How to Install a Bathtub
Ensure the new bathtub will fit in the space., Buy a new tub with the drain on the same side as the old one., Realize that the toilet, sink, and cabinet may also have to be removed during this process, in order to get the new tub into the room...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Ensure the new bathtub will fit in the space.
Measure the old bathtub and the doorway.
Sometimes in the construction of a house, the bathtub was placed in the bathroom before the walls were completed, causing a problem when you need to remove it.
Make sure you can get the old one out and the new one in. -
Step 2: Buy a new tub with the drain on the same side as the old one.
If the new tub is not exactly the same as the old one, you will have to modify the plumbing later. ,,,, Then loosen the slip nut connecting the overflow pipe that runs from the bathtub drain pipe. , You may have to remove some of the wall surrounding the bathtub in order to do this.
One course of tiling around the tub is enough to remove.
Take care and protect your eyes whilst chipping off the tile. , Use pieces of wood as skids for moving this heavy tub. , Remember that normal drywall cannot handle moisture, so use correct cement backer board. , You will need to use wooden skids and helpers for this move. , This narrow board will support the edges of the tub where it touches the walls of the bathroom. , Make sure it is level. , Dry fit the drain and water supply pipes. , Check that this will align with the tub openings. , Then screw the drain flange in the shoe and tighten it. ,, This covers the overflow on the bath and will allow for extra inches of water. ,, If it isn’t level, you will have to place wooden shims under the bath to get this accurate and ensure that the new tub does not rock. , Care is needed with this so as not to damage the tub.
If the flange has no holes, nail just above the top of the flange, so that the nail heads will secure the flange. , Pull down the slip connection on the drain pipe and tighten the slip nuts. ,, Seal the male threads with joint compound as you tighten. ,,,, -
Step 3: Realize that the toilet
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Step 4: and cabinet may also have to be removed during this process
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Step 5: in order to get the new tub into the room.
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Step 6: Turn off the water supply and drain the water supply lines by opening a faucet below the level of the bath.
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Step 7: Expose the piping and remove the hot and cold water faucets back to the supply connections.
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Step 8: Disconnect the tub drain using an adjustable wrench.
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Step 9: Remove the spout
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Step 10: the drain and the faucet.
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Step 11: Disconnect all the piping and pry the old bathtub out.
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Step 12: Make good the wall surface.
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Step 13: Move the tub into the space where you want the bath to sit and mark where the top is on the wall studs.
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Step 14: Mark under this where the top of the ledger will be (1 inch below the last marks).
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Step 15: Install the ledger board
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Step 16: using drywall screws.
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Step 17: Turn the tub on its side and assemble the “shoe fitting
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Step 18: ” which will go under the waste pipe and the tub.
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Step 19: Put together the overflow pipe and fitting and put in place.
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Step 20: Apply a ring of plumber's putty around the drain flange
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Step 21: tape up the drain flange threads
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Step 22: insert the washer on the shoe and carefully position it.
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Step 23: Attach the drain to the tub and screw it securely in place.
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Step 24: Install the overflow cover
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Step 25: following the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Step 26: Spread mortar on the subfloor where you will place the tub
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Step 27: 2 inches (5.1 cm) thick.
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Step 28: Position the new tub in the correct place and check that it is level.
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Step 29: Nail 1 inch (2.5 cm) galvanized nails through the holes in the flange to secure this to the studs.
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Step 30: Connect the drain and water supply pipes.
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Step 31: Seat the drain in the tub in plumber's putty
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Step 32: press into place and tighten the cap.
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Step 33: Screw both the hot and cold water faucets onto the supply pipe fittings.
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Step 34: Screw on both the hot and cold water faucet handles.
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Step 35: Reinstall other fixtures you may have had to remove.
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Step 36: Turn on the water supply and check for leaks.
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Step 37: Finish the wall around the tub
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Step 38: using cement backer board and then tile.
Detailed Guide
Measure the old bathtub and the doorway.
Sometimes in the construction of a house, the bathtub was placed in the bathroom before the walls were completed, causing a problem when you need to remove it.
Make sure you can get the old one out and the new one in.
If the new tub is not exactly the same as the old one, you will have to modify the plumbing later. ,,,, Then loosen the slip nut connecting the overflow pipe that runs from the bathtub drain pipe. , You may have to remove some of the wall surrounding the bathtub in order to do this.
One course of tiling around the tub is enough to remove.
Take care and protect your eyes whilst chipping off the tile. , Use pieces of wood as skids for moving this heavy tub. , Remember that normal drywall cannot handle moisture, so use correct cement backer board. , You will need to use wooden skids and helpers for this move. , This narrow board will support the edges of the tub where it touches the walls of the bathroom. , Make sure it is level. , Dry fit the drain and water supply pipes. , Check that this will align with the tub openings. , Then screw the drain flange in the shoe and tighten it. ,, This covers the overflow on the bath and will allow for extra inches of water. ,, If it isn’t level, you will have to place wooden shims under the bath to get this accurate and ensure that the new tub does not rock. , Care is needed with this so as not to damage the tub.
If the flange has no holes, nail just above the top of the flange, so that the nail heads will secure the flange. , Pull down the slip connection on the drain pipe and tighten the slip nuts. ,, Seal the male threads with joint compound as you tighten. ,,,,
About the Author
Rebecca Flores
Creates helpful guides on home improvement to inspire and educate readers.
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