Can I Install A Tub Myself?
Additional InformationJust how do you really feel when it comes to Installing A Bathtub?
Setting up a bath tub isn't exactly rocket science, however it does need strong plumbing, woodworking, and sometimes, tiling skills. Changing an old tub with a brand-new one is additionally a moderately tough task. If the old tub is readily easily accessible, the task can move quickly; if you need to open up a wall surface to remove the old tub as well as place the brand-new bathtub, the task is a lot harder. In either instance, the task is within a home handyman's skills, although you will require an assistant to vacate the old tub and set in the new one. Make certain you have actually certified yourself for the job as well as are comfortable trying it. As opposed to working with a contractor to take over a halfway-completed project, it is much better to think about utilizing one prior to you start. Opportunities are you might require a professional plumber to make tube connections.
This article will certainly aid you mount a brand-new bath tub in your washroom if you have currently bought a new tub and don't require to change the arrangement of your previous water supply pipes.
Your tools and also product list need to consist of the following:
Removing Old Taps
If you require to change old taps with new ones as a part of your installation, then the first thing you should do is separate the water. After doing so, activate the faucets to drain pipes any type of water remaining in the system. The process of removing the existing faucets can be fairly troublesome because of the restricted access that is usually the instance.
Make use of a basin wrench (crowsfoot spanner) or a tap tool to reverse the nut that links the supply pipes to the taps. Have a towel all set for the staying water that will come from the pipelines. When the supply pipes have been gotten rid of, utilize the exact same tool to loosen up the nut that holds the faucets onto the bath/basin. You will require to quit the single taps from transforming during this process. As soon as the faucets have been gotten rid of, the holes in the bath/basin will certainly have to be cleaned of any kind of old sealing compound.
Prior to proceeding to fit the new faucets, compare the pipe links on the old taps to the brand-new faucets. If the old taps are longer than the brand-new faucets, then a shank adapter is needed for the new taps to fit.
Suitable New Taps
If the tails of the brand-new taps are plastic, after that you will certainly need a plastic adapter to avoid damages to the string. One end of the connector fits on the plastic tail of the faucet as well as the various other end provides a connection to the current supply pipelines.
If you require to fit a monobloc, then you will call for lowering couplers, which links the 10mm pipe of the monobloc to the basic 15mm supply pipe.
Next off, place the tap in the mounting opening in the bath/basin guaranteeing that the washers remain in location between the tap and also the sink. Protect the tap in place with the supplier supplied backnut. Once the tap is firmly in place, the supply pipes can be attached to the tails of the faucets. The taps can either be attached by utilizing corrugated copper piping or with normal faucet ports. The former kind must be connected to the faucet finishes first, tightening up only by hand. The supply pipes can later on be linked to the other end. Tighten up both ends with a spanner after both ends have been attached.
Setting up the Bathtub
Making use of the two wood boards under its feet, put the bathtub in the called for setting. The wood boards are practical in evenly spreading out the weight of the tub over the location of the boards rather than focusing all the weight onto 4 small factors.
The next objective is to guarantee that the bath tub 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 level.
To set up taps, fit all-time low of the outermost flexible tap adapter to the suitable supply pipeline by making a compression join; after that do the same for the various other tap.
Turn on the water supply as well as check all joints and new pipework for leaks as well as tighten them if essential. Fill the tub as well as additionally check the overflow electrical outlet as well as the regular outlet for leaks.
Finally, fix the bathroom paneling as described in the maker's user's manual. Tiling and also sealing around the tub must wait till the bathtub has been utilized at the very least when as this will settle it into its final placement.
Planning for the Installation
Firstly, the supporting framework provided with the bathroom needs to be fitted (if required) according to the producer's directions. Next off, fit the faucets 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 between the bathroom as well as the faucets. On a plastic bathroom, it is additionally reasonable to fit a sustaining plate under the faucets device to prevent strain on the bathtub.
Fit the flexible tap connectors to the bottom of the two taps using 2 nuts and olives (in some cases supplied with the tub). Fit the plug-hole outlet by smearing mastic filler round the sink outlet opening, and afterwards pass the electrical outlet through the hole in the bath. Use the nut supplied by the producer to fit the plug-hole. Take a look at the plug-hole electrical outlet for an inlet on the side for the overflow pipeline.
Next off, fit completion of the adaptable overflow pipeline to the overflow electrical outlet. Afterwards, screw the pipeline to the overflow face which should be fitted inside the bathroom. Make sure you use all of the supplied washers.
Connect the trap to the bottom of the waste outlet on the bathtub by winding the thread of the waste outlet with silicone mastic or PTFE tape, and screw on the trap to the electrical outlet. Attach all-time low of the overflow tube in a comparable manner.The bathroom must currently prepare to be suited its final setting.
Tiling Around the Tub
In the area where the bath meets the tile, it is necessary to seal the accompanies a silicone rubber caulking. This is necessary as the installation can relocate enough to break a stiff seal, causing the water to penetrate the wall surface in between the bathroom as well as the tiling, resulting in complications with wetness and also possible leaks to the ceiling listed below.
You can select from a variety of coloured sealers to assimilate your fixtures and also installations. They are sold in tubes and also cartridges, as well as are capable of sealing gaps approximately a width of 3mm (1/8 inch). If you have a bigger gap to fill, you can load it with twists of drenched newspaper or soft rope. Remember to constantly fill up the bath tub with water prior to sealing, to enable the movement experienced when the tub remains in use. The sealant can fracture fairly very early if you do not take into account this movement prior to securing.
Alternatively, ceramic coving or quadrant ceramic tiles can be made use of to edge the bathroom or shower tray. Plastic strips of coving, which are easy to use and also cut to size, are additionally easily offered on the marketplace. It is advisable to fit the ceramic tiles utilizing waterproof or waterproof sticky 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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