Every person seems to have their unique assumption on the subject of How to Install a Bathtub Yourself.
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Installing a bathtub isn't exactly brain surgery, but it does need solid plumbing, woodworking, and also in some cases, tiling skills. Replacing an old bath tub with a new one is also a reasonably tough project. If the old bathtub is easily accessible, the task can move speedily; if you need to open up a wall to eliminate the old tub as well as place the new bath tub, the task is a lot harder. In either case, the job is within a home handyman's skills, although you will certainly require a helper to leave the old tub as well as embeded in the brand-new one. Make sure you have qualified on your own for the task and also are comfortable trying it. Instead of hiring a service provider to take over a halfway-completed task, it is much better to consider utilizing one before you start. Chances are you may require a professional plumber to make tube connections.
This post will aid you install a new bathtub in your washroom if you have currently acquired a brand-new tub as well as don't require to transform the arrangement of your previous supply of water pipelines.
Your devices and also material checklist ought to make up the following:
- New Tub
- Hammer
- Pipe Wrenches
- Prybar
- Safety Glasses
- Level
- Pliers
- Adjustable Wrench
- Putty Knife
- Screwdriver
- Cold Chisel
- Tape Measure
- Pipe Caps
Getting ready for the Setup
First of all, the supporting structure provided with the bath ought to be fitted (if required) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Next off, fit the faucets or mixer to the tub. When fitting the tap block, it is essential to ensure that if the faucet features a plastic washer, it is fitted between the bathroom as well as the faucets. On a plastic bath, it is additionally practical to fit a sustaining plate under the faucets unit to stop stress on the bathtub.
Fit the versatile tap ports to the bottom of both taps making use of 2 nuts and also olives (in some cases supplied with the bathtub). Fit the plug-hole outlet by smearing mastic filler round the sink outlet hole, and afterwards pass the electrical outlet via the hole in the bath. Use the nut supplied by the supplier to fit the plug-hole. Analyze the plug-hole outlet for an inlet on the side for the overflow pipeline.
Next, fit completion of the versatile overflow pipeline to the overflow electrical outlet. After that, screw the pipeline to the overflow face which ought to be fitted inside the bathroom. Make certain you use all of the provided washers.
Link the trap to the bottom of the waste outlet on the tub by winding the thread of the waste outlet with silicone mastic or PTFE tape, and also screw on the trap to the outlet. Link all-time low of the overflow tube in a similar manner.The bath ought to currently prepare to be suited its final position.
Removing Old Taps
If you require to change old faucets with brand-new ones as a part of your installment, after that the first thing you ought to do is disconnect the supply of water. After doing so, turn on the faucets to drain pipes any water remaining in the system. The process of getting rid of the existing faucets can be quite bothersome as a result of the restricted accessibility that is often the situation.
Use a container wrench (crowsfoot spanner) or a tap device to undo the nut that links the supply pipelines to the taps. Have a towel ready for the continuing to be water that will come from the pipelines. When the supply pipes have been removed, use the exact same tool to loosen up the nut that holds the taps onto the bath/basin. You will require to quit the solitary faucets from transforming throughout this process. As soon as the faucets have been eliminated, the holes in the bath/basin will need to be cleaned up of any kind of old sealing compound.
Prior to moving on to fit the brand-new faucets, compare the pipe connections 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 taps to fit.
Mounting the Bath tub
Utilizing both wooden boards under its feet, place the tub in the needed setting. The wood boards are helpful in equally spreading the weight of the bathtub over the location of the boards rather than focusing all the weight onto four little points.
The following objective is to make certain that the bath tub is leveled all round. This can be attained by checking the level and changing the feet on the bathtub until the spirit level checks out level.
To install taps, fit the bottom of the outermost flexible faucet port to the proper supply pipe by making a compression join; then do the exact same for the other tap.
Turn on the water system and examine all joints and brand-new pipework for leaks and also tighten them if necessary. Load the tub as well as likewise examine the overflow outlet as well as the normal electrical outlet for leakages.
Finally, repair the bathroom paneling as defined in the producer's user's manual. Tiling and also sealing around the tub needs to wait until the bathtub has actually been utilized at the very least once as this will settle it right into its last position.
Fitting New Taps
If the tails of the new taps are plastic, after that you will certainly require a plastic adapter to prevent damage to the thread. One end of the connector fits on the plastic tail of the tap and the other end provides a link to the current supply pipelines.
If you require to fit a monobloc, after that you will need minimizing couplers, which attaches the 10mm pipe of the monobloc to the standard 15mm supply pipe.
Next, place the faucet in the placing opening in the bath/basin guaranteeing that the washing machines remain in place between the faucet and the sink. Protect the faucet in place with the manufacturer supplied backnut. As soon as the tap is safely in position, the supply pipelines can be linked to the tails of the faucets. The faucets can either be connected by utilizing corrugated copper piping or with typical faucet connectors. The previous type should be linked to the tap ends initially, tightening only by hand. The supply pipes can later on be attached to the other end. Tighten both ends with a spanner after both ends have actually been attached.
Tiling Around the Tub
In the location where the bath meets the tile, it is required to secure the accompanies a silicone rubber caulking. This is necessary as the fitting can relocate sufficient to crack a rigid seal, creating the water to pass through the wall surface between the bathroom and the tiling, leading to issues with wetness as well as feasible leaks to the ceiling listed below.
You can pick from a range of coloured sealants to assimilate your fixtures and fittings. They are sold in tubes and also cartridges, and are capable of sealing spaces as much as a width of 3mm (1/8 inch). If you have a larger space to fill up, you can fill it with twists of soaked newspaper or soft rope. Remember to always fill the bathtub with water before sealing, to permit the activity experienced when the bathtub is in usage. The sealant can split rather very early if you do not take into consideration this activity before sealing.
Additionally, 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 as well as reduce to size, are additionally quickly offered on the market. It is recommended to fit the tiles using water-resistant or waterproof adhesive and also 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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