Installing Acrylic Bathtubs

Preparation

Measure the location where the acrylic bathtub will go. If you are replacing an old bathtub and not changing the footprint, you can use the old bathtub as basis for the measurement. If this is a new installation or if you are renovating your bathroom, you would need to bring down the walls and install the framing and plumbing first before taking the measurement. Make sure that the wall has proper insulation and meets the building code requirements. You may need to secure a building permit if you are not following the original footprint of your bathroom.

The bathroom floor should be strong enough to carry the weight of the bathtub filled with water plus the weight of an average person. Order the acrylic bathtub to specification. Make sure also to take into consideration if you will order a bathtub with whirlpool and therapeutic system that you have enough room for the blower and the plumbing system.

Demolition

Gather the necessary tools to perform demolition. Sharp blade, putty knife, chisel, hammer, prybar, sledgehammer and vacuum are the common tools to use. Wear eye goggles and work gloves for protection.

The plumbing and drainage should already be in place if you are just replacing an old bathtub with a new one. Turn off the water source and start the demolition work. Remove the old caulk using a putty knife. For hard-to-remove caulking material, use a hammer and chisel to break it apart. Use a pry bar to help loosen the bathtub. Ask another person to assist in removing the old bathtub. Remove any broken pieces of the old mortar. Use vacuum to remove the small debris.

Installation

The tools and materials to use are new acrylic bathtub, wood edges, mortar, polyethylene sheet (2mm thick) drill, screwdriver, Allen wrench, caulk, putty knife, new faucet, plumber's tape and caulk.

Ask another person to help carry the new bathtub. Install the new bathtub perfectly level. Add wood edges fixed to the floor under the wooden base using mortar cement. Do the leveling under the wood panel located under the unit. Avoid leveling directly behind or under the flange in front of the unit. Apply a layer of mortar or plaster at the base of the bathtub legs to help with the leveling and soundproofing the bottom part of the bathtub. Once the mortar dries, cover it with polyethylene sheet.

Drill holes for plumbing by placing the faucet in position and marking the location. Drill 3/16-inch pilot holes; make sure that they correspond with the plumbing. Install the faucet and test. Fill the tub with water and inspect for leaks. Tighten any loose connections. Install the bathtub apron and apply caulk at the seams.

Resources

• Acrylic Tubs