Install an alcove bathtub with apron

A new tub and shower will be popular with everyone, but planning your bathroom renovation is also a great way to invest in your home. To ensure the success of your project? Know your plumbing basics! Especially drains, water lines and fans. This project involves installing a steel, acrylic or vinyl bathtub and shower in a support frame. Installation will be a lot easier when the pipes are exposed.

Difficulty level: Intermediate

Duration: 1 day

Material

Bathtub 1½" no. 8 stainless steel screws Roofing nails Bathtub overflow and drain pipes Plumbers putty Shims Tub and shower faucets Wood strapping Drywall and taping supplies Kitchen and bath sealant Glue for ABS pipes

Tools

Pencil Drill Hammer 24" Spirit level 14" Pipe wrench Pliers Drain wrench Screwdriver Hacksaw Utility knife Caulking gun

Preliminary plumbling

For this project, we are assuming that the water supply lines and floor drain are already installed. Block the floor drain opening with a rag to keep debris out.
Always protect the bathtub to prevent any damage during handling.
Choose a bathtub and waste pipe that is positioned for easy connection to the existing plumbing.
Measure carefully: the waste pipes from the tub must fit into the floor drain.

Prepare the alcove for installation

1.1 - Turn off the water supply to the entire house.
1.2 - Ensure the walls, corners and floor are square and level.
1.3 - Measure the depth and width of the alcove.
1.4 - Measure the tub to be sure it will fit.
1.5 - Put two runners on the floor to help slide in the bathtub.
1.6 - Position the tub in the alcove. Set the level on top of the tub and check.
1.7 - Use shims to level.
1.8 - Use a pencil to mark the top of the nailing flange on all the studs around the tub. Ensure the tub is level and adjust if necessary.
1.9 - Remove the tub.
1.10 - Nail 1" x 4" wood strapping on the three walls just under the pencil marks.

Install the bathtub drain flange and overflow

Install the drain flange and overflow

2.1 - Put the bathtub on its side.
2.2 - Apply plumber's putty under the collar of the drain flange.
2.3 - Place the drain flange over the bathtub drain hole.
2.4 - Position the flat washer between the underside of the tub and the drain elbow (shoe).
2.5 - Screw the drain flange to the tub shoe. Do not over tighten or you may damage the tub.
2.6 - Remove excess putty.
2.7 - Place the seal gasket on the overflow elbow and place behind the bathtub.
2.8 - Install the overflow plate in the bathtub and use long screws to screw into the overflow assembly.
2.9 - Connect the overflow and drain flange assembly with a T-fitting and pipes.

Position the bathtub between the walls and connect the drain

Position the bathtub and connect the drain

3.1 - Reposition the bathtub on its base and slide it in to the alcove. Be careful not to disrupt the overflow assembly.
3.2 - Align the waste pipes and overflow pipes with the pipes on the floor and assemble.
3.3 - Ensure the bathtub is level and that the nailing flange is aligned with the pencil marks.
3.4 - Drive roofing nails into the strapping just above the flange, so that the nail heads overlay the flange.
3.5 - Nail into the studs on either side of the bathtub.

Finish the walls and test the installation

4.1 - Install mold-resistant drywall around the tub.
4.2 - Install ceramic tile with a quality wall adhesive and seal with grout
4.3 - Install the faucets.
4.4 - Turn the water back on and flush the toilet a few times to clean out any accumulated dirt that may have settled in the pipes during installation.
4.5 - Apply silicone sealant around the tub where the ceramic tile meets the tub.