Plumbing 101: Tips for Installing a Bathtub
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Installing a bathtub isn't exactly rocket science, yet it does need solid plumbing, carpentry, and often, tiling skills. Replacing an old bath tub with a brand-new one is likewise a reasonably hard project. If the old bathtub is readily obtainable, the task can relocate easily; if you need to open up a wall to get rid of the old bathtub as well as position the brand-new bath tub, the job is a lot harder. In either situation, the task is within a residence handyman's abilities, although you will need an assistant to move out the old bathtub and set in the new one. Make sure you have actually qualified yourself for the work as well as fit attempting it. Instead of working with a professional to take over a halfway-completed job, it is far better to think about employing one before you begin. Possibilities are you might need a specialist plumber to make tube links.
This article will aid you set up a brand-new tub in your restroom if you have already gotten a new tub and don't need to change the setup of your previous water pipelines.
Your tools and material checklist need to consist of the following:
Removing Old Touches
If you need to change old taps with new ones as a part of your installation, after that the first thing you need to do is disconnect the water supply. After doing so, switch on the taps to drain pipes any type of water continuing to be in the system. The procedure of getting rid of the existing taps can be rather troublesome as a result of the restricted gain access to that is usually the instance.
Use a container wrench (crowsfoot spanner) or a tap tool to undo the nut that connects the supply pipes to the faucets. Have a towel all set for the remaining water that will certainly originate from the pipelines. Once the supply pipes have been removed, make use of the exact same device to loosen up the nut that holds the faucets onto the bath/basin. You will certainly need to quit the solitary faucets from transforming during this procedure. As soon as the faucets have actually been removed, the holes in the bath/basin will certainly need to be cleaned up of any old securing substance.
Before going on to fit the new faucets, compare the pipe links on the old taps to the brand-new faucets. If the old faucets are longer than the new faucets, then a shank adapter is needed for the new faucets to fit.
Fitting New Touches
If the tails of the new faucets are plastic, after that you will certainly need a plastic port to avoid damage to the string. One end of the connector fits on the plastic tail of the faucet and also the various other end supplies a link to the current supply pipes.
If you need to fit a monobloc, after that you will call for lowering couplers, which connects the 10mm pipe of the monobloc to the conventional 15mm supply pipe.
Next off, place the tap in the placing hole in the bath/basin making certain that the washers are in area between the tap and the sink. Safeguard the tap in place with the manufacturer provided backnut. As soon as the faucet is securely in position, the supply pipes can be attached to the tails of the taps. The faucets can either be linked by using corrugated copper piping or with regular faucet ports. The previous type needs to be linked to the tap ends first, tightening just by hand. The supply pipes can later on be connected to the various other end. Tighten up both ends with a spanner after both ends have actually been linked.
Setting up the Bath tub
Using both wood boards under its feet, position the tub in the called for position. The wooden boards are helpful in equally spreading the weight of the bathtub over the location of the boards instead of concentrating all the weight onto four small factors.
The following goal is to ensure that the bathtub is leveled all round. This can be attained by examining the spirit level and also adjusting the feet on the bathtub until the spirit level reviews degree.
To install faucets, fit all-time low of the outermost adaptable tap connector to the ideal supply pipe by making a compression sign up with; then do the very same for the other faucet.
Switch on the water supply and inspect all joints and also new pipework for leaks as well as tighten them if necessary. Load the tub and likewise inspect the overflow electrical outlet and also the typical outlet for leakages.
Lastly, repair the bathroom paneling as described in the producer's instruction manual. Tiling as well as sealing around the bath tub should wait up until the tub has been used at the very least when as this will certainly resolve it into its final placement.
Planning for the Setup
Firstly, the supporting frame supplied with the bathroom must be fitted (if required) according to the maker's directions. Next off, fit the taps or mixer to the bathtub. When fitting the tap block, it is necessary to see to it that if the faucet includes a plastic washing machine, it is fitted in between the bath as well as the faucets. On a plastic bathroom, it is additionally practical to fit a supporting plate under the taps unit to avoid pressure on the tub.
Fit the flexible tap connectors to the bottom of both faucets utilizing 2 nuts as well as olives (often 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 with the hole in the bath. Utilize the nut provided by the producer 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 adaptable overflow pipe to the overflow electrical outlet. Afterwards, screw the pipeline to the overflow face which need to be fitted inside the bath. Make sure you use 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. Link all-time low of the overflow tube in a comparable manner.The bathroom ought to now be ready to be fitted in its last placement.
Tiling Around the Bathtub
In the area where the bath meets the floor tile, it is needed to secure the accompanies a silicone rubber caulking. This is essential as the installation can move sufficient to split a stiff seal, causing the water to pass through the wall in between the bath and the tiling, bring about difficulties with dampness as well as possible leakages to the ceiling listed below.
You can choose from a variety of coloured sealers to blend in your components and installations. They are offered in tubes as well as cartridges, as well as can securing voids as much as a size of 3mm (1/8 inch). If you have a bigger gap to fill up, you can load it with spins of drenched paper or soft rope. Keep in mind to constantly load the tub with water prior to securing, to permit the activity experienced when the tub is in use. The sealant can fracture rather very early if you do not consider this activity prior to sealing.
Additionally, ceramic coving or quadrant tiles can be used to edge the bath or shower tray. Plastic strips of coving, which are easy to use and also reduce to size, are likewise quickly available on the market. It is a good idea to fit the ceramic tiles utilizing water-resistant or water resistant glue 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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