A bathroom makeover can take effect by adding a freestanding bathtub. Freestanding tubs are beautiful as a centrepiece in bathrooms with their fancy, status-independent appearance. The installation process may appear scary, but it is really simple, and you can finish it in 10 steps.
This complete guide illustrates how to install a freestanding tub from start to finish. If you plan well and prepare yourself, your wish for the best bathtub will be realised soon. This article begins with the selection of the right spot and ends with making connections and finishing up everything else.
In this guide, you will find out what you need for fitting a freestanding bathtub, whether you want to hire someone or do it yourself. With only ten easy steps, you will be able to have that dream bathroom retreat that’s always been on your mind!
Easy and Quick Steps to Install a Freestanding Bathtub
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1. Choose the Right Location
The first step is choosing the appropriate place for your free-standing tub. Unlike other kinds of bathtubs, these ones do not have any attachments to walls and thus can be placed anywhere in the bathroom. However, you still need to think about the layout carefully.
Firstly, look at the size of the tub as well as that of your bathroom to make sure there is enough room. There should be a space clearance of 20–24 inches on all sides of the tub so that someone can pass through or circulate around it. This space is particularly important if the room is narrow.
In addition, consider plumbing and electrical requirements. When positioning this equipment, choose a location where pipe installations or accessibility are relatively easy, like along wall studs.” Lastly, select a place with strong, level ground capable of supporting a full-filled tub (which may reach over 100 pounds per square foot when filled).
After you decide on just the right spot, you mark out its footprint with tape for visual placement purposes. It will help to ensure that your bathtub fits perfectly in the assigned area.
2. Gather the necessary tools and materials
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Now it’s time to gather all the supplies you will need for installation. Having the right tools and materials handy will make the process smooth and trouble-free.
Here is a list of the basic tub installation tools and supplies:
- Tub unpacking and lifting equipment (moving straps, strap wrench, pry bar, etc.)
- Level
- Tape measure
- Pencil/marker
- Adjustable wrench
- Pliers
- Screwdrivers
- Silicone sealant
- Teflon plumbing tape
- Connectors for water supply lines
- Drain pipe and overflow kit
- Shims
- Personal protective gear like gloves, knee pads, safety glasses, etc.
Additionally, purchase the faucets, supply valves, and any other bathtub fixtures. Having all materials ready beforehand minimises hassles during installation.
3. Prepare the floor
Now that you have supplies sorted out, let us prepare the area for installation. Good floor preparation gives a strong and levelled base that firmly holds a bathtub in place.
Start by removing any existing flooring or obstructions in the tub zone. The surface should be stripped down to the subfloor. For concrete subfloors, use a concrete sealer to waterproof and strengthen the surface.
Then use the spirit level to verify that the floor is absolutely even. If there are uneven parts in the subfloor, this may cause the tub to sit unsteadily or develop some cracks. Use low-spot filler with floor levelling compound as needed so as to obtain a completely flat and smooth surface.
Lastly, build up a platform using cement backerboard that will make an absolutely level surface for your tub mounting purposes. Screw down each piece of backerboard and tape its joints together. Lastly, apply thinset mortar over the backerboard using a proofing trowel with notches until it forms a flat base for the bathtub above it.
4. Install plumbing fixtures
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Once you have prepared the area where installation will take place, start with a drain and water supplies. Rough in the plumbing first to provide a sturdy base for anchoring the tub later on.
Begin by locating and cutting a subfloor drain hole at the main drain outlet of the tub. Place it exactly midway between the front and back legs of the tub footprint. Now, put in place a drainage pipe complete with a corresponding gasket and overflow kit.
Thereafter, follow the manufacturer's directions when installing hot and cold water supply lines. Immaculately fix faucets, handles, and spout decks at their intended places. Additionally, this is an ideal moment to install the tub filler and pop-up drain devices.
Ensure all plumbing fixtures are secure, and inspect for leaks. Turn on the water supply to verify proper hot and cold connections and water pressure. Finally, turn off these lines as long as your plumbing is properly configured.
5. Position the bathtub
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Now comes the fun part—placing it there! Carefully move it towards where you want to install it in that bathroom space. Any free-standing bathtub should never be carried or lifted if filled with water, because this may lead to severe damage.
Read through the lifting guidelines provided by the manufacturer of this bathtub. To handle big models, let 2-3 strong people lift them while others guide and steer them over to the drainpipe opening. Firmly hold moving straps against one’s body for firmer gripping. Gently lower it down until it sits on the floor.
Make sure that your hole fits into your floor’s drain pipe directly straight up from below, perfectly aligned. Likewise, ensure that every foot has full, flat contact with the floor beneath them. Adjust using shims according to your outline of cast iron tubs so that they level out correctly if necessary before proceeding any further; do not proceed unless you ensure that there is no movement at all in its frame; also make sure it stays in the centre of your area according to its width.
6. Connect the drain
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Now that you’ve got your tub in place, it’s time to hook up the drain assembly.
Smear plumber’s putty on the bottom side of the drain hole so as to provide a watertight seal. Inserting through the tub and drain hole, then, from below, passing a drain tailpiece. A rubber gasket should be placed over the tailpiece, followed by a friction ring and drain strainer from above.
The friction ring is locked around the drain tailpiece to secure the strainer in place. Use a wrench or pliers to tighten it firmly. Align properly while connecting the overflow pipe above. Caulk around all gaps between floor and drain hardware using tub and tile caulk.
