Toronto Home Improvement

Installing a Bathtub is a Major Undertaking

Since installing a bathtub is a lot of work, be sure to take your time with each part of the installation, from leveling the floor to caulking. Here is a short list of common mistakes people make when installing bathtubs:

• Not adhering to local building codes and restrictions – Be sure to check with your local building code ordinances regarding proximities of toilets and electrical outlets relative to the bathtub.
• Using incorrect pipe sizes – Double check the sizes of your existing pipes to the size of the bathtub pipes to make sure they match.
• Failing to use the proper sealants for threaded joints – Be sure to use polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape or pipe compound on all threaded pipe joints.
• Failing to use a brass or dielectric fitting when joining copper and galvanized piping - Attaching the copper to galvanized piping without using a brass fitting or rubber washer to separate the two will lead to very rapid corrosion of the pipes.

General Instructions: How to Install a Bathtub

Building codes vary, so make sure to check them before you begin your bathtub installation. For the purposes of this article, installing a supporting frame, though it may not be required in your area, is included.

• Check the flooring - inspect the flooring to make sure that there are no damaged floorboards. Replace damaged floorboards and sub-flooring before moving on to the next step.
• Construct the supporting frame – The size of this frame will depend on the size of your bathtub. Check with the instructions that came with the tub for the exact required dimensions. A supporting frame is generally constructed of wood and the tub placed inside this frame when it is complete.
• Make a mortar bed – If you removed your old tub, then it is likely that the previous mortar bed has been damaged. Chip the old mortar away and make a new one. This can be done with thin-set mortar or concrete and should be at least an inch or two thick. The thickness and proper construction of this mortar bed is extremely important because this is what will be supporting the bathtub when it is at its heaviest, when it is full of water.
• Check your piping – All the piping must be completely installed before setting your bathtub into place.
• Install the tub – In this step, be sure that the tub is resting on and supported by the floor and not the bathtub rim.
• Assemble the bathtub drain connections.
• Turn on the water to check for any leaks – Repair problem areas by refitting and resealing the pipes if leaks are found.
• Install faucet and shower fixtures.
• Seal the area surrounding the tub with silicone – It may also be a good idea to apply caulking to the areas between the bathroom fixtures and the wall to prevent water from seeping behind the fixtures and causing water damage.

A Few Final Installation Tips

It goes without saying that bathtub installation is a two-person job at the least. Enlist the help of family or friends (maybe someone who owes you a favor) to ensure that your bathtub is installed properly and more importantly, that you do not hurt yourself. Aside from that, make sure to take the following steps in order to ensure that your bathtub installation is done properly and as easily as possible:

• Always double check your measurements – You don’t want to get your new bathtub home and find that it doesn’t fit in the opening.
• Follow the manufacturers instructions for your particular bath tub model closely – If something should go wrong, warranties will only cover damages if you followed the manufacturers instructions exactly and used their recommended products.
• Be sure to use silicone caulking that is specifically designed for kitchens and bathrooms – Other types of caulking may breakdown, resulting in water seepage and wall or flooring damage.