Easy Process To Remove & Replace A Bathtub In A Small Bathroom
The bathtub or shower must often be replaced after any major bathroom redesign. Refinishing or relining the bathtub can give it a few more years of life, but replacing the bathtub will give the bathroom a complete makeover and increase the home's market value. It takes numerous little jobs to replace a bathtub, including demolition, plumbing, light carpentry, positioning the tub in its final location, and attaching it to the wall. But the majority of DIYers can manage it perfectly. This is a satisfying, cost-effective, and skill-building do-it-yourself project if you break the workflow down into distinct steps, give yourself enough time, and ask for assistance when you need it.
Tools & Materials Needed
- A Bathroom Floor Plan
- A Level
- Mortar
- The New Bathtub And Plumbing
- A Tape Measure
- Replacement Tile
- Caulk Or Plumber's Putty
Step 1: Measure The Old Bathtub & Draw An Accurate Floorplan Of The Entire Bathroom
You should accurately layout the whole bathroom, including any plumbing fixtures like faucets and drains, and measure the old bathtub. Take a mental note of the bathtub's length and width. Make careful to indicate whether the drain is in the center, on the left, or on the right side of the tub area. Moving objects around in a small, confined space is more difficult than doing so on paper.
Step 2: Level The Subfloor After Removing The Old Tub
It's good news-bad news when it comes to replacing the bathtub, as is frequently the case when working with older homes. Be prepared to level the subfloor after removing the old tub in order to install the new tub. Homes included, every structure settles with time. Use a level, add mortar, or use the other material the manufacturer recommends, and check to see that the floor beneath your new tub is level and strong enough to support the weight of the new fixture.
Step 3: Turn The Tub On Its Side And Move It Out Vertically
The good news is that by simply turning the tub on its side and moving it out vertically, practically every tub can be removed from the little bathroom. If you're studying how to repair a bathtub in a small bathroom, you might need to enlist the aid of a few sturdy buddies.
Step 4: Remove The Washbasin And Toilet Before Replacing The Old Tub
Before removing the old tub and bringing in the replacement, you'll probably need to remove the washbasin and toilet. It will provide you and your team with greater space to move around, something they will require and much value.
Step 5: Make Sure The Flange And Drains Line Up With Your Fixture
You might need to use shims after you've installed the new tub to make sure the flange and drains line up with your fixture.
Pro Tip: Before attempting to install your new tub, dry-fit the majority of the plumbing, including the drain and drain shoe. If you do most of it before placement, it will be simpler.
Step 6: Attach The Drain & Apply Caulk All The Way Around The Edge
Attach the drain, then generously apply caulk all the way around the edge. Reattach the tap after that.
Step 7: Fill The New Bathtub With Water And Look For Leaks
Fill the new bathtub with water and look for leaks. Remember that it takes a full 24 hours for the mortar, caulk, or plumber's putty to thoroughly dry. The optimal time to perform the water tightness test is when the materials have fully cured.
Step 8: Re-install Toilet And Washbasin
The toilet and washbasin should be reinstalled, and any damaged plasterboard and tiles should be replaced.