A bathtub surround will protect the walls around the tub from water damage and can give your new bathtub a more finished look. To install one, make sure the wall is completely clean and dry so that the adhesive will be able to hold the surround securely. Then, measure the surround and mark the same dimensions on the wall above the tub.



    Following the directions that came with the surround adhesive, apply it to the wall. Press the surround against the wall on top of the adhesive and then pull it away for about three minutes to activate the adhesive, then apply the surround again. Keep in mind that this is the most common way to use an adhesive, but you should check the instructions on the package for any special steps.



    If there is any excessive adhesive around the sides of the surround, you can use mineral spirits to remove it. Then use masking tape to hold the surround panels in place until the adhesive is dry. Using silicone, seal all the cracks between the surround panels and the gap between the bottom of the panels and the top of the bathtub.



    If you want to install tile above your bathtub, instead of a bathtub surround, the process will be very similar. But, you will need to measure and cut tiles and install each one individually, using tile spacers to make sure they are evenly spaced. You will then use grout to fill in the spaces between the tiles.

    https://www.hss.com/blog/bathroom/a-step-by-step-guide-to-installing-a-bathtub/


    Tools You Need to Install a New Bathtub

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