An Introduction to Plumbing: How to Put in a Bathtub

An Introduction to Plumbing: How to Put in a Bathtub

Even while it isn't exactly rocket science, installing a bathtub does require a strong understanding of plumbing, carpentry, and occasionally even tiling. Changing out an outdated bathtub with a brand new one is another undertaking that has a modest degree of difficulty. If the old tub can be reached without much effort, the project can proceed quickly; however, if it is necessary to cut a hole in the wall in order to remove the old tub and place the new bathtub, the challenge will be much greater. 

In either scenario, completing the task is within the capabilities of a home handyman; however, you will need assistance moving the old tub out of the way before installing the new one. Be certain that you have met the requirements for the task, and that you are confident in your ability to carry it out. It is recommended that you think about hiring a contractor before you start the project rather than looking for someone to take over the work that has already been done midway through it. To properly connect tubes, you will most likely require the assistance of a licensed plumber. 

If you have already purchased a new bathtub and don't need to make any adjustments to the current configuration of the water supply pipes in your bathroom, this article will be of assistance to you as you install the new tub in your bathroom.

The following items should be included on your checklist for tools and materials:

• Hammer for the Bathtub 
• Pipe Wrenches 
• Prybar and Safety Glasses are Brand New.
• Pipe 
• Caps Level 
• Pliers Adjustable Wrench 
• Putty Knife 
• Screwdriver 
• Tape 
• Measure 
• Cold Chisel 

In the process of getting ready for the Installation

To begin, the supporting structure that came with the bathtub should be installed (if it is necessary) in accordance with the directions provided by the manufacturer.

  

After that, install the faucets and mixer into the bathtub. When installing the tap block, it is essential to check whether or not the tap came with a plastic washer and, if it did, to ensure that the washer was placed between the taps and the bath. It is also a good idea to install a supporting plate underneath the taps unit on a plastic bathtub in order to avoid the tub from becoming damaged as a result of the strain.

  

Connect the flexible tap connectors to the bottom of the two faucets using the two nuts and olives that were provided with the tub in certain cases.

  

After preparing the sink outlet hole for the plug-hole outlet by smearing mastic filler around the hole, slide the outlet through the hole in the bathtub to complete the installation. When fitting the nut into the plug-hole, make sure you use the one that was provided by the manufacturer. Check to see whether there is an access point on the side of the plug-hole outlet for the overflow pipe.

The next step is to connect the overflow outlet to the end of the flexible overflow pipe. After that, you should screw the pipe onto the overflow face that is already installed within the bathtub. Make sure that you use each and every one of the washers that were provided.

  

After winding the thread of the waste outlet with silicone mastic or PTFE tape, screw the trap onto the outlet, and then connect the trap to the bottom of the waste outlet on the bathtub. Connect the bottom of the overflow tube in a way analogous to that described before.

At this point, the bathtub ought to be ready to be installed in its ultimate location.

Taking Out the Old Faucets

If you need to replace old taps with new ones as part of your installation, the first thing you should do is disconnect the water supply. This will allow you to replace the old taps with the new ones without any problems. After you have finished doing so, turn on the faucets so that any water that may still be in the system can drain out. Due to the restricted access that is frequently the case, the process of removing the current taps can be rather challenging and difficult to complete. 

To loosen the nut that holds the supply pipes to the taps, either a basin wrench, also known as a crow's foot spanner, or a tap tool should be used. Prepare a cloth to absorb any remaining water that may emerge from the pipes. When you have finished removing the supply pipes, use the same instrument to unscrew the nut that is holding the taps onto the bath or basin. During this step of the process, you will need to make sure that the single taps do not turn. After the taps have been taken out of the bath or basin, the holes will need to have any old sealing compound removed from them before they can be used again. 

Compare the pipe connections on the old taps with those on the new taps before continuing with the installation of the new taps. If the length of the old taps is greater than that of the new taps, you will need a shank adapter in order for the new taps to be able to fit. 

Putting in Place the Bathtub

The bathtub can be moved into the desired location by first positioning the two wooden boards under its feet. The weight of the bathtub is distributed more uniformly over the area of the boards thanks to the assistance provided by the wooden boards, which prevent the weight from being concentrated on just four small spots.

 

The subsequent objective is to make certain that the bathtub is level in all four corners. Checking the spirit level and adjusting the feet on the bathtub until the level is read on the spirit level is all that is required to accomplish this goal.

To install taps, first make a compression join between the supply pipe and the bottom of the flexible tap connector for the tap that is the farthest away from the supply pipe; then install the other tap in the same manner.

 

After turning on the water supply, inspect all of the joints and new piping for leaks and tighten them as needed. The bathtub should be filled with water before you check for leaks in both the overflow outlet and the standard outlet.

Last but not least, repair the bath paneling in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

 

Tiling and sealing the area around the bathtub should be put off until after the tub has been used at least once, since this will allow the tub to settle into its permanent position. 

Installing Brand New Faucets

If the tails of the new taps are made of plastic, then you will need to use a plastic connection in order to keep the thread from becoming damaged. The plastic tail of the tap is where one end of the connector goes, while the other end of the connector offers a connection to the supply pipes that are already in place. 

If you need to install a monobloc, then you will want reduction couplers, which are used to link the monobloc's pipe, which is 10mm in diameter, to the regular supply pipe, which is 15mm in diameter. 

After that, install the faucet in the mounting hole in the bath or basin, making sure that the washers are in place in between the faucet and the sink. Use the backnut that was given by the manufacturer to keep the tap in place. When the tap has been installed correctly, the supply pipes can be linked to the tap's tails so that water can flow freely. Connecting the taps can be done with either corrugated copper piping or with standard tap connectors. Both methods are viable options. The first kind should be linked to the ends of the taps first, and the connection should only be tightened by hand. It will eventually be possible to connect the supply pipes to the opposite end. After the two ends have been joined together, a spanner should be used to tighten each end.

Putting Tiles All Around the Bathtub

Caulking made of silicone rubber needs to be applied to the joints where the tile and the bathtub connect in order to ensure watertightness. This is significant because the fitting might shift to the point where it breaks a hard seal. As a result, water can get behind the tiling and into the wall that separates the bathtub from the tiling, which can cause problems with dampness and possibly leaks into the ceiling below. 

When selecting a sealant for your fixtures and fittings, you have a number of different color options from which to pick. They are available in tubes and cartridges, and have the ability to close gaps with a width of up to 3 millimeters (one eighth of an inch). If you have a larger hole that has to be filled, you can use twisted pieces of wet newspaper or flexible rope to do it. Always make sure to fill the bathtub with water before you seal it, as this will allow for the movement that will occur when the tub is being used. In the event that this movement is not taken into consideration prior to sealing, the sealant may shatter rather quickly.

There is also the option of using ceramic coving or quadrant tiles to finish the edge of the shower tray or bathtub. Plastic strips of coving are also readily available on the market, and they may be used with ease and trimmed to the desired dimensions. It is recommended that water-resistant or waterproof glue as well as grout be utilized while installing the tiles.