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How To Install An Alcove Bathtub

Bathtub Installation
An alcove bathtub is installed before finishing out the alcove with drywall or cement board and is installed with the nailing flange behind the drywall. The walls of the alcove surrounding the bathtub can be finished out with plastic or vinyl surrounds or ceramic tile. A drain waste overflow kit must be connected to the bathtub prior to installation. The kit contains all necessary components for proper drainage and to guard against overflow.

Everything You Need Tools: hacksaw, level, drill, screwdriver, pliers, tape measure, saw, trowel, wrench, caulk gun, hammer. Materials: bathtub, drain waster overflow kit, shims, deck screws, roofing nails, dry set mortar, flashing, caulk, plumber?s putty, soap

STEP 1: Connect the faucet body the shower head fittings and faucet body to water supply pipes and attach assemblies to wall cross braces.

STEP 2: Check the drain waster overflow kit specifications to then properly cut drain pipe to proper height.

STEP 3: Fit the tub into the alcove by sliding it on the sub floor into position flush against the back wall studs. Ensure everything is in line and will fit properly once finished.

STEP 4: Protect the inside bottom of tub by placing a thick cardboard cover cut from the tub carton onto tub floor.

STEP 5: Shim the tub along walls and floor to guarantee the tub is level.

STEP 6: Mark the top of the nailing flange along each stud in the alcove and slide the bathtub back out.

STEP 7: Measure the distance from the top of the nailing flange to the bottom of the rim and minus that amount to obtain the height for the ledger board and draw a line along the studs.

STEP 8: Cut 1x4 ledger boards and attach them along the wall studs just below the line.

STEP 9: Adjust the drain waste overflow assembly to fit drain and overflow openings. Attach the gaskets and washers as directed by the manufacturer.

STEP 10: Apply plumbers putty to the bottom of the drain cover plate flange, then insert drain piece into hole. Screw the drain piece into the waste drain tube then insert the pop-up drain plug. Insert the drain plug linkage into the overflow opening and connect the overflow cover plate with long screws driven into the mounting flange on the overflow pipe. Adjust the drain plug linkage as directed by the manufacturer.

STEP 11: Prepare alcove by applying dry-set mortar to the sub floor. Lay runners across the alcove and apply soap or grease along top edge of runners.

STEP 12: Slide the tub into position over the runners, then remove the runners allowing the tub to settle into mortar. Push down on tub rims until they meet the ledger boards.

STEP 13: Nail the rum flanges into the wall studs around the tub, then attach the flanges to studs by drilling through the flange into studs until tub is completely secure.

STEP 14: Once mortar has dried (6 ? 8 hours), install 4 inch wide roof flashing above the tub flange around the entire alcove.

STEP 15: Adjust the drain tailpiece to ensure the P-trap will fit around the overflow assembly then connect them with a slip nut.

STEP 16: Install the wall surfaces surrounding the alcove using cement board or waterproof drywall and finish with ceramic tiles or prefabricated bathtub surrounds.

STEP 17: Install the faucet handle and tub spout according to manufacturer and finally caulk around bathtub joints and faucet and shower seams.


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