How to Install a Sterling Bathtub
Sterling Faucet Company was founded in 1907 as an independent manufacturer of faucets and brassware. The company was purchased by the Kohler Company in 1984, which allowed Kohler to build a mid-priced plumbing brand and to make sales through retail stores. There are several different styles of Sterling bathtubs to fit homeowners needs and budgets. Sterling offers one-piece drop-in bathtubs, as well as multi-piece units. Multi-piece units may be preferred if you have a small bathroom, as the smaller sections make it easier to fit through doorways. Install the bathtub rough plumbing and wall framing before assembling the bathtub. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Bathtub drain
- Tape measure
- Bonded house wrap
- Pencil
- Utility knife
- 1/2-inch roof nails
- Hammer
- 2-foot level
- Wooden shims
- Pliers
- 1/16-inch drill bit
- Power drill
- Screwdriver
- Drill driver
- Non-tapered flat head screws
- Hole saw drill bit
- Rag
- Silicone sealant
- Drywall screws
- Kitchen and bath caulk
Instructions
-
-
1
Install the bathtub drain onto the bathtub according to the bathtub drain manufacturer's installation directions.
-
2
Measure the bathtub area with a tape measure. Transfer the measurement to a section of bonded house wrap. Mark the house wrap with a pencil and cut with a utility knife.
-
-
3
Place the house wrap onto the bathtub sub-floor area; cut the sub-floor drain hole area with the utility knife.
-
4
Fasten the wrap to the sub-floor with 1/2-inch roof nails spaced 4 to 6 inches apart. The house wrap prevents the bathtub from squeaking on the sub-floor.
-
5
Lift the bathtub into the bathtub framing pocket. Place the bathtub gently to prevent damaging the bathtub finish.
-
6
Lay a 2-foot level along the bathtub top center and side mounting flanges. Level the bathtub as needed with wooden shims under the bathtub.
-
7
Snap the attachment clips onto the bathtub center and side mounting flanges. Align the attachment clips with the bathtub wall framing studs. Bend the attachment clip tabs over by hand to secure the clips to the bathtub with pliers.
-
8
Drive drywall screws through the holes in the attachment clips into the wall framing, using a screwdriver or drill driver.
-
9
Drill two 1/16-inch holes into the left and right apron flanges with a 1/16-inch drill bit and power drill. Drive non-tapered flat head screws through the holes in the apron flanges into the wall framing, using a screwdriver.
-
10
Drill the bathtub faucet holes in the bathtub plumbing wall according to the bathtub faucet manufacturer's installation directions. This requires a power drill and hole saw drill bit.
-
11
Clean dirt and debris from the bathtub mounting flange and the bathtub wall mounting flanges. Wipe the mounting flanges clean with a rag.
-
12
Apply a bead of silicone sealant to the bathtub mounting flange, centering the silicone bead on the mounting flange.
-
13
Lift the bathtub center wall into the framing pocket, align the center wall tabs into the bathtub mounting flange slots. Slide the center wall downward, locking the tabs into the slots. Drive a drywall screw through the center wall top mounting flange into a wall stud with a drill driver to hold the center wall in place temporarily.
-
14
Lift the left side bathtub wall into the framing pocket and align the pins on the side wall with the slots in the center wall. Slide the left side wall pins into the center wall slots, and press downward on the side wall to lock the pins into the center wall slots and bathtub mounting flange slots. Repeat this step with the right side bathtub wall.
-
15
Wipe excess silicone from the bathtub with a rag. Allow the silicone to dry according to the silicone manufacturer's drying times.
-
16
Lay a 2-foot level along the center top and side wall mounting flanges to check the walls for plumb. Slide shims behind the walls where needed to level the bathtub walls.
-
17
Drive drywall screws into the center and side wall mounting flanges with a drill driver.
-
18
Install the bathtub faucet faceplate, handle, trim and shower head onto the bathtub. Caulk the bathtub faucet face plate with kitchen and bath caulk.
-
19
Turn the bathtub faucet and shower on, allow the water to flow over the bathtub walls and into the bathtub drain while checking the backside and the underside of the bathtub, and the bathtub drain for leaks.
-
1
