Planning For Your Bath Tub Installation

This is not going to be a "how to" guide but rather a, hopefully, helpful bit of advice to make sure that you are aware of what is involved in the process of installing a bath tub and to prepare you for the task at hand. As Cape Coral plumbers who have done this about a hundred times or more, we have encountered every problem imaginable in doing a bath tub installation. No matter how prepared you may think you are, something is going to go differently than was expected. The success of your installation will depend on your ability to handle these exceptions.

The good news for the ambitious do-it-yourselfers is that the installation of a bath tub is certainly doable for someone proficient with tools. The bad news is that an installation effort is not a task to be taken lightly. Tub installation requires several skill sets depending on the changes you plan to implement during your home improvement project. If you will be moving water supply lines you will need a plumber. If you are replacing tiles, you will need tiling skills. And you will almost certainly need some carpentry skills. If you are comfortable with these tasks, you can join the many homeowners who have successfully completed tub installation projects and do it yourself. If any of these skills are out of your comfort zone, then you really should use experienced contractors for those tasks.

There is a common saying in the plumbing industry, "measure twice and cut once." Your bathroom remodel project is not an area where you do not want to be learning as you go, unless you are talented in the area of construction. The last thing you want is a remodel that you worked really hard on that doesn't quite look right.

Precision and knowing what you are doing is going to be very important in successfully executing your project. So, the first thing you need to do is make a plan and make it in detail. Detail every task to be performed, every tool required to do the task, and make sure that you have the skills for accomplishing that task before anything, and I do mean anything, is ever done.

The project itself is rather straightforward. Begin by removing the old tub, if you will be reusing the faucet and taps, remove them and save for later. Next you will be preparing the new tub that you purchased by fitting the frame. Then place the tub and level it, probably using boards at the bottom to distribute the weight. Attach the faucet and taps. Then it is important to test for leaks. You do not want to wait until you tile and seal the tub to discover any leaks. It is also a good idea to use the tub at least one time to ensure that there are no leaks and to allow the tub to settle. Once everything tests out ok and you are confident that the tub has settled, tile and seal the tub.

The process doesn't sound too difficult does it? That is where some homeowners get into trouble. None of the steps are that difficult if you know how to do the tasks, the secret is to make sure you are very precise and have the technical skills required to handle each step.

How many times have you gone to a restaurant and had a fantastic meal and you tried to make the dish only to end up disappointed. You use all the same ingredients but you just can't get the same taste. This is similar in that knowing the detailed steps and being able to do them are two entirely different things. Each of the steps mentioned are actually many smaller sub-tasks that will require the right skills and tools to perform properly. There are many resources on the internet that will show you exactly how to do everything mentioned here. Take your time and make sure you have all the details covered and your project will be a success and you will probably get a great sense of satisfaction having done it all yourself.