Shower Stall

Here are the steps you’ll need to follow for installing a bathtub in a bathroom that already has the basic plumbing.

The installation of a bathtub is a typical job and is recommended for being carried by an experiences DIY homeowner. In any case if you decide to undertake the job as a DIY project make sure to have a helping hand as bathtubs are quite heavy and not easy to move around by one person. As you can perhaps understand that a bathtub full of water causes additional thrust on the floor. So, you must ensure that the present floor will be able to bear that extra strain. It will be good to consult a builder or another professional and seek a confirmation to that effect.

The new bathtub that you buy comes covered with a thin coating of a protective film that should be removed only after you have completed the installation.

If you plan to have a whirlpool bath or some similar bath that required electric current, make sure to include one GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) type wall outlet that automatically switches off the supply in just 1/40 of a second should any problem arise.

Plan in such a manner that all plumbing remains easily accessible to prevent opening of walls in case of any problems at a later date.

1. Prepare the site

Switch off the water supply. Making use of wood shims, level the bathtub.

2. Install the supports

Keeping the bathtub away from the walls nail 1’X4” wood strapping on the three walls, just below the already made marks, ensuring to cut the supports to house pipes that might come in the way.

3. Install the drain and overflow pipes

Put together overflow and drain pipes as per the instructions of the manufacturer. Connect the pipes to proper openings on the bathtub. You can procure these fittings from any renovation center.

4. Fix the bathtub to the wall

Place the bathtub to its place and using galvanized nails fix the same to the wall studs through the holes provided in the nailing flange. If no holes are provided, push the nails through the studs just over the flange so that the head of the nails overlaps the flange.

Some bathtub manufacturers also provide installation clips.

5. Install the strainer

Apply putty to lower edge of the strainer and let it go down its opening. Firmly screw to the tailpiece of drainpipe and make it tighter.

6. Install the overflow

Put in the drain pop-up mechanism in the opening of the overflow pipe. Fix the cap and using long screws screw it to the mounting of the overflow pipe.

Connect the tailpiece of drainpipe to the P-trap. You may be required to cut off part of the pipe for connecting the two. This can be accomplished using a pipe cutter or hacksaw.

7. Finish the wall and test

After the walls are finished fix the faucets. Switch on the water supply and flush out any filth that might have accumulated in the pipes during the process of installation.