Plumbing Basics: A Prerequisite for When Installing a Bathtub

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How to Install a Bathtub
Installing a bath tub isn't precisely rocket science, but it does need solid plumbing, woodworking, and often, tiling skills. Replacing an old tub with a new one is also a moderately tough job. If the old bathtub is readily accessible, the job can relocate easily; if you have to open a wall to eliminate the old bathtub as well as position the new bath tub, the task is much harder. In either instance, the task is within a home handyman's abilities, although you will certainly need a helper to vacate the old bathtub and also embeded in the brand-new one. Make sure you have qualified yourself for the job and also are comfortable trying it. Instead of working with a service provider to take control of a halfway-completed job, it is better to consider utilizing one prior to you begin. Chances are you may need an expert plumber to make tube connections.
This write-up will aid you install a new bathtub in your shower room if you have already gotten a new tub and also don't require to transform the setup of your previous water system pipelines.
Your tools as well as material checklist should comprise the following:
  • New Bathtub
  • Hammer

  • Pipe Wrenches

  • Prybar

  • Shatterproof glass

  • Level

  • Pliers

  • Adjustable Wrench

  • Putty Knife

  • Screwdriver

  • Cold Blade

  • Tape Measure

  • Pipeline Caps


  • Preparing for the Installation


    First of all, the supporting structure supplied with the bath ought to be fitted (if required) according to the maker's directions. Next, fit the faucets or mixer to the tub. When suitable the tap block, it is necessary to see to it that if the faucet comes with a plastic washing machine, it is fitted in between the bath and also the faucets. On a plastic bath, it is likewise practical to fit a sustaining plate under the faucets device to stop stress on the tub.
    Fit the versatile faucet ports to the bottom of the two taps utilizing 2 nuts and also olives (often supplied with the bathtub). Fit the plug-hole electrical outlet by smearing mastic filler round the sink outlet hole, and afterwards pass the electrical outlet through the hole in the bathroom. Utilize the nut provided by the maker to fit the plug-hole. Check out the plug-hole electrical outlet for an inlet on the side for the overflow pipeline.
    Next, fit completion of the flexible overflow pipe to the overflow electrical outlet. After that, screw the pipe to the overflow face which must be fitted inside the bathroom. Make certain you use every one of the supplied washers.
    Attach the trap to the bottom of the waste electrical outlet on the tub by winding the string of the waste outlet with silicone mastic or PTFE tape, and also screw on the trap to the outlet. Link the bottom of the overflow tube in a comparable manner.The bathroom must currently prepare to be suited its last setting.

    Removing Old Taps


    If you require to change old faucets with brand-new ones as a part of your setup, after that the first thing you should do is disconnect the water. After doing so, turn on the taps to drain any water staying in the system. The process of removing the existing faucets can be quite troublesome as a result of the limited accessibility that is frequently the instance.
    Make use of a basin wrench (crowsfoot spanner) or a faucet device to undo the nut that attaches the supply pipes to the taps. Have a cloth all set for the continuing to be water that will certainly come from the pipelines. Once the supply pipes have actually been gotten rid of, utilize the same tool to loosen the nut that holds the faucets onto the bath/basin. You will need to quit the solitary faucets from turning during this procedure. As soon as the taps have actually been gotten rid of, the holes in the bath/basin will have to be cleaned up of any type of old sealing substance.
    Prior to carrying on to fit the brand-new taps, contrast the pipe links on the old faucets to the new taps. If the old taps are longer than the brand-new taps, then a shank adapter is required for the brand-new faucets to fit.

    Installing the Tub


    Using the two wooden boards under its feet, put the bathtub in the needed setting. The wooden boards are handy in uniformly spreading the weight of the bathtub over the area of the boards instead of concentrating all the weight onto four small factors.
    The next objective is to guarantee that the tub is leveled all round. This can be accomplished by inspecting the level and also adjusting the feet on the bath tub up until the spirit level reads degree.
    To install faucets, fit all-time low of the furthest versatile faucet connector to the ideal supply pipeline by making a compression join; after that do the same for the various other tap.
    Switch on the water system as well as inspect all joints and new pipework for leakages as well as tighten them if necessary. Load the tub as well as likewise check the overflow outlet and also the regular electrical outlet for leakages.
    Ultimately, repair the bathroom paneling as described in the maker's instruction manual. Tiling and also sealing around the tub ought to wait up until the tub has actually been made use of at the very least once as this will resolve it into its final setting.

    Fitting New Taps


    If the tails of the new taps are plastic, then you will certainly require a plastic port to avoid damage to the thread. One end of the adapter fits on the plastic tail of the faucet and also the various other end supplies a connection to the existent supply pipes.
    If you need to fit a monobloc, after that you will need reducing couplers, which attaches the 10mm pipe of the monobloc to the conventional 15mm supply pipe.
    Next, place the tap in the mounting opening in the bath/basin making certain that the washers remain in place in between the faucet as well as the sink. Secure the tap in place with the maker offered backnut. As soon as the faucet is safely 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 regular tap ports. The former type ought to be linked to the faucet ends initially, tightening up just by hand. The supply pipelines can later on be attached to the other end. Tighten up both ends with a spanner after both ends have actually been linked.

    Tiling Around the Bath tub


    In the location where the bath fulfills the ceramic tile, it is required to seal the joins with a silicone rubber caulking. This is essential as the fitting can move sufficient to split an inflexible seal, causing the water to penetrate the wall between the bath and the tiling, causing issues with dampness and feasible leaks to the ceiling below.
    You can select from a range of coloured sealants to assimilate your components and installations. They are sold in tubes as well as cartridges, as well as can sealing spaces as much as a size of 3mm (1/8 inch). If you have a bigger void to fill, you can fill it with twists of drenched paper or soft rope. Keep in mind to constantly fill the bath tub with water prior to securing, to permit the activity experienced when the bathtub is in use. The sealer can fracture fairly early if you do not take into account this motion prior to securing.
    Alternatively, ceramic coving or quadrant tiles can be utilized to border the bathroom or shower tray. Plastic strips of coving, which are easy to use as well as cut to size, are also easily offered on the market. It is advisable to fit the ceramic tiles making use of waterproof or water-proof sticky as well as 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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    How to Install a Bathtub

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