How to Install a Bathtub
Soaking in a warm and bubbly bath is something everyone wants to experience, but you can’t do this if you don’t have a bathtub installed in your home. You can ask professionals to do it for you, but if you prefer not to spend too much money, you can do this yourself. It can be a pretty difficult task, so here are some steps for you to follow.
What You’ll Need:
New bath tub
Basket removal wrench
Pipe wrench
Carpenter’s level
Utility knife
Wood shims
Pry bar
Teflon tape
Caulk
Scrap wood piece
Old blanket
Assistant
Procedure:
Before The Installation
Check the building codes and restrictions to find out if bathtub installation is allowed or not. Make sure you know the local ordinances about proximity of electrical outlets and toilets to your tub.
Purchase the right type of bathtub. You need to make sure it will fit the space you provided. Take note also of the pipe size of the bath tub, making sure they match the ones existing in your bathroom.
Removing The Old Bathtub
Make sure the main water supply of your house is turned off. Open the valves, and remove water pressure from the lines. Afterwards, take away the basket drain, using your basket removal wrench. Make sure to remove any of the wall material, so the edge of the bathtub next to the studs can be seen.
Remove the wall that’s adjacent to the tub, where the faucet is positioned. This lets you gain access to the plumbing. Be very careful when removing the faucet, or you might damage the existing plumbing’s threads.
Slide the tub on an old blanket on the floor.
Put the scrap wood piece against the tub’s long wall, for protection. Carefully slide the tub away from the wall, using a pry bar. If it hangs, check again and make sure all the plumbing is free.
When the tub is free from the plumbing, take away the tub from the bathroom. This can be hard, so ask for help from another person.
Installing The New Tub
Once the old tub is gone, put the new tub in its place. Make sure it’s secure against the three walls and against the stud. If necessary, take away any wall material that might prevent the bathtub from reaching the wall studs.
Check if the bathtub is level, using a carpenter’s level. If needed, put shims under the tub. Make sure the bathtub doesn’t move or rock.
Connect the basket drain, tightening it using the basket removal wrench. Using Teflon tape, wrap the plumbing’s thread. Install the new faucet to the plumbing.
To hide the wall flange, replace the wall around the bathtub, Seal or caulk around. Smooth the caulking using a wet fingertip, to remove the excess.
Turn the main water supply on again, and check for leaks. Let the water go through the drain, so you’ll be assured it won’t leak.
The installation process may be tedious, but it’s worth it in the end. When you have your new bathtub, you’ll be spending long hours relaxing in it.