Posted on: November 23, 2016
By: Alan O'Neill
Posted in: Plumbing
Upgrading a bathroom is one of the best ways you can add value to your home. However, after you have checked out the costs of having a contractor come in to redo your bathroom, you might be looking for a less expensive alternative. While certainly not the same as completely renovating your restroom, installing a new bathtub/shower surround can give your bathroom a clean
This video shows you how to install a bathtub.
You will be using your existing drain and waste vent system, but pipes required include the hot and cold water supply lines and a pipe leading to a shower head. A mixing valve and shower head are also needed. Air chambers may be required.
Lower the tub into place so that the continuous flange fits against the wall studs and rests on 1’x4′ or 2’x4′ supports. Anchor the tub to the enclosure with nails or screws inserted through the flanges into the studs.
NOTE: Remember, bathtubs and shower stalls may require support framing. A bathtub filled with water is extremely heavy, so check building codes and framing support before installing the tub.
Assemble the bathtub drain connections by connecting the tub overflow with the tub drain above the trap, not beyond it. The trap will have a compression fitting that screws over the arm of the overflow assembly.
First, locate a brass female threaded winged fitting and attach it to a framing support via a screw or a nail. Then run a pipe up the wall for the shower head. Sweat or solder the other side of the brass fitting to the top of the pipe.
Attach your water lines for both hot and cold by sweating these directly into the hot and cold ports of the mixing valve. The mixing valve will be how water enters the tub’s system, not by the pipes themselves.
Extend a piece of 1/2 inch pipe, or whichever length is specified in the manufacturer’s instructions, for the tub spout. Sweat on a male threaded fitting at the end of the pipe or use a brass nipple of the proper length and a 1/2 inch cap.
Replace the wall with moisture-resistant drywall as a base for your wall covering. Seal the joints between the wall and your new tub with silicone caulk as protection against water seepage.
The spout handles and the shower head is all easily attached at this stage. You can usually screw them on to structures you’ve already put in place. For example, the shower head screws onto the shower arm stub out.
Whether installing a new shower head or replacing an old one, always clean the pipe threads. Apply new pipe joint compound, PTFE tape, or both to prevent leaks.
If you’ve considered remodeling your bathroom, you likely have an idea of what changes you’d like to make. You want to paint the walls a new color, install a new type of flooring and replace many of the fixtures. You especially want to replace your shower and tub with something larger and newer. Call (713) 812-7070 us for your home service and repair needs.
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