A Comprehensive Guide to Installing a Bathtub

A Comprehensive Guide to Installing a Bathtub

While installing a bathtub may not be as complex as rocket science, it necessitates a solid foundation in plumbing, carpentry, and occasionally tiling. Replacing an old bathtub with a new one can be moderately challenging. The ease of the project hinges on accessibility; if the tub is easily accessed, the process may be swift. However, if walls must be opened to extract the old tub and position the new one, the task's difficulty increases. In either circumstance, a home handyman can typically handle the project, but enlisting a helper to move the old tub and set the new one is advisable.

Before starting the project, ensure that you have the requisite qualifications and are comfortable with the attempt. Hiring a contractor may be something you consider before you begin, rather than having them take over a half-finished project. A professional plumber may be required to make tube connections.

This article aims to serve as a guide for installing a new bathtub in your bathroom if you have already purchased a new tub and do not need to modify the arrangement of your existing water supply pipes.

Tools and Materials Checklist

To prepare for the installation, gather the following tools and materials:

• New bathtub
• Hammer
• Pipe wrenches
• Prybar
• Safety glasses
• Level
• Pliers
• Adjustable wrench
• Putty knife
• Screwdriver
• Cold chisel
• Tape measure
• Pipe caps

Installation Preparation

1. Begin by fitting the supporting frame supplied with the bath, according to the manufacturer's instructions, if necessary.
2. Next, install the taps or mixer onto the bathtub. Ensure that if the tap includes a plastic washer, it is positioned between the bath and taps. For a plastic bath, fitting a supporting plate beneath the tap unit helps prevent strain on the bathtub.
3. Attach the flexible tap connectors to the bottom of the two taps using 2 nuts and olives, which may be provided with the tub.
4. Prepare the plug-hole outlet by applying mastic filler around the sink outlet hole, then passing the outlet through the hole in the bath. Use the nut supplied by the manufacturer to fit the plug-hole. Check the plug-hole outlet for an inlet on the side for the overflow pipe.
5. Install the end of the flexible overflow pipe to the overflow outlet. Subsequently, screw the pipe to the overflow face, ensuring it is properly fitted inside the bath. Use all of the provided washers.
6. Connect the trap to the waste outlet's base on the bathtub by winding the thread of the waste outlet with silicone mastic or PTFE tape and screwing the trap onto the outlet. Connect the overflow tube's base similarly.

At this stage, the bathtub should be ready for fitting in its final position.

Replacing Old Taps

If replacing old taps with new ones is part of your installation process, first disconnect the water supply. Turn on the taps to drain any remaining water in the system. Removing existing taps can be challenging due to limited accessibility.

Utilize a basin wrench (crowsfoot spanner) or tap tool to loosen the nut connecting the supply pipes to the taps. Prepare a cloth to catch any remaining water that might be discharged from the pipes. After removing the supply pipes, employ the same tool to loosen the nuts securing the taps to the bath/basin. Prevent the single taps from turning during this process. After removing the taps, clean the holes in the bath/basin of any residual sealing compound.

Before fitting the new taps, compare the pipe connections on the old taps to the new ones. If the old taps are longer than the new taps, a shank adapter may be needed.

Installing the Bathtub

Position the bathtub in the desired location with two wooden boards underneath its feet to evenly distribute weight across a larger surface area rather than concentrating it on four small points.

Ensure the bathtub is level on all sides by using a spirit level and adjusting the feet accordingly.

To install taps, connect the furthest flexible tap connector to the appropriate supply pipe via a compression join; repeat for the other tap.

Turn on the water supply and inspect all joints and new pipework for leaks, tightening as necessary. Fill the bathtub and check the overflow outlet and the regular outlet for leaks.

Lastly, adhere to the manufacturer's instructions to install the bath paneling.

Allow for bathtub's settling into its final position by waiting to tile and seal around it until after it has been used at least once.

Fitting New Taps

If the new taps' tails are plastic, you'll need a plastic connector to avoid thread damage. One end of the connector attaches to the plastic tail of the tap, while the other end connects to the existing supply pipes.

When installing a monobloc, reducing couplers are needed to connect the monobloc's 10mm pipe to the standard 15mm supply pipe.

Position the tap in the mounting hole in the bath/basin, ensuring washers are in place between the tap and the sink. Secure the tap with the manufacturer-provided backnut. With the tap secured, connect the supply pipes to the tails of the taps using corrugated copper piping or standard tap connectors. After connecting the piping to both ends, tighten everything using a spanner.

Tiling Around the Bathtub

Seal the joins where the bath meets the tile with silicone rubber caulking to prevent water from penetrating the wall due to fitting movement. This seal is imperative, as rigid seals may crack and result in dampness or possible leaks in the ceiling below. Various colored sealants are available in tubes and cartridges, capable of sealing gaps up to 3mm (1/8 inch).

Fill the bathtub with water before sealing to account for movement when in use.

As an alternative, use ceramic coving or quadrant tiles to edge the bath or shower tray. Plastic coving strips, easy to cut to size, are also available. It is recommended to fit the tiles using water-resistant or waterproof adhesive and grout.