Installing new bathtub plumbing

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Sophia Latorre is a Content Manager on the wikiHow team. Now, she writes, edits, and reviews articles for the wikiHow Content Team, working to make the content as helpful as possible for readers worldwide. This article has been viewed , times. Learn more However, if you have some plumbing and construction experience, this may be a DIY project that you feel comfortable tackling. If you're looking for a starting point, this guide provides an outline of the job. To install a bathtub, start by installing a 2- by 4-inch ledger board to the length of the wall that the long edge of the tub will be against.

Then, attach the drain to the new tub, and connect the overflow drain. Next, set the tub in place, and secure it to the studs using the vertical lip around the outside of it. Once you've done that, fit a new tub surround, and caulk to the tub to it. Finally, connect all of the water lines and accessories, and caulk the tub to the floor. To learn how to remove an old bathtub, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers.

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Tips and Warnings. Things You'll Need. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Turn off the water at the main line. Locate the main line and turn it all the way off.

Then, turn on the faucet in your tub to drain the lines. Remove the accessories and disconnect the water lines. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the faucet and disconnect it from the water lines by unscrewing it.

Remove the handles, overflow drain cover, and the drain cover on the bottom of the tub. If you have a showerhead, remove that as well. Remove the existing tub surround or tiles.

You need to expose the studs in the wall in order to install a new bathtub, so you must remove the existing surround and the drywall behind it. Using a utility knife, cut through the drywall around the outside edge of the entire surround. Then, use a pry bar to pry the drywall and surround or tiles out of place. Be careful not to damage any pipes or wires! Work from the top of the surround down to the bottom.

Gain access to the plumbing. In some homes, you may be able to access the plumbing from the room next to the bathroom. In other cases, the plumbing may be situated in the floor under the tub. Most likely, you'll need to cut a hole in the wall or floor in order to access the plumbing. Take out the old tub. First, unscrew the tub drain and overflow from the P-trap underneath the tub.

If your tub is acrylic or fiberglass, cut it into pieces with a jigsaw to make the removal process easier. Use a utility knife to do so. Part 2. Select a tub that will fit in the designated space. Measure the length and width of the alcove where you will install the tub. Also, measure the height and width of your bathroom doorway to make sure the tub will fit through the bathroom door! Take your measurements to a home improvement store to guide your purchase. Make sure your tub comes with all the faucets, drains, and accessories you will need.

Dry-fit the tub in the alcove. To ensure the tub fits, place it in the designated area. Check that the drain hole in the bottom of the tub lines up with the P-trap in the floor underneath the tub. Ensure you have the right fittings to connect the water supply lines to the faucet you purchased, as well. Use caution to prevent scratches or other damage to your new tub! Install a ledger board. Measure the height of the lip, or flange, of the tub, then mark that height measurement on the back wall.

Use a drill to screw the ledger board to the studs in the wall so that the top of the ledger board is just below the flange when the tub is sitting level in the alcove. Attach the drain to the tub. Before you actually set the tub in place, secure the drain to it.

Place a gasket around the strainer from the outside of the bottom of the tub, then screw the strainer to the drain chute, which a long pipe that includes the overflow drain. Connect the overflow drain. Slip the trip lever stopper and linkage through the overflow drain opening on the inside of the tub. Use a screwdriver to secure the overflow cover with the trip lever to the inside of the tub.

The stopper and linkage go inside the pipe to stop or allow the flow of water. The overflow drain will prevent the tub from overflowing if you leave the water running as it directs the water into a drain pipe. Part 3. Set the tub in place and level it. Carefully position the tub in the alcove so that the drain rests over the drain opening in the floor. Place a level on each side of the tub. If any spots are uneven, position hardwood shims underneath the tub and glue them in place.

Secure the tub to the studs. There will be a small flange, or vertical lip, around the outside of the tub. In most cases, you can use a hammer to drive roofing nails through the flange to secure it to each stud in the wall.

Fit a new tub surround. The surround is made up of the panels that protect the wall around your tub from moisture and mildew. First, dry-fit the surround and mark the location of the accessories, including the faucet and water handles. Ensure that the faucet will line up with the water lines in the wall. Then, cut out the accessory openings with a jigsaw. A one-piece surround is the easiest type to install. Caulk the tub to the surround and secure the surround to the studs.

Place a bead of silicone caulk around the entire perimeter of the tub on the ledge next to the flange. Then, carefully set the surround on top of the silicone caulk.

Next, use a drill to screw the surround into each wall stud. Aim to use a screw every 6 inches 15 cm up the length of the surround. Connect the water lines and install your accessories.