How to Install a Bathtub
You have decided to install a bathtub in your home. Do you have the ability to do the work yourself, or will you call in a pro? This article will help you decide how to install your bathtub.
How the work is done
Whether you do the work yourself or hire a professional, it is important to know the steps that await you and the points to pay particular attention to.
The stages of the work
Here are the main stages of the work involved in installing a bathtub:
Preparation of the drains and water inlets.
Preparing the walls and the floor.
Installation of the bathtub.
Installation of the faucets.
Connecting the fittings.
Installation of the apron.
Making the watertight joints.
The difficulty of the work
If a classic bathtub is relatively simple to install by following the step-by-step instructions, it is more difficult to install an island bathtub, which requires that the water inlets and outlets be placed in the floor and not on the walls, as well as a faucet mounted on a stand.
The whirlpool bathtub and the models illuminated with LEDs require a specific and secure electrical supply. It is, therefore, preferable to call in a qualified electrician to carry out this supply, which must be perfectly in line with standards.
The duration of the work
The duration of a bathtub installation can be very variable, depending on the site. Are the water inlets and outlets present, or must they be created? Do we have to install an electrical supply in case of a whirlpool bathtub? Does the bathtub replace a shower, and do we have to break the latter before proceeding with the installation? Is there any floor levelling work to be done before installing the tub? All these components can vary the duration of the work.
It can be estimated that it takes approximately:
- 1 day for a qualified plumber to install a conventional model as a replacement for an older tub or when the installation is simple;
- 3 to 5 days if important work is to be done: concrete screed, tiling, electrical supply, draining system to be created.
Some installers have a time guarantee, which can be reassuring when choosing a company.
Installing your own bathtub
You may be tempted to install your bathtub yourself if you are a skilled handyman and do most of the work in your house. This post helps you to take stock of the situation before starting the work and guides you through the various stages of the installation.
What you need to know before you start
Installing a bathtub requires a solid knowledge of plumbing. Before you install your bathtub yourself, be sure to assess the difficulty and time involved because it’s not always worth it to go without a professional:
The work will take longer than with a professional because the latter has the tools for this type of work and the right gestures that ensure him gain in efficiency.
By installing yourself, you must take care of the “after installation” part and solve all the problems encountered in a bathroom project, such as leaks or bad connections.
Having a professional install your bathtub
To install a bathtub, you can call on a plumber or even a construction company if it is a global bathroom renovation.
Calling in a professional is often a guarantee of speed and efficiency. In addition, the professional will have to give you a clean site and thus evacuate all the elements to be thrown away, like an old bathtub, which can save you precious time and avoid additional tiredness.