Turn on water supply lines for a few seconds to check whether there are any leaks or proper drainage before shutting them off again while final connections are being made.
7. Secure the bathtub
Your freestanding bathtub should now sit straight, solid, and stable on your floor. Nevertheless, taking some extra measures can further secure it against shifting or wobbling.
Put shims under any feet that are not level with the remainder of the tub’s base. Check with a spirit level and tap down firmly with a hammer. Clear tub and tile adhesive can be used to glue feet on all sides of the floor for increased stability.
On two walls where they meet with the tub, metal angle brackets or wooden braces may also be installed. Using screws and adhesive, fasten them down onto both floors and tubs, respectively.
Finally, run caulk along where the bottom meets the floor for sealing purposes in regards to water entry through there, if applicable; smooth it out using wet fingers; and allow the caulk dry completely.
8. Connect the water supply
Now complete the plumbing by connecting hot and cold water supply lines, as well as other aspects of it.
First, slide compression nuts and washers down onto these lines themselves, beyond their inlets. Apply a layer of plumber's tape to the threads to prevent any leakage. Then screw in the supply lines firmly into the corresponding hot and cold water inlets on the tub filler, hand-tightening them.
The compression nuts should be tightened further until they are snug with wrenches. Turn on the main water supply after confirming that there aren’t any leaks at valves or connections. Give it one more twist if need be; open both valves fully so as to facilitate maximum flow of water.
Also remember to fix hand showers, risers, and other fixtures. By now, you should have done this stage. Before proceeding, make sure all plumbing components work properly.
9. Seal around the bathtub
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Although areas of high importance are already caulked, sealing around the tub surround must be done completely now because it prevents leaking and water damage.
Put a good bead of tub and tile caulk on the bottom rim of your bathtub, where it meets the floor. Seal off the junction between the wall and tub on all sides, including around fixtures that escape into the overflow. Also, ensure a smooth application with no gaps.
Furthermore, seal the inside corners and where the tub deck joins the wall using silicone caulk. Allow enough time to cure before using your bathtub.
For extra leak protection, waterproofing membranes may also be applied in locations like floor-to-wall joints. In bathrooms with exterior walls or floors behind tubs, install vapour barriers.
10. Finishing Touches
Congratulations! The hard part is over; adding those finishing touches will make your bath ready for its first soak!
Start attaching drain trim pieces to hide exposed hardware now. Ensure the placement of snaps for placing an overflow plate here too to hide any raw edges.
To get rid of dirt in your bath tub before first use, clean it very well using a mild non-abrasive cleaner and a damp microfiber cloth; never use harsh chemicals.
Finally, add some lighting ambiance. Install sconces or pendant lights to create a calming atmosphere. For that ultimate spa experience at home, place some tealights, candles, or bath oils around the edge of your bathtub!
With just ten simple steps, you can easily put up a freestanding bathtub as described above and ultimately change your bathroom into a tranquil sanctuary in minutes. So why not indulge yourself by installing that beautiful separate soaking tub that gives you that luxurious touch you’ve always wanted?
Conclusion
To put it in other words, a freestanding bathtub installation may look like a very intricate process but can be done successfully in 10 simple steps. You can easily install a beautiful and functional tub if you plan properly.
If you are careful with each step of your bath installation process, from locating to roughing-in plumbing and lifting the tub while connecting the pipes securely, nothing will go wrong. Finally, by sealing and waterproofing your tub, you will ensure that it is not only attractive but also prevents any leaks or messes.
This detailed guide is meant for people who wish to try their hands at fitting a dream freestanding tub. There’s no need to rush; just focus on one thing at a time instead of trying to do too much. Very soon, you will get a chance to unwind and take pleasure in bathing yourself in the luxuriousness of Jaquar’s trendsetting free-standing bathing collection!
FAQ About Installing a Freestanding Bathtub
Freestanding bathtubs make a gorgeous addition to any bathroom. But before installing one, it's natural to have some questions about the process. Here we answer some of the most commonly asked questions about installing freestanding tubs:
What type of flooring is best for a freestanding bathtub?
The flooring must be completely rigid and reinforced to support the weight of a full tub, which can exceed 1000 lbs. Tile, concrete, or wood subfloors overlaid with cement board or a mortar bed provide the best support. Carpet or vinyl are poor choices as they compress under heavy weight.
Can I install a freestanding tub on my own?
With proper planning and preparation, you can absolutely install a freestanding tub DIY. Just be sure to get help lifting the tub into place, as some models can exceed 500 lbs. And always follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely. Getting professional help is recommended if you have no prior plumbing experience.
How do I maintain a freestanding bathtub?
Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth with a mild, non-abrasive cleaner to gently wash the tub after use. Avoid harsh chemicals. Every few weeks, apply an automotive or boat wax to the exterior to retain the glossy shine. Keep the caulk and sealants intact to prevent moisture damage.
What are the common mistakes to avoid during installation?
Placing the tub on an uneven floor, misaligning with the plumbing, poor drainage slope, not having enough access space, and inadequate sealing are some mistakes to avoid. Also, never lift or move a full tub, skip electrical and insulation needs, or use harsh chemicals on the tub surface.
Freestanding tubs require careful planning and skill to install properly. But with the right information and preparation, you can add one to your bathroom and enjoy an indulgent, spa-like soaking experience.