Plumbing for Beginners: The Essentials for Bathtub Installation

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How to Install a Bathtub
Setting up a bathtub isn't exactly rocket science, but it does call for solid plumbing, woodworking, and in some cases, tiling skills. Replacing an old bath tub with a brand-new one is also a reasonably tough project. If the old tub is easily accessible, the job can relocate immediately; if you need to open a wall to get rid of the old bathtub and position the brand-new bath tub, the job is much harder. In either case, the job is within a house handyman's abilities, although you will certainly require an assistant to move out the old tub and set in the new one. Ensure you have qualified yourself for the job and are comfortable attempting it. Rather than hiring a contractor to take over a halfway-completed task, it is far better to think about utilizing one before you start. Possibilities are you may need a specialist plumber to make tube links.
This short article will certainly assist you install a brand-new tub in your bathroom if you have actually already acquired a new bathtub and also don't require to transform the plan of your previous water supply pipelines.
Your devices and product checklist need to comprise the following:
  • New Bath tub

  • Hammer

  • Pipeline Wrenches

  • Prybar

  • Shatterproof glass

  • Degree

  • Pliers

  • Flexible Wrench

  • Putty Blade

  • Screwdriver

  • Cold Knife

  • Measuring tape

  • Pipeline Caps


  • Removing Old Taps


    If you need to replace old taps with brand-new ones as a part of your installation, after that the first thing you need to do is detach the water supply. After doing so, turn on the taps to drain pipes any kind of water remaining in the system. The process of getting rid of the existing faucets can be quite problematic because of the restricted gain access to that is often the case.
    Use a basin wrench (crowsfoot spanner) or a tap tool to undo the nut that connects the supply pipes to the faucets. Have a towel all set for the continuing to be water that will certainly originate from the pipelines. When the supply pipes have been gotten rid of, make use of the very same tool to loosen the nut that holds the taps onto the bath/basin. You will certainly require to stop the single faucets from turning during this procedure. When the taps have actually been eliminated, the holes in the bath/basin will need to be cleansed of any old securing substance.
    Before moving on to fit the new faucets, compare the pipe links on the old taps to the brand-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 Taps


    If the tails of the new faucets are plastic, then you will require a plastic adapter to prevent damage to the string. One end of the adapter fits on the plastic tail of the tap as well as the various other end gives a connection to the existent supply pipes.
    If you need to fit a monobloc, after that you will certainly call for reducing couplers, which connects the 10mm pipe of the monobloc to the common 15mm supply pipeline.
    Next off, place the faucet in the installing opening in the bath/basin making sure that the washing machines remain in area in between the faucet and also the sink. Safeguard the faucet in position with the supplier provided backnut. Once the faucet is firmly 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 faucet ends first, tightening up just by hand. The supply pipes can later on be linked to the other end. Tighten both ends with a spanner after both ends have actually been linked.

    Setting up the Bath tub


    Utilizing the two wood boards under its feet, put the tub in the needed placement. The wooden boards are helpful in uniformly spreading out the weight of the bathtub over the location of the boards instead of focusing all the weight onto 4 small factors.
    The following goal is to make certain that the bath tub is leveled all round. This can be achieved by examining the spirit level as well as readjusting the feet on the tub till the spirit level checks out degree.
    To install taps, fit all-time low of the furthest adaptable tap port to the appropriate supply pipeline by making a compression sign up with; after that do the same for the various other faucet.
    Turn on the supply of water and inspect all joints and also brand-new pipework for leakages and also tighten them if necessary. Fill up the tub and likewise inspect the overflow outlet and the normal outlet for leakages.
    Ultimately, take care of the bathroom paneling as explained in the producer's instruction manual. Tiling and also securing around the tub ought to wait until the bath tub has actually been utilized at least when as this will settle it right into its final position.

    Preparing for the Installation


    First of all, the sustaining structure provided with the bathroom ought to be fitted (if called for) according to the maker's instructions. Next, fit the faucets or mixer to the bath tub. When fitting the tap block, it is essential to ensure that if the tap features a plastic washing machine, it is fitted in between the bath and the faucets. On a plastic bath, it is additionally practical to fit a supporting plate under the faucets system to prevent stress on the bathtub.
    Fit the adaptable tap adapters to the bottom of the two faucets using 2 nuts as well as olives (in some cases provided with the tub). Fit the plug-hole electrical outlet by smearing mastic filler round the sink electrical outlet hole, and afterwards pass the outlet with the hole in the bathroom. Use the nut supplied by the maker to fit the plug-hole. Check out the plug-hole outlet for an inlet on the side for the overflow pipe.
    Next, fit completion of the adaptable overflow pipeline to the overflow electrical outlet. After that, screw the pipe to the overflow face which should be fitted inside the bath. See to it you make use of all of the supplied washing machines.
    Attach the trap 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 also screw on the trap to the outlet. Attach the bottom of the overflow tube in a comparable manner.The bath should currently be ready to be suited its last setting.

    Tiling Around the Bathtub


    In the location where the bathroom fulfills the tile, it is necessary to seal the joins with a silicone rubber caulking. This is important as the installation can relocate sufficient to crack a stiff seal, triggering the water to permeate the wall surface in between the bathroom and also the tiling, resulting in issues with dampness and possible leakages to the ceiling listed below.
    You can choose from a variety of coloured sealants to assimilate your components and also installations. They are sold in tubes and cartridges, and are capable of sealing spaces as much as a width of 3mm (1/8 inch). If you have a bigger space to fill up, you can load it with spins of drenched paper or soft rope. Bear in mind to constantly load the tub with water prior to sealing, to enable the movement experienced when the tub remains in usage. The sealer can break fairly early if you do not take into account this activity prior to sealing.
    Alternatively, ceramic coving or quadrant floor tiles can be made use of to edge the bath or shower tray. Plastic strips of coving, which are easy to use and also cut to dimension, are likewise easily readily available on the marketplace. It is recommended to fit the floor tiles utilizing waterproof or water resistant glue as well as 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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    A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Bathtub

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