The Art of Basic Plumbing for Installing a Bathtub
The Art of Basic Plumbing for Installing a Bathtub
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Setting up a bath tub isn't specifically brain surgery, however it does need solid plumbing, carpentry, and also often, tiling skills. Replacing an old tub with a new one is additionally a moderately challenging task. If the old tub is readily available, the project can move quickly; if you need to open a wall surface to eliminate the old bathtub as well as place the new bath tub, the job is much harder. In either instance, the project is within a house handyman's abilities, although you will require a helper to vacate the old tub as well as embeded in the new one. Make certain you have actually certified yourself for the job as well as are comfortable attempting it. As opposed to working with a professional to take control of a halfway-completed project, it is far better to take into consideration using one prior to you begin. Chances are you may need a specialist plumber to make tube links.
This short article will certainly help you install a brand-new tub in your restroom if you have actually already purchased a new bathtub and also do not need to change the setup of your previous water supply pipelines.
Your tools and material list need to consist of the following:
Removing Old Taps
If you require to replace old faucets 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, turn on the faucets to drain pipes any water remaining in the system. The procedure of removing the existing taps can be rather problematic due to the restricted gain access to that is commonly the situation.
Use a basin wrench (crowsfoot spanner) or a faucet device to undo the nut that connects the supply pipelines to the taps. Have a fabric all set for the continuing to be water that will originate from the pipelines. When the supply pipelines have actually been eliminated, utilize the exact same tool to loosen the nut that holds the faucets onto the bath/basin. You will require to quit the solitary faucets from turning during this procedure. As soon as the taps have been removed, the holes in the bath/basin will certainly need to be cleaned up of any old securing substance.
Prior to carrying on to fit the new faucets, compare the pipe links on the old taps to the brand-new taps. If the old faucets are longer than the brand-new taps, after that a shank adapter is required for the brand-new taps to fit.
Suitable New Taps
If the tails of the brand-new faucets are plastic, then you will require a plastic connector to avoid damage to the thread. One end of the adapter fits on the plastic tail of the tap as well as the various other end supplies a connection to the existing supply pipelines.
If you require to fit a monobloc, then you will need lowering couplers, which connects the 10mm pipe of the monobloc to the basic 15mm supply pipe.
Next off, place the faucet in the installing hole in the bath/basin guaranteeing that the washers are in area in between the faucet and also the sink. Protect the faucet in position with the manufacturer provided backnut. Once the faucet is securely in position, the supply pipes can be connected to the tails of the faucets. The taps can either be connected by using corrugated copper piping or with typical faucet connectors. The previous kind ought to be connected to the faucet finishes initially, tightening just by hand. The supply pipelines can later be linked to the other end. Tighten both ends with a spanner after both ends have actually been linked.
Installing the Tub
Making use of the two wooden boards under its feet, put the tub in the needed placement. The wooden boards are useful in equally spreading the weight of the bathtub over the area of the boards as opposed to concentrating all the weight onto four tiny factors.
The next goal is to make sure that the tub is leveled all round. This can be achieved by checking the spirit level and adjusting the feet on the bath tub until the level checks out level.
To set up taps, fit all-time low of the furthest versatile tap connector to the suitable supply pipe 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 and also brand-new pipework for leakages and also tighten them if essential. Fill up the bath tub as well as likewise inspect the overflow outlet and the normal outlet for leaks.
Finally, fix the bath paneling as described in the producer's instruction manual. Tiling and sealing around the bathtub needs to wait until the bath tub has actually been utilized at the very least when as this will resolve it right into its final setting.
Preparing for the Setup
Firstly, the sustaining frame provided with the bath must be fitted (if required) according to the producer's directions. Next, fit the taps or mixer to the tub. When fitting the faucet block, it is essential to make sure that if the faucet features a plastic washer, it is fitted between the bath and the taps. On a plastic bath, it is likewise reasonable to fit a supporting plate under the taps unit to stop pressure on the bath tub.
Fit the flexible tap ports to the bottom of both faucets using 2 nuts as well as olives (often provided with the tub). Fit the plug-hole outlet by smearing mastic filler round the sink electrical outlet opening, and then pass the outlet through the hole in the bath. Use 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 adaptable overflow pipe to the overflow electrical outlet. After that, screw the pipeline to the overflow face which ought to be fitted inside the bathroom. See to it you use all of the provided washers.
Link the catch to the bottom of the waste electrical outlet on the bathtub by winding the string of the waste outlet with silicone mastic or PTFE tape, and screw on the catch to the electrical outlet. Attach all-time low of the overflow tube in a comparable manner.The bath ought to currently prepare to be suited its final placement.
Tiling Around the Bathtub
In the area where the bath satisfies the ceramic tile, it is needed to seal the accompanies a silicone rubber caulking. This is essential as the fitting can move enough to fracture a stiff seal, creating the water to penetrate the wall surface between the bath and the tiling, resulting in issues with moisture and feasible leakages to the ceiling below.
You can pick from a selection of coloured sealers to blend in your components and fittings. They are offered in tubes and also cartridges, and also are capable of sealing voids as much as a width of 3mm (1/8 inch). If you have a larger gap to load, you can fill it with twists of soaked newspaper or soft rope. Remember to always load the bath tub with water prior to securing, to permit the activity experienced when the tub remains in use. The sealant can split rather very early if you do not think about this motion prior to sealing.
Conversely, 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 reduce to dimension, are likewise conveniently available on the market. It is a good idea to fit the floor tiles making use of water-resistant or waterproof 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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