Replacing your bathtub as part of your bath renovation process can be a really tough task. Nevertheless, you can accomplish this task when you have either the proper instructions or a professional bathroom renovation contractor to guide you. Here are some tips to help you with bathtub replacement.

Handle Subfloor Problems First

If you live in an old home, it’s possible that the subfloor is not level. Therefore, start by leveling the subfloor where you want the new bathtub to go. That’s because leveling the subfloor of your entire bathroom will lead to a more serious problem especially at the doorway. For instance, it can lead to a difference of more than an inch between the bathroom tile and the wood floor at the hallway. Additionally, the wood in your bathroom may not be removable because it most likely rests under a stud wall. Therefore, just level the subfloor where the bathtub will go.

Prep for the Bathtub

Installation of bathtubs varies depending on the material they are made of. Steel, cast iron, and acrylic are the major materials used to make the bathtubs in the current market. A bathtub can be made of steel but with a finish of porcelain enamel. This makes it lighter with a durable finish than a bathtub made of cast iron. Such a bathtub is also capable of resisting scratch damage than steel tubs. When installing such a bathtub, start by adding a ledger board to studs. Screw in the studs with deck screws to make them level. Once you have installed the ledger and prepped the drain location, install your tub plumbing.

Install Bathtub Plumbing and Make it Leak-proof

Apply silicone sealant to the drain location of the tub. Also apply the sealant to the drain assembly’s bottom. The major reason to use a silicone sealant rather than plumber’s putty is because silicone remains watertight and flexible longer than the usual plumber’s putty. Thus, when you use silicone, you prevent leaks in your bathtub longer. After this, follow the bathtub’s manufacturer instructions to assemble the drain then apply the pipe dope to its threads. Hand-tighten the drain using a tub wrench and channel lock pliers. Use the channel lock pliers to turn nut on this drain. The purpose of a pipe dope is to maintain a watertight seal between the drain and ABS. Once done, assemble the bathtub P-Trap and dry fit your tub. Note that installing your bathtub plumbing before you set it in makes the task easier. That’s why you should add the P-Trap before you get it down to the subfloor. Once done, pull your bathtub off the bathroom’s subfloor.

Final Step

Some tubs come with a foam insert at the bottom. This means they can simply be set on a leveled subfloor. However, if the manufacturer’s directions require you to use a bedding material, use it. You can also mix up mortar then pour it on a self-leveler. This can be followed by placement of a silicone sealant on stringer to prevent creaking of the tub. Basically, if the installation instructions for a bathtub require you to use a mortar, use it. Mortar prevents the need to tear out a new bathtub due to leaks. After setting the tub in the mortar, double check to ensure that it’s level. Finally, attach the tub to studs with galvanized washers and screws.

Follow these tips and your bathtub’s manufacturer instructions to easily replace your bathtub during a bath renovation.