Are you planning to install a new bathtub on a concrete floor? Perhaps you want to replace the old tub with a new one. A new bathtub gives your bathroom a refreshing look and makes it more functional. With a concrete floor, bathroom installation requires more preparation. It might sound daunting, but you can do it perfectly with the right skills and tools.
Tools and Supplies Needed
- Rubber mallet for tapping wood
- Floor coating to level the floor
- Soap and rag to clean the walls
- Waterproof sealing material
- Notched trowel to apply the floor coating
- 2×4” wood to place the new tub
- Wall studs and drywall screws for installation
- Sealing tapes
If you want to install the overflow drain as you install the bathtub, you also require:
- Plunger, linkage, and overflow rod for the bathtub
- A threading pipe
- Pliers for fastening and unfastening the plumbing
- A spout pipe
Here are the nine to install a bathtub.
Disassemble the Old Tub
If you have an old bathtub in your bathroom, start by removing it. To reduce flooding, shut off the water supply. Cut the old overflow pipes, adduction pipes, and drains with a metal saw to remove the tank.
Secure the Spray Area
The spray area is any part of the floor or wall than can get splashed with water when using the bath. Whether you are installing the bathtub in the basement bathroom, ensure the area is waterproof. Choose a waterproof sealant to cover the area. This ensures you do not have mildew.
Level Your Concrete Floor
Your concrete floor may be uneven, so ensure the floor below is level before installing the tub. Uneven concrete floors can warp and damage your bathtub.
Place Your Tub
When placing bathtub, you need to do it with great care. You should place it in the exact position it should sit. Place the bathtub where you have the drain plumbing. Line the tub drain hole up with the spout. Gently set the tub down to avoid damaging the floor surface.
Level the Bathtub
You should ensure that each corner of your tub is even with the floor. The bathtub bottom should be in the correct spot against the sealant. This is where you need the rubber mallet and the 2”x 4”. Wedge the wood against the tap and tub until it reaches the right area. Ensure that the bottom of your tub is in the correct spot against the sealant.
Screw Your Bathtub in
Your bathtub comes with screws for the installation work. Drill the correct screws into the drywall and secure the mounting flange to the wall. The bathtub manual comes with instructions on how to do the screwing. Generally, you need one screw along every six inches of your bathtub flange. Tighten the screws as required.
Insert the Drain
With the bathtub perfectly lined with your drain pipe, it’s time to insert the drain. Insert the threading pipe into the male thread until it reaches the bottom.
Install the Other Components
Hook the other bathtub components to the system. These components include linkage, an overflow rod, overflow fittings and the plunger. Install them correctly with the overflow hole to allow the bathtub to drain excess water. Tighten the contraption with the screws.
Thread the Spout
Take your spout pipe, insert it into the hole, and fasten it using pliers. Some tub models have the spout already installed.
Conclusion
Installing a bathtub on concrete floor is not hard. Ensure the concrete floor is even and the bathtub is placed correctly. Use the right tool and take care to avoid damage in the process. It’s simple to install the plumbing and drain. Just line the bathtub with the plumbing eliminating the need to re-thread the pipes.