Install a New Bathtub
If you are thinking about remodeling your bathroom, it is important to know how to install a new bathtub. Your bathtub is often the centerpiece of your bathroom. You may decide to replace an aging tub or just to improve your bathroom by installing a spa tub. Installing a new bathtub is a fairly difficult task but with the right tools it can be done by a talented do it yourselfer.
The first step is to remove your old tub. Start by disconnecting all plumbing from the tub. Then you can pull the tub out by breaking the caulking seal. Now the problems begin. Your bathroom might be too small to maneuver the tub out the door. If that is the case, you will have to break through the wall to get it out.
To remove the plumbing, look for an access panel on the back of the wall. If none exists, you will have to cut into the wall or the floor to gain access to the plumbing. Make very sure the water is turned off before you proceed. If your plumbing and drywall skills are not up to par, then you will have to call in professionals.
Now you can disconnect the tub drain. Then you must remove one row of tiling all around the tub and you can remove it. You will have to use a crowbar to get the tub away from the wall. If you cannot get it out the door and must go through a wall, make sure the wall you cut through is not load bearing. Partition walls are easy to replace.
Installing the new tub is just operating in reverse. Slide the tub into place and make all the drain and plumbing connections. Then turn on the water to make sure there are no leaks and fix any that exist. Now you simply restore the row of tiles that you removed and caulk the new tub into place. Installation complete!
