A bathtub can not only transform the look and style of your bathroom but also become the focal point of the functionality. The most common type of bath used in the UK is a straight bath that can be either single-ended with a mixer and tap fitting on one end of the Bette baths or as a double-ended bath with one side fittings. You can install a bathtub yourself to cut down installation cost, but if you are inexperienced and do not know much about plumbing and bathroom fixtures, the best decision is to leave bath installation to a professional plumber.
Before you start installation, unpack the bath and check in detail if there is any manufacturing fault. In case of any damager fault contact to the supplier for bath replacement.
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Materials you need
- Screwdriver
- Spirit level
- Tape measure
- Silicon sealant
- Hammer
- Caulking gun
- Electric drill with hole cutter
- Hack saw
- Masking tape
Before you start
Mark the position of bathtub and mixer on the wall using a pencil. If you are familiar with the pipework, you can do it yourself. Otherwise, it is wise to contact a plumber for pipes as it is not as an easy task as it may sound. After deciding the better baths position in your bathroom, use an electronic detector to check if there are any hidden pipes and wire fittings in the wall. Try to position the fittings of the bath on the wall that have a stud for stronger support.
Lay your bathtub upside down on a rug or soft material that can protect it from scratches and remove the protective cardboard and plastic film from the tub. Turn off the water from the main connection.
Step 1: Attach legs and fittings
Attach the brackets under both sides of the tub and then attach the legs in the holes and screw them in place. Use the tape measure to check if the tab legs are at the required height. Use a spirit level to check if bath legs are roughly at an equal level.
Step 2: Drill tap holes
If your bathtub does not have pre-drilled tap holes, your next step is to drill tap holes in the desired position. Mark the right position of the tap hole with a pencil after careful measurements and use an electric drill and hole cutter to drill a hole in the marked location. Make sure to drill the hole few mm larger for smooth fitting with washers and bolts.
Step 3: Fix Tap Overflow and Waste
Attach the wall fixing brackets to Bette baths and fix tap and mixers. Use washers to fit the waste in place. You can also apply a thin bead of silicone to make it waterproof for a longer time. Now fix the overflow in position.
Step 4: Fix the bathtub into place
Place your bath at the selected location in your bathroom and check if it is level using a spirit level. In case the bath is not level from any side you can adjust it by adjusting the bath leg height. To level the bathing load, you will need wooden battens as they can provide more surface area to bear the load. Use the pencil to mark the position of the battens on the floor. Also, mark the bath leg position on the batten. Remove the bath from that position and use a screwdriver to fix battens on the marked position. Now you can put the bath back to its position. Make sure baths legs are located in a marked position on wooden battens and screw them in place tightly. Secure the bath to the wall using a wall bracket fitted in earlier steps.
Step 5: Seal the bath
Clean the dirt and grime from the bath areas you are going to apply sealant. Fill the tub with water, so the weight can open the joints where you can easily apply the sealant for the firmer bond. Apply the masking tape on the wall and tub to the joint so that the sealant does not run into wall tiles or to the bath surface. Now carefully apply the thick bead of sealant between wall and bath gap.
How to install a steel bath in your bathroom?
Bath installation process can differ greatly depending upon its shape and material. The most common material used for bath construction is acrylic and steel where steel baths are stronger and durable as compared to the acrylic one. Bette steel baths are one of the finest baths you can choose from in terms of design, finish, and durability if you are considering getting a bette steel bath. Installing a bath is not as easy as it may seem, as you would be handling a heavy large tub in a confined place. If you are not confident about doing it, it is a better idea to hire a professional plumber to do his job. For an easy step-by-step installation of a Bette bath, you can follow our steel bath installation guide.
Recommended tools and materials
- Tape measure
- Hacksaw
- Hammer
- Drywall screw
- Drain assembly
- Screwdriver
- Pipe wrench
- Silicone sealant
- Spirit level
- Teflon tape
Attach bath legs
Bette baths are delivered with both legs. After unboxing bath place, it upside down leaving the packaging in place to protect it against scratches. Position the bath legs on the bath and hang the bath feet from the lugs. Now take the screwdriver and tighten them until they reach the defined breaking point. Fix the second leg the same way to the other side of the tub. Use a tape measure to pre-set the height of the feet and then secured them so they stay in position. Use the spirit level to ensure the legs are at a horizontal level.
Fit tap
If your bath has pre-cut tap holes, just fix the taps into the rim holes and tight using. Otherwise, drill tap holes after taking careful measurements. Fix the bath at a desired position. After fixing tap and other fittings, turn up the bath and place it at the desired position. Using its adjustable bolts, you can easily adjust the bath level. Use the spirit level to check the bath level.
