The installation of a bathtub is complex and should not be attempted by beginners.If you have experience with plumbing and construction, this may be a project that you are comfortable with.This guide gives an outline of the job if you are looking for a starting point.If you aren't sure what to do at any point in the process, it's best to call a plumbing professional.They can install a bathtub for you.
Step 1: The water should be turned off at the main line
Shutting off the water for the bathroom is the first step.Turn the main line off.To drain the lines, turn on the faucet in your tub.
Step 2: The water lines should be disconnected before removing the accessories.
To remove the faucet from the water lines, use a screwdriver.The drain cover on the bottom of the tub needs to be removed.Remove the showerhead as well.If you want to get access to the screws, you'll need to pry off a plastic cover.If you don't want to buy new ones, you may be able to reuse some of them.
Step 3: Take the tub surround or tiles out.
You need to expose the studs in the wall in order to install a new bathtub, so you have to remove the surround and the drywall behind it.To cut through the drywall, use a utility knife.Then, use a pry bar to get out of the way.Don't damage pipes or wires!Wear safety gear, including goggles and a dust mask, during this process.Work from the top to the bottom of the surround.
Step 4: You can get access to the plumbing.
The plumbing can be accessed from the room next to the bathroom in some homes.The plumbing may be located in the floor under the tub.You'll need to cut a hole in the wall or floor in order to get to the plumbing.
Step 5: The old tub needs to be removed.
Remove the tub drain and overflow from the P-trap underneath it.If your tub is fiberglass, cut it into pieces with a jigsaw to make it easier to remove.If you want to keep the tub in one piece, you have to use a jigsaw to cut away the bathtub flange that is nailed to the studs.You may need to slice through the caulk to get to the tub.To do that, use a utility knife.
Step 6: Pick the tub that will fit in the space.
Measure the width and length of the alcove where the tub will be installed.To make sure the tub will fit through the bathroom door, measure the height and width of the doorway.Take your measurements at a home improvement store.If you want to replace an old tub, choose a tub with a similar configuration and make sure the drain and faucets are on the same side to make installation easier.Make sure your tub has all the accessories you need.You will need a faucet, water handle, and the drain, as well as the strainer, strainer cover, trip lever and overflow drain cover.
Step 7: The alcove has a tub.
The designated area is where the tub should be placed to make sure it fits.The drain hole in the bottom of the tub is near the P-trap.To connect the water supply lines to the faucet you bought, make sure you have the right fittings.After you make sure the tub fits, you can install a ledger board.Use caution if you have a new tub.
Step 8: A ledger board is needed to install.
Attach the long edge of the tub to the wall with a 2 by 4 in board.Measure the lip of the tub and mark it on the back wall.The top of the ledger board should be below the wall studs when the tub is in the alcove.The tub can be securely attached to the wall with the help of a ledger board.
Step 9: Attach the drain to a tub.
Attach the drain to the tub before you put it in place.Press the strainer into the tub from the inside by wrapping it around the bottom of the drain.Attach the strainer to the drain chute with a gasket from the bottom of the tub.Attach the strainer to the inside of the tub with pliers.
Step 10: The overflow drain must be connected.
The overflow drain opens on the inside of the tub.The overflow cover needs to be secured with the trip lever inside the tub.The trip lever is used to stop water from draining out of the tub.The linkage goes inside the pipe to stop the flow of water.The overflow drain will prevent the tub from overflowing if you leave the water running.
Step 11: To level the tub, set it in place.
Place the tub in the alcove so that the drain rests over the floor.There is a level on each side of the tub.Put hardwood shims underneath the tub and glue them in if there are any odd spots.To secure your tub in place, some manufacturers advise you to spread mortar on the floor.
Step 12: The tub must be secured to the studs.
There is a small lip around the outside of the tub.The manufacturer has instructions on how to secure the flange to the wall.In most cases, you can use a hammer to drive roofing nails into the wall.
Step 13: The tub surround needs to be fit.
The surround is made of panels that protect the wall around your tub.First, mark the location of the accessories, including the faucet and water handles.The water lines in the wall need to be lined up with the faucet.Then, use a jigsaw to cut out the accessory openings.Measure the location multiple times before cutting into the surround.The easiest type to install is a one-piece surround.
Step 14: Attach the surround to the studs with caulking.
Place a bead of caulk around the entire perimeter of the tub.Set the surround on top of the caulk.Attach the surround to the wall stud with a drill.Aim to use a screw every 6 inches up the length of the surround.Silicone caulk is meant for use in the bathroom.
Step 15: Attach your accessories and connect the water lines.
The water lines should be through the hole in the surround.Attach the strainer cover to the drain opening in the tub.If handles are separate from your faucet, add any other accessories you need.
Step 16: The drain should be connected to the P-trap.
Attach the drain chute to the P-trap.If the drain chute doesn't align perfectly, you may need to connect it with a pipe.If that is the case, dry-fit the pieces first and secure the pipe to the chute and P-trap with cement to prevent it from coming loose.
Step 17: Take the tub to the floor.
There is a bead of caulk on the outside edge of the tub.Water can get in between the tub and floor if it doesn't meet both outside corners.You can smooth out the bead with a damp rag.
Step 18: The water needs to be turned on before then.
Wait at least a full day to give the caulk time to dry.You can turn on the water to check for leaks.Contact a certified plumbing professional if you have any problems.