Gone were the days when bathtubs were a symbol of higher status. Now a lot of households have bathtubs, but there’s still a way to make yours stand out. Install a whirlpool tub and make your bathing experience extra special. Here are some tips on how to properly install a whirlpool tub in your own home.
What you need
Materials:
- whirlpool tub
- drain kit
- drywall
- faucet
- faucet handles
- insulation
- joist lumber
- painter’s tape
- plumber’s putty
- screws
- silicone caulk
Tools:
- adjustable wrench
- circular saw
- diamond-tipped blade
- drill
- ear protection
- hole saw
- keyhole saw
- paring knife
- pipe cutter
- pry bar
- safety glasses
- screw gun
- shop vacuum
- utility knife
Steps:
- Shut off bathtub water supply. Cut off the main valve and drain out the pipes that supply water to the tub. Open faucets to make sure there’s no water left in the bathtub plumbing. Check for leaks.
- Uninstall the bathtub. Cut away its silicone seal or covering and carefully take out the tub. Remove the faucets and handles in or around it. Put it safely away from toilets, your 72 inch bathroom vanity (or whatever size you have for that matter) and other fixtures to avoid damage or accidents. Do not try to carry the tub on your own. Whatever the make, bathtubs are heavy so make sure to ask other people to help out.
- Check for damage and make necessary repairs. Check if the subfloor, joists and other important parts are still in perfect shape. Repair what needs to be repaired and replace what cannot be fixed before proceeding with the whirlpool tub installation.
- See if the new whirlpool tub template fits. Put it at the center, right on top of the existing hole, and see if it perfectly fits. If not, ask professional help to adjust the granite around the tub.
- Strap the template in place. Place the template on the hole and tape it in. Remember to use painter’s tape to cover the area to be cut. This will help prevent it from getting scratched or grazed.
- Carefully cut the paper template along the indicated line and trace the line onto the tape.
- Remove the template and cut the surround. Use a circular saw with diamond-shaped blade tips. It follows the curve of the tub to make it easier to work with curved edges. Remove granite dust using shop vacuum. Break through the silicon seal if necessary to clear away excess granite. Take extra care in using the circular saw. If you’re not used to it, ask for professional help.
- Dry fit your bathtub, faucets, handles and other accessories and fixtures. Set them in the exact places where you want them positioned. Once you’re satisfied, mark these positions for installation. Drill and adjust holes if necessary. For granite surrounds, it is best to let the contractors do the dry fitting and necessary adjustments. You can also make an access panel for electrical work.
- Reinforce tub support. See if the tub support can hold up the new tub’s weight. Fortify tub foundations. Strengthen floor joists, insulate walls, or use drywall as necessary.
- Fix plumbing. Assemble the plumbing for the drain as per manufacturer’s instructions. Put plumber’s putty on the retaining ring and use a drain pipe to fasten it in place. Make sure the overflow pipe is in its proper size, install the gasket and put the overflow assembly in place.
- Install and arrange the circuits for the whirlpool motor. It is best to get an electrician to do this step.
- Set the bath tub in place. Put silicone seal around the tub surround hole’s edges and carefully install the tub based on your dry-fitting.
- Fine tune installation and fix connections. Make sure to that connections for whirlpool, water supply and drain are properly arranged.
- Test if the whirlpool tub works. Once everything has been set, switch the water supply back on, fill the tub with water and turn on the whirlpool motor. Check for leaks, see if the drain works properly and make final adjustments.
My name is Julia Ritzenthaler, Founder and President of Unique Vanities, started in 2005. I started this business as an extension of our residential remodeling business, which focused on the design and build of custom cabinetry and architectural trim. I also worked as a financial advisor for 10 years at Ameriprise Financial, helping clients make sound money decisions, including budgeting for home improvement expenses. This expertise led me to start Unique Vanities, which offers a handpicked selection of high quality bathroom vanities, sinks, mirrors and more. You can find me most days sitting in Starbucks, my second office, or in my car driving my daughter across Dallas to gymnastics training.