Getting Familiar with Plumbing: Before Installing a Bathtub

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Just how do you really feel in regards to Tools You Need to Install a New Bathtub ?


How to Install a Bathtub Yourself
Installing a tub isn't precisely brain surgery, however it does require solid plumbing, woodworking, and also occasionally, tiling skills. Replacing an old bathtub with a brand-new one is also a moderately tough job. If the old tub is easily obtainable, the job can move speedily; if you have to open a wall surface to remove the old tub and place the new bath tub, the task is a lot harder. In either situation, the project is within a house handyman's abilities, although you will require a helper to leave the old tub and set in the brand-new one. Make sure you have certified on your own for the job as well as fit attempting it. As opposed to employing a contractor to take over a halfway-completed job, it is far better to think about utilizing one before you begin. Possibilities are you may need an expert plumber to make tube connections.
This short article will aid you set up a new bath tub in your shower room if you have actually already purchased a new bathtub as well as don't require to change the arrangement of your previous water pipes.
Your tools and also material checklist ought to consist of the following:
  • New Bathtub

  • Hammer

  • Pipeline Wrenches

  • Prybar

  • Shatterproof glass

  • Level

  • Pliers

  • Flexible Wrench

  • Putty Blade

  • Screwdriver

  • Cold Chisel

  • Tape Measure

  • Pipeline Caps


  • Removing Old Taps


    If you require to change 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 system. After doing so, activate the faucets to drain any type of water continuing to be in the system. The process of removing the existing taps can be rather bothersome due to the restricted access that is typically the situation.
    Use a basin wrench (crowsfoot spanner) or a tap tool to reverse the nut that attaches the supply pipelines to the taps. Have a cloth ready for the continuing to be water that will come from the pipelines. When the supply pipes have actually been eliminated, use the exact same tool to loosen up the nut that holds the taps onto the bath/basin. You will certainly need to quit the single faucets from turning during this process. When the taps have been removed, the holes in the bath/basin will certainly need to be cleansed of any type of old securing compound.
    Prior to going on to fit the brand-new taps, compare the pipe links on the old taps to the brand-new faucets. If the old faucets are longer than the brand-new taps, after that a shank adapter is required for the new faucets to fit.

    Suitable 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 port fits on the plastic tail of the tap as well as the other end supplies a connection to the existing supply pipes.
    If you need to fit a monobloc, then you will certainly call for lowering couplers, which attaches the 10mm pipeline of the monobloc to the typical 15mm supply pipeline.
    Next, position the faucet in the placing hole in the bath/basin guaranteeing that the washers remain in location between the faucet 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 taps. The faucets can either be connected by utilizing corrugated copper piping or with regular tap ports. The former type needs to be connected to the faucet ends first, tightening just by hand. The supply pipes can later be attached to the other end. Tighten both ends with a spanner after both ends have actually been connected.

    Installing the Bath tub


    Utilizing the two wooden boards under its feet, position the bathtub in the needed placement. The wooden boards are helpful in uniformly spreading out the weight of the bathtub over the area of the boards as opposed to concentrating all the weight onto four small points.
    The following objective is to ensure that the bathtub is leveled all round. This can be achieved by inspecting the spirit level as well as readjusting the feet on the bath tub till the level reviews degree.
    To mount faucets, fit all-time low of the outermost adaptable faucet port to the proper supply pipe by making a compression join; after that do the very same for the various other tap.
    Activate the water supply and also examine all joints as well as new pipework for leakages and tighten them if necessary. Fill the tub as well as also examine the overflow electrical outlet and also the regular electrical outlet for leakages.
    Finally, repair the bath paneling as explained in the maker's instruction manual. Tiling as well as securing around the bathtub must wait till the bathtub has been utilized at the very least once as this will settle it right into its last placement.

    Getting ready for the Setup


    To start with, the sustaining frame supplied with the bath must be fitted (if needed) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Next, fit the taps or mixer to the bath tub. When suitable the faucet block, it is important to make sure that if the tap comes with a plastic washer, it is fitted in between the bathroom as well as the taps. On a plastic bath, it is also reasonable to fit a sustaining plate under the taps unit to stop stress on the tub.
    Fit the flexible faucet adapters to the bottom of the two faucets making use of 2 nuts and also olives (occasionally supplied with the tub). Fit the plug-hole electrical outlet by smearing mastic filler round the sink electrical outlet hole, and then pass the outlet via the hole in the bathroom. Make use of the nut supplied by the producer to fit the plug-hole. Examine the plug-hole electrical outlet for an inlet on the side for the overflow pipe.
    Next, fit the end of the versatile overflow pipe to the overflow electrical outlet. Afterwards, screw the pipe to the overflow face which must be fitted inside the bathroom. Ensure you make use of all of the supplied washing machines.
    Link the trap to the bottom of the waste outlet on the bathtub by winding the string of the waste electrical outlet with silicone mastic or PTFE tape, as well as screw on the trap to the electrical outlet. Connect all-time low of the overflow tube in a comparable manner.The bath ought to currently be ready to be fitted in its last placement.

    Tiling Around the Bathtub


    In the area where the bathroom fulfills the floor tile, it is required to seal the joins with a silicone rubber caulking. This is important as the fitting can move enough to crack a rigid seal, causing the water to permeate the wall between the bath and also the tiling, leading to complications with dampness and feasible leakages to the ceiling listed below.
    You can pick from a selection of coloured sealants to blend in your components as well as fittings. They are marketed in tubes as well as cartridges, and can sealing spaces up to a width of 3mm (1/8 inch). If you have a bigger gap to fill up, you can fill it with twists of soaked newspaper or soft rope. Bear in mind to constantly fill up the bath tub with water before sealing, to permit the movement experienced when the tub remains in use. The sealant can break rather very early if you do not take into consideration this activity prior to securing.
    Alternatively, ceramic coving or quadrant ceramic tiles can be utilized to edge the bath or shower tray. Plastic strips of coving, which are easy to use and cut to size, are also easily available on the market. It is recommended to fit the tiles using waterproof or water-proof 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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    How to Install a Bathtub Yourself

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