Whether you’re planning to redo your entire bathroom or you just want an easy option when it comes to your shower, a tub and shower combo can be an excellent idea. Fortunately, installing a new bathtub or shower isn’t as challenging as it sounds.
1. Size and Shape
Make sure that your new combination shower and bathtub fits in the area. Measure your existing tub or shower. Your new tub should have its drain on the same side as the previous one. Otherwise, you need to redo the plumbing later. Measure the doorway. You have to be able to get the old one out.
2. Make Room
Most bathrooms don’t have ample space for maneuvering a tub. You may need to remove the toilet and sink. When you’re measuring the old tub, check and see how much room you have in the area. If you don’t have enough space, you have to remove other items.
3. Out with the Old
Turn off the water supply and drain the lines. Take off the hot and cold faucets. You should be able to use a wrench to remove the drain. After you’ve disconnected the drain, be sure to loosen the slip nut. Remove the spout, faucet, and drain. Depending on your bathroom, it’s possible that you have to remove a bit of the tile around the tub. Wear eye protection and be careful.
Disconnect all of the piping and dislodge the tub. Tubs tend to be heavy. You can use a couple furniture dollies or pieces of wood to help. If you’ve done any damage to the walls, they need to be repaired later. Always use materials that can handle getting wet.
4. Prepare for the New Bathtub
Move your new tub into location. Make marks for its top on the wall. You should have help moving the tub and keeping it balanced. Make a second mark roughly 1 inch below the previous. This shows where you need support for the edges. After that, install the ledger board. Use drywall screws. It must be level.
The next step is assembling the shoe fitting. Turn the tub onto its side. Dry fit the water supply and drain pipes then put the overflow pipe in place. Since you measured previously, it should align and fit properly. Use plumber’s putty around the flang-e, tape the threads, and insert the washer. Screw and tighten it. Attach the drain and screw it in. You should have instructions on installing the overflow cover.
5. Install the New Bathtub
Spread 2 inches of mortar on the subfloor and place the tub in position. Check that it’s level. It shouldn’t shift or tilt. Nail the flange in place with galvanized nails. After that, connect the drain and water supply. Tighten the nuts. Use putty to seat the drain and secure it. Screw the hot and cold faucets into place. The male threads must be sealed with a joint compound. Put the handles in place and reinstall any other fixtures you might’ve missed. Last but not least, turn on the water and look to see if there are any leaks. If you damaged the wall, replace the tile and use cement board as a backer.
6. Relax
Enjoy your new tub and shower combo. The process may sound a bit complex, but it’s certainly manageable. If you need any assistance or advice, contact the professionals at Safe Step Walk-In Tub Company.
