Tips On Installing Your New Bathtub

Installing a bathtub is heavy work, even if you choose a "lightweight" bathtub

. This is not a job you will want to get roped into doing because a neighbor offered you a six-pack and twenty bucks.

There are a couple of ways you can go when installing a bathtub. You can install a free standing (or claw-foot) bathtub or you can install a framed in bathtub. Which type you want to install is usually based on several things, one being space. If you are removing an existing framed in bathtub you will most likely want to put another of the same type back. Whatever your decision is, you need to measure the space you have available and keep that in mind as you purchase your new bathtub. The basic steps to install a bathtub are as follows.

Freestanding/claw-foot bathtub

First you are going to want to put the tub on jacks, as if it were a car and you were going to work under it. There really aren't bathtub jacks so you will need to use the packaging material or some bricks covered with towels under the edges. This will give you the working space you need to put it together.

Install the feet, making sure you don't put them in the wrong places. Each foot is made to be in a specific spot and that spot only, these will not fit right in the wrong spots.

Have a friend help you with this. The feet that go on the end with the plumbing are the ones you want to start with, then move to the other end of the tub.

Attach the plumbing and test to make sure you haven't put the hot water on the cold side, it is easy to mix them up and just as easy to fix the mix up before the job is finished.

Remove all of the extra support and allow it to stand in its own. If the tub is not level you can level it out by using space washers on the legs until you have it leveled out. This shouldn't take many unless your house isn't level.

Framed in/Standard bathtub

This is easiest if you are removing an old tub and replacing with the same type of new tub. If you are starting from scratch you will need to frame the area. Once you have the area framed you can put in the plumbing. If you are replacing an old tub the plumbing will be there already, otherwise you will need to install plumbing.

Place the tub in position with assistance (these are heavy and awkward, you will want to have help moving your bathtub). Shim the tub and check with a level, continue to use shims until you have it leveled off at the angle you are looking for (the sides of the tub should be level, the inside floor of the tub won't be). Fit the ledgers so you will be able to sit the tub on them and they will hold up the weight of the tub along the sides.

Install the drainage system including the p-trap and drain pipes attached to the tub. You will want to assemble all of the overflow pipes and drain pipes at this time. Once the pipes are all put together and you have determined they will fit together when the tub is in place you can install the ledgers.

The bathtub is now slid into position on the ledgers. The drainpipe should slide right over and onto the p-trap. Nail down the tub (there will be hardware included with the tub to do this). Attach all plumbing and cover plates. Check the plumbing to make sure it runs correctly without leakage.

With both installations it is important that after you have installed your bathtub you have the installation inspected to make sure it is installed properly. Last minute touches are important. You need to put a bead of caulking around the tub and wait for it to cure for 24 hours. If you do not install your bathtub correctly it can slip off of the ledgers while you or a family member is bathing. Please check and double check your work when you install your bathtub. If you are in doubt hire a professional.

by: Marissazj

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