In the past, your choices for bathtubs were limited to cast iron or steel and the bowl shapes and colors were fairly limited as well. Today, you still have cast iron and steel, but there’s also fiberglass and composite materials available in countless shapes, sizes and colors.
To get the new tub in place, you’ll likely need to remove wall tile, drywall or plaster, flooring and usually the sink or toilet. Further, you may need to install a newer antiscald valve to meet current codes. In short, since getting the old tub out and the new tub in involves so much demolition and patchwork, this project makes most sense when done as part of a whole-bathroom remodel.
1. Shut off water. Remove drain and overflow. Cover cast-iron tubs with heavy blanket to control flying shards and break up using a sledgehammer. Wear protective gear. Lightweight tubs can be removed intact.
2. Cut hot- and cold-water supply lines using a tight-area pipe cutter to remove old valve and tub and shower lines. For galvanized pipe, disconnect unions, install transitional fittings and convert to copper or CPVC pipe.
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Book Description
This is an indispensable reference for the design of a room unlike
any other. The bathroom is no longer given over solely to personal
hygiene. It has become a refuge for those seeking purification, warmth, and respite and , as such, is designed to integrate functionality
with beauty and relaxation. The hundreds of color photographs included
in this practical yet visually pleasing book illustrate this truism and provide helpful decorating hints and ideas for anyone looking
to re-design this most important room.
From the Publisher
A practical yet visually pleasing book and an indispensable reference
for the design of a room unlike any other. Lavishly illustrates how
to redesign bathrooms to integrate functionality with beauty and relaxation.
About the Author
Alejandro Bahamon is an architect based in Barcelona. He has been a
contributing editor and writer for several architecture and design
publications and , last year, edited Sydney Houses (3-8238-4525-X) and African Interior D
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3. Hook up new faucet valve so it’s centered over new tub’s drain. Use valve’s finished- surface-plate template to gauge valve’s front-to-back position in wall. Add support block to support valve and establish its position.
4. Install new tub according to manufacturer’s instructions. Some tubs require a level ledger board to support back of tub. Others use hanger clips for support. Slide tub into position on 2x4 skids and make sure it doesn’t rock.
5. Connect new drain and overflow. For deeper tubs, you’ll need a tall, whirlpool-type overflow. Install overflow gasket according to manufacturer’s directions. Connect tub drain to main drain with P-trap. Test drain and overflow.
Installing a Shower Base
Several manufacturers offer pre formed shower bases that range in size from 32 x 32 in. up to 60 x 32 in., the same footprint as a tub. The rules for installation are basically the same as those for tubs. The primary difference is that the shower drain is generally centered and there’s no overflow to worry about. For nonstandard floor spaces—a common problem when you remove a tiled shower base—you may be able to special order a base to fit.
