Plumbing 101: A Guide to Bathtub Installation
Plumbing 101: A Guide to Bathtub Installation
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Installing a bathtub isn't exactly brain surgery, yet it does need solid plumbing, carpentry, and in some cases, tiling skills. Replacing an old bathtub with a brand-new one is additionally a moderately tough job. If the old tub is easily available, the task can relocate rapidly; if you have to open up a wall to get rid of the old bathtub as well as position the brand-new bathtub, the job is much harder. In either instance, the project is within a home handyman's abilities, although you will need a helper to vacate the old tub and embeded in the brand-new one. Make sure you have qualified yourself for the job and are comfortable trying it. Rather than hiring a service provider to take over a halfway-completed task, it is much better to take into consideration employing one before you start. Chances are you may need a professional plumber to make tube links.
This post will assist you install a new bath tub in your bathroom if you have actually currently gotten a brand-new tub and do not require to change the arrangement of your previous water supply pipelines.
Your devices as well as product list ought to consist of the following:
Getting ready for the Installation
First of all, the supporting structure supplied with the bath needs to be fitted (if required) according to the maker's instructions. Next, fit the faucets or mixer to the bath tub. When suitable the tap block, it is important to make certain that if the faucet features a plastic washing machine, it is fitted between the bath and also the taps. On a plastic bath, it is likewise practical to fit a sustaining plate under the faucets device to stop pressure on the bath tub.
Fit the adaptable faucet ports to the bottom of both faucets utilizing 2 nuts as well as olives (occasionally provided with the bathtub). Fit the plug-hole outlet by smearing mastic filler round the sink outlet opening, and afterwards pass the electrical outlet via the hole in the bathroom. Utilize the nut supplied by the supplier to fit the plug-hole. Take a look at the plug-hole outlet for an inlet on the side for the overflow pipeline.
Next, fit the end of the flexible overflow pipeline to the overflow outlet. Afterwards, screw the pipe to the overflow face which must be fitted inside the bath. Make certain you make use of all of the supplied washers.
Attach the catch to the bottom of the waste outlet on the tub by winding the string of the waste outlet with silicone mastic or PTFE tape, and screw on the catch to the outlet. Connect the bottom of the overflow tube in a comparable manner.The bathroom must currently be ready to be fitted in its last placement.
Removing Old Touches
If you require to replace old taps with brand-new ones as a part of your setup, then the first thing you need to do is separate the water system. After doing so, activate the faucets to drain pipes any type of water continuing to be in the system. The procedure of removing the existing faucets can be fairly bothersome as a result of the limited accessibility that is typically the situation.
Utilize a basin 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 originate from the pipes. As soon as the supply pipes have actually been eliminated, use the very same tool to loosen the nut that holds the faucets onto the bath/basin. You will need to quit the single faucets from transforming during this process. As soon as the faucets have been gotten rid of, the holes in the bath/basin will have to be cleaned up of any kind of old securing substance.
Before carrying on to fit the brand-new faucets, contrast the pipe links on the old faucets to the brand-new taps. If the old taps are longer than the brand-new faucets, then a shank adapter is needed for the new faucets to fit.
Setting up the Bathtub
Making use of both wood boards under its feet, position the bathtub in the called for placement. The wood boards are practical in uniformly spreading the weight of the tub over the area of the boards rather than concentrating all the weight onto 4 small points.
The following objective is to make certain that the tub is leveled all round. This can be attained by checking the level and changing the feet on the bath tub till the spirit level checks out level.
To mount faucets, fit all-time low of the furthest flexible faucet connector to the ideal supply pipeline by making a compression sign up with; after that do the very same for the other tap.
Activate the water supply as well as inspect all joints as well as new pipework for leaks as well as tighten them if needed. Fill up the tub and additionally check the overflow electrical outlet and also the normal electrical outlet for leakages.
Ultimately, deal with the bathroom paneling as explained in the supplier's instruction manual. Tiling and also sealing around the bathtub must wait till the bath tub has actually been made use of at least once as this will settle it into its last setting.
Suitable New Touches
If the tails of the brand-new faucets are plastic, then you will need a plastic connector to prevent damage to the string. One end of the adapter fits on the plastic tail of the faucet and also the various other end supplies a link to the existing supply pipes.
If you need to fit a monobloc, then you will certainly need minimizing couplers, which links the 10mm pipe of the monobloc to the basic 15mm supply pipe.
Next, position the faucet in the installing hole in the bath/basin ensuring that the washing machines remain in place in between the tap as well as the sink. Secure the faucet in place with the supplier supplied backnut. Once the faucet is securely in position, the supply pipes can be attached to the tails of the faucets. The taps can either be linked by utilizing corrugated copper piping or with typical faucet adapters. The former kind needs to be attached to the tap finishes first, tightening only by hand. The supply pipes can later be linked to the other end. Tighten both ends with a spanner after both ends have been linked.
Tiling Around the Bathtub
In the area where the bathroom satisfies the floor tile, it is essential to seal the joins with a silicone rubber caulking. This is important as the fitting can relocate sufficient to fracture an inflexible seal, triggering the water to pass through the wall surface in between the bathroom and the tiling, causing issues with wetness as well as possible leaks to the ceiling listed below.
You can pick from a variety of coloured sealants to blend in your components and also installations. They are sold in tubes and also cartridges, and also can sealing gaps up to a width of 3mm (1/8 inch). If you have a bigger space to fill, you can fill it with spins of soaked paper or soft rope. Bear in mind to always fill the bath tub with water prior to securing, to permit the motion experienced when the tub is in usage. The sealant can crack rather early if you do not take into consideration this movement prior to securing.
Conversely, ceramic coving or quadrant tiles can be used to border the bathroom or shower tray. Plastic strips of coving, which are easy to use as well as cut to dimension, are also conveniently available on the market. It is suggested to fit the floor tiles making use of water-resistant or water-proof glue and also 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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