Plumbing 101: What You Must Have for Installing a Bathtub
Plumbing 101: What You Must Have for Installing a Bathtub
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Mounting a bath tub isn't exactly rocket science, however it does call for strong plumbing, woodworking, as well as sometimes, tiling skills. Replacing an old tub with a brand-new one is additionally a reasonably difficult project. If the old tub is readily available, the job can move easily; if you need to open up a wall surface to eliminate the old tub and position the new tub, the task is much harder. In either case, the task is within a residence handyman's skills, although you will need an assistant to leave the old bathtub as well as set in the brand-new one. See to it you have qualified on your own for the task and fit attempting it. Rather than hiring a contractor to take control of a halfway-completed job, it is far better to think about employing one prior to you begin. Opportunities are you may require an expert plumber to make tube links.
This post will certainly assist you mount a new tub in your bathroom if you have actually currently purchased a new tub and do not need to alter the setup of your previous water pipelines.
Your tools and material list must make up the following:
Removing Old Taps
If you require to replace old faucets with new ones as a part of your installment, then the first thing you must do is disconnect the water supply. After doing so, switch on the faucets to drain any type of water continuing to be in the system. The process of eliminating the existing faucets can be quite troublesome due to the restricted gain access to that is usually the case.
Utilize a basin wrench (crowsfoot spanner) or a tap tool to undo the nut that connects the supply pipes to the faucets. Have a fabric all set for the remaining water that will certainly originate from the pipelines. Once the supply pipes have been removed, utilize the exact same tool to loosen the nut that holds the taps onto the bath/basin. You will certainly require to stop the single taps from transforming during this procedure. As soon as the taps have been gotten rid of, the holes in the bath/basin will certainly have to be cleaned of any type of old sealing substance.
Before moving on to fit the brand-new taps, contrast the pipe connections on the old faucets to the new taps. If the old faucets are longer than the new faucets, then a shank adapter is needed for the brand-new taps to fit.
Fitting New Touches
If the tails of the brand-new faucets are plastic, then you will require a plastic adapter to stop damages to the string. One end of the port fits on the plastic tail of the tap and also the various other end supplies a connection to the existent supply pipelines.
If you need to fit a monobloc, then you will certainly call for minimizing couplers, which connects the 10mm pipeline of the monobloc to the standard 15mm supply pipeline.
Next, place the tap in the placing hole in the bath/basin making certain that the washing machines are in area between the tap and the sink. Safeguard the tap in position with the supplier provided backnut. As soon as the tap is securely in position, the supply pipes can be linked to the tails of the taps. The faucets can either be connected by utilizing corrugated copper piping or with typical tap adapters. The former kind must be connected to the faucet ends initially, tightening just by hand. The supply pipes can later on be connected to the various other end. Tighten both ends with a spanner after both ends have actually been connected.
Setting up the Bath tub
Using the two wood boards under its feet, position the bathtub in the needed placement. The wood boards are handy in evenly spreading the weight of the bath tub over the location of the boards instead of concentrating all the weight onto 4 small points.
The next goal 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 bathtub until the spirit level reviews degree.
To set up taps, fit the bottom of the furthest flexible faucet adapter to the ideal supply pipe by making a compression sign up with; then do the same for the other faucet.
Activate the water system as well as check all joints and also new pipework for leaks and also tighten them if essential. Fill the bath tub as well as also check the overflow outlet and also the typical outlet for leakages.
Lastly, repair the bath paneling as defined in the maker's instruction manual. Tiling and also sealing around the bath tub must wait until the tub has been utilized at least when as this will resolve it right into its final placement.
Getting ready for the Installment
First of all, the sustaining framework supplied with the bath must be fitted (if required) according to the producer's guidelines. Next off, fit the faucets or mixer to the bath tub. When suitable the tap block, it is very important to ensure that if the tap features a plastic washer, it is fitted in between the bath and also the taps. On a plastic bathroom, it is likewise sensible to fit a sustaining plate under the taps system to prevent stress on the tub.
Fit the adaptable tap adapters to the bottom of the two taps making use of 2 nuts and olives (occasionally supplied with the bathtub). Fit the plug-hole outlet by smearing mastic filler round the sink electrical outlet hole, and after that pass the electrical outlet via the hole in the bath. Utilize the nut provided by the supplier to fit the plug-hole. Examine the plug-hole outlet for an inlet on the side for the overflow pipe.
Next, fit completion of the flexible overflow pipe to the overflow outlet. After that, screw the pipe to the overflow face which need to be fitted inside the bath. Make sure you use every one of the supplied washers.
Attach the trap to the bottom of the waste electrical outlet on the tub by winding the string of the waste outlet with silicone mastic or PTFE tape, and also screw on the trap to the electrical outlet. Link all-time low of the overflow tube in a similar manner.The bathroom should now prepare to be fitted in its final placement.
Tiling Around the Bathtub
In the location where the bath satisfies the floor tile, it is required to secure the accompanies a silicone rubber caulking. This is essential as the installation can relocate sufficient to crack a stiff seal, triggering the water to penetrate the wall between the bathroom and also the tiling, bring about difficulties with wetness and feasible leaks to the ceiling listed below.
You can pick from a selection of coloured sealers to assimilate your fixtures and also fittings. They are offered in tubes and also cartridges, and are capable of securing gaps approximately a width of 3mm (1/8 inch). If you have a larger space to load, you can load it with spins of soaked paper or soft rope. Bear in mind to constantly fill the bathtub with water prior to securing, to permit the activity experienced when the bathtub remains in usage. The sealer can fracture rather very early if you do not take into account this movement prior to securing.
Additionally, ceramic coving or quadrant tiles can be utilized to edge the bathroom or shower tray. Plastic strips of coving, which are easy to use as well as reduce to size, are additionally easily readily available on the marketplace. It is advisable to fit the ceramic tiles using water-resistant or water-proof adhesive 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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