Plumbing Basics: A Must for Installing a Bathtub

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Installing A Bathtub
Setting up a bathtub isn't exactly rocket science, but it does require solid plumbing, carpentry, and in some cases, tiling skills. Replacing an old bathtub with a new one is likewise a moderately hard task. If the old bathtub is conveniently obtainable, the task can relocate easily; if you need to open up a wall to eliminate the old tub as well as place the new bath tub, the job is much harder. In either case, the project is within a residence handyman's skills, although you will certainly need a helper to leave the old bathtub and set in the new one. Make certain you have actually certified on your own for the work and also are comfortable trying it. Instead of employing a service provider to take control of a halfway-completed task, it is much better to think about utilizing one prior to you begin. Chances are you might require an expert plumber to make tube connections.
This article will certainly assist you mount a brand-new tub in your restroom if you have actually already bought a brand-new tub and do not need to alter the arrangement of your previous water pipes.
Your devices and also material list must comprise the following:
  • New Bath tub
  • Hammer

  • Pipe Wrenches

  • Prybar

  • Shatterproof glass

  • Level

  • Pliers

  • Flexible Wrench

  • Putty Blade

  • Screwdriver

  • Cold Chisel

  • Measuring tape

  • Pipeline Caps


  • Preparing for the Setup


    To start with, the supporting framework provided with the bath needs to be fitted (if called for) according to the supplier's guidelines. Next, fit the faucets or mixer to the tub. When fitting the tap block, it is important to ensure that if the faucet comes with a plastic washer, it is fitted in between the bath as well as the taps. On a plastic bathroom, it is likewise sensible to fit a sustaining plate under the taps device to avoid pressure on the tub.
    Fit the flexible tap adapters to the bottom of the two faucets utilizing 2 nuts and also olives (often provided with the tub). Fit the plug-hole outlet by smearing mastic filler round the sink electrical outlet hole, and afterwards pass the electrical outlet through the hole in the bathroom. Use the nut supplied by the manufacturer to fit the plug-hole. Take a look at the plug-hole outlet for an inlet on the side for the overflow pipe.
    Next, fit completion of the adaptable overflow pipe to the overflow outlet. Afterwards, screw the pipe to the overflow face which must be fitted inside the bath. Make certain you use every one of the provided washers.
    Link the catch to the bottom of the waste outlet on the tub by winding the string of the waste electrical outlet with silicone mastic or PTFE tape, and screw on the trap to the electrical outlet. Attach the bottom of the overflow tube in a comparable manner.The bathroom need to currently prepare to be suited its last placement.

    Removing Old Touches


    If you need to replace old taps with new ones as a part of your installation, then the first thing you ought to do is detach the water system. After doing so, switch on the faucets to drain any type of water staying in the system. The process of removing the existing faucets can be rather problematic as a result of the limited access that is frequently the instance.
    Utilize a basin wrench (crowsfoot spanner) or a faucet tool to reverse the nut that links the supply pipelines to the taps. Have a towel ready for the continuing to be water that will originate from the pipes. When the supply pipes have been gotten rid of, use the very same tool to loosen the nut that holds the faucets onto the bath/basin. You will certainly need to quit the solitary taps from turning throughout this procedure. Once the taps have actually been gotten rid of, the holes in the bath/basin will need to be cleaned of any type of old securing substance.
    Prior to moving on to fit the 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, after that a shank adapter is required for the new taps to fit.

    Setting up the Bath tub


    Making use of both wood boards under its feet, put the bathtub in the called for setting. The wood boards are handy in uniformly spreading the weight of the bathtub over the area of the boards as opposed to concentrating all the weight onto 4 little points.
    The following objective is to make sure that the bath tub is leveled all round. This can be achieved by checking the level as well as adjusting the feet on the tub until the level checks out degree.
    To set up faucets, fit the bottom of the outermost flexible faucet port to the ideal supply pipe by making a compression sign up with; then do the very same for the other tap.
    Activate the water system and also inspect all joints and also brand-new pipework for leaks as well as tighten them if necessary. Fill up the bath tub as well as also inspect the overflow electrical outlet and the typical electrical outlet for leakages.
    Finally, fix the bathroom paneling as described in the producer's user's manual. Tiling as well as securing around the bath tub should wait until the bathtub has been utilized at the very least when as this will certainly resolve it right into its last placement.

    Fitting New Taps


    If the tails of the new taps are plastic, then you will certainly need a plastic connector to prevent damage to the thread. One end of the connector fits on the plastic tail of the faucet and also the other end provides a link to the current supply pipelines.
    If you need to fit a monobloc, then you will certainly call for decreasing couplers, which attaches the 10mm pipe of the monobloc to the standard 15mm supply pipeline.
    Next, position the faucet in the mounting hole in the bath/basin making certain that the washers are in location between the faucet and also the sink. Secure the tap in position with the supplier supplied backnut. When the faucet is firmly in position, the supply pipelines can be attached to the tails of the faucets. The faucets can either be attached by utilizing corrugated copper piping or with typical tap connectors. The former kind ought to be connected to the tap ends first, tightening only by hand. The supply pipes can later on be attached to the various other end. Tighten up both ends with a spanner after both ends have actually been linked.

    Tiling Around the Bathtub


    In the location where the bath meets the floor tile, it is essential to secure the joins with a silicone rubber caulking. This is very important as the installation can move sufficient to split an inflexible seal, causing the water to penetrate the wall in between the bathroom as well as the tiling, bring about complications with wetness as well as possible leaks to the ceiling below.
    You can choose from a selection of coloured sealants to assimilate your components and installations. They are offered in tubes as well as cartridges, and can sealing spaces as much as a size of 3mm (1/8 inch). If you have a bigger gap to fill, you can load it with twists of soaked paper or soft rope. Remember to constantly fill up the bathtub with water prior to securing, to allow for the motion experienced when the bathtub is in usage. The sealant can crack relatively very early if you do not take into consideration this movement prior to securing.
    Alternatively, ceramic coving or quadrant tiles can be used to edge the bath or shower tray. Plastic strips of coving, which are easy to use as well as reduce to size, are likewise quickly available on the market. It is advisable to fit the ceramic tiles utilizing waterproof or waterproof sticky and 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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    Tools You Need to Install a New Bathtub

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