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Installing a Bathtub Shower Unit
How to Steps for Installing a Bathtub Shower
Unit when Remodeling a Bathroom
By: Mark J. Donovan
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Installing a bathtub shower unit
requires a combination of brawn and skill and should typically be done while the
home is still in the rough framing stages. Though not extremely heavy, a bathtub
shower unit is however large and bulky. Consequently the first two requirements
associated with installing a bathtub shower unit are having a couple of strong
backs and sufficiently wide enough door widths to bring the unit into the
bathroom.
It is also important that there is
adequate framing for supporting the weight of a bathtub shower unit. |
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Prior to actually installing a
bathtub shower unit, make sure the local building inspector has examined the
floor joists to make sure they are sized appropriately for carrying the weight
of a full bathtub.
When installing a bathtub shower
unit, begin by positioning the fiberglass bathtub shower unit into place within
the wall studs. Make sure that the continue flange area of the bathtub shower
unit rests against the wall studs on 2x4 supports.
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To complete the rough-in stage of
installing a bathtub shower unit, fasten the bathtub shower unit flanges to the
wall studs with either nails or screws.
After installing a bathtub shower
unit, the next step involves roughing in the plumbing around it. This includes
the installation of the waste lines, including the trap, as well as the bathtub
shower unit valve, and the hot and cold supply lines.
The first step in rough in the
plumbing, after installing a bathtub shower unit, is to make the drain
connections between the bathtub overflow and the bathtub drain itself.
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The bathtub overflow piping should
connect with the drain itself. The drain trap connection is made via a
compression fitting that screws down tightly over the overflow assembly.
Once the waste lines have been
connected, you can then move on to installing the hot and cold supply lines, as
well as the bathtub shower unit mixing valve. In addition, you will need to
assemble one additional pipe that extends above the mixing valve for the
showerhead. Sweat a female fitting on top of the showerhead pipe so that a
showerhead can be screwed onto it at a later point.
The final plumbing step in installing
a bathtub shower unit is to sweat a small length of ½” copper pipe that extends
below the mixing valve, for the bathtub spout. Sweat a male threaded fitting at
the end of the pipe so that a bathtub spout can be screwed onto it later.
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Once you have completed installing
the bathtub shower unit and rough plumbing, you will need to have it inspected
by your local building inspect. Upon passing its inspection, you can move onto
the final two stages in the process of installing a bathtub shower unit.
After completing the plumbing
inspection, install moisture resistant drywall above and on the adjacent sides
of the bathtub shower unit.
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Photo by Mark Donovan |
One useful tip is to nail a few small
pieces of asphalt shingles along the wall studs above the bathtub shower unit
flanges. This helps to prevent a bowed appearance on the finished drywall. After
taping, mudding and sanding the drywall, apply silicone caulk around the bathtub
shower unit seams to prevent any water penetration.
The final step in installing a
bathtub shower unit is to install the shower head, bathtub spout, and handles.
Make sure to use plumbers tape on the showerhead and spout to prevent any leaks.
For more help on bathroom remodeling, see HomeAdditionPlus.com's
Bathroom Remodeling Bid Sheet.
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Bathroom Remodeling Bid Sheet
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How to Finance your Bathroom Addition Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Related Bathroom Remodeling Design Information
Additional Bathroom Remodeling Design Ideas
from Amazon.com
Bathtub Shower Units from Amazon.com
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