Can I Install a Bathtub Myself? Factors to Consider And Actions

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Bathtub
Setting up a bathtub isn't specifically rocket science, yet it does need strong plumbing, carpentry, and also often, tiling skills. Changing an old bathtub with a brand-new one is also a reasonably challenging task. If the old bathtub is conveniently accessible, the job can move immediately; if you need to open a wall surface to eliminate the old bathtub as well as place the new bath tub, the task is a lot harder. In either case, the task is within a home handyman's abilities, although you will require an assistant to leave the old bathtub and embeded in the new one. Make certain you have certified on your own for the job and also are comfortable trying it. Rather than employing a service provider to take over a halfway-completed task, it is better to think about using one before you start. Chances are you may require a professional plumber to make tube connections.
This write-up will assist you mount a new tub in your washroom if you have already gotten a brand-new tub as well as do not need to alter the plan of your previous water pipes.
Your tools and also product checklist must make up the following:
  • New Bath tub
  • Hammer

  • Pipe Wrenches

  • Prybar

  • Safety Glasses

  • Level

  • Pliers

  • Flexible Wrench

  • Putty Blade

  • Screwdriver

  • Cold Knife

  • Tape Measure

  • Pipe Caps


  • Getting ready for the Installment


    Firstly, the supporting framework provided with the bathroom should be fitted (if required) according to the maker's guidelines. Next off, fit the faucets or mixer to the bathtub. When fitting the tap block, it is necessary to see to it that if the faucet comes with a plastic washer, it is fitted between the bath as well as the faucets. On a plastic bathroom, it is additionally reasonable to fit a sustaining plate under the taps unit to prevent stress on the tub.
    Fit the versatile faucet ports to the bottom of both faucets making use of 2 nuts and also olives (occasionally supplied with the tub). Fit the plug-hole outlet by smearing mastic filler round the sink outlet hole, and then pass the outlet through the hole in the bath. Use the nut supplied by the producer to fit the plug-hole. Analyze the plug-hole outlet for an inlet on the side for the overflow pipeline.
    Next off, fit completion of the versatile overflow pipeline to the overflow electrical outlet. Afterwards, screw the pipe to the overflow face which ought to be fitted inside the bath. Ensure you utilize all of the supplied washers.
    Connect the catch to the bottom of the waste electrical outlet on the bath tub by winding the string of the waste electrical outlet with silicone mastic or PTFE tape, as well as screw on the trap to the outlet. Connect all-time low of the overflow tube in a comparable manner.The bath ought to now be ready to be suited its last placement.

    Removing Old Touches


    If you need to replace old taps with new ones as a part of your installment, after that the first thing you must do is detach the supply of water. After doing so, turn on the faucets to drain pipes any type of water staying in the system. The process of getting rid of the existing faucets can be rather troublesome due to the limited accessibility that is commonly the situation.
    Use a container wrench (crowsfoot spanner) or a faucet tool to undo the nut that attaches the supply pipelines to the taps. Have a cloth all set for the staying water that will come from the pipelines. When the supply pipes have actually been eliminated, use the same device to loosen up the nut that holds the faucets onto the bath/basin. You will certainly need to stop the solitary faucets from turning during this procedure. As soon as the faucets have been removed, the holes in the bath/basin will certainly need to be cleaned up of any kind of old securing substance.
    Prior to proceeding to fit the brand-new faucets, compare the pipe links on the old faucets to the new faucets. If the old faucets are longer than the new taps, after that a shank adapter is needed for the new faucets to fit.

    Setting up the Tub


    Using both wooden boards under its feet, place the bath tub in the needed position. The wood boards are practical in uniformly spreading the weight of the bath tub over the area of the boards instead of concentrating all the weight onto four small factors.
    The next objective is to make sure that the bathtub is leveled all round. This can be accomplished by checking the level and changing the feet on the bathtub up until the spirit level checks out degree.
    To set up faucets, fit the bottom of the outermost flexible faucet connector to the proper supply pipe by making a compression join; after that do the same for the various other tap.
    Turn on the water supply as well as examine all joints and brand-new pipework for leaks as well as tighten them if essential. Fill the bath tub and likewise examine the overflow outlet as well as the regular outlet for leakages.
    Ultimately, repair the bath paneling as explained in the manufacturer's user's manual. Tiling and also sealing around the bath tub ought to wait till the bathtub has actually been used a minimum of when as this will resolve it into its final placement.

    Fitting New Touches


    If the tails of the brand-new taps are plastic, after that you will need a plastic adapter to prevent damages to the string. One end of the connector fits on the plastic tail of the faucet and also the other end supplies a connection to the existing supply pipelines.
    If you need to fit a monobloc, then you will certainly need lowering couplers, which connects the 10mm pipeline of the monobloc to the typical 15mm supply pipeline.
    Next, position the faucet in the placing hole in the bath/basin making sure that the washing machines remain in place in between the faucet and the sink. Protect the faucet in position with the supplier provided backnut. Once the tap is safely in position, the supply pipelines can be attached to the tails of the faucets. The faucets can either be attached by using corrugated copper piping or with normal tap connectors. The previous kind should be connected to the tap ends first, tightening only by hand. The supply pipes can later be connected to the other end. Tighten both ends with a spanner after both ends have been connected.

    Tiling Around the Bath tub


    In the location where the bath meets the ceramic tile, it is needed to secure the accompanies a silicone rubber caulking. This is necessary as the fitting can move enough to break a stiff seal, triggering the water to pass through the wall surface in between the bathroom and also the tiling, leading to complications with dampness as well as possible leaks to the ceiling below.
    You can select from a range of coloured sealers to assimilate your components as well as installations. They are offered in tubes as well as cartridges, as well as can securing spaces as much as a size of 3mm (1/8 inch). If you have a bigger space to fill up, you can fill it with twists of soaked newspaper or soft rope. Bear in mind to constantly fill up the tub with water before securing, to permit the motion experienced when the bathtub remains in use. The sealant can crack rather very early if you do not take into consideration 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 reduce to dimension, are also easily offered on the market. It is advisable to fit the floor tiles making use of waterproof or water resistant adhesive 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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    Tools You Need to Install a New Bathtub

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