How to install a bathtub on concrete floor? Detailed Guide

While furnishing your bathroom, you may consider replacing the old bathtub with a new, stylish bathtub. However, if you are considering doing it yourself, you should know how to install a bathtub on concrete floor. This involves proper measurements, physical work, and certain tools for setting up this bathtub. 

So, in this blog, we will discuss each and every step that involves installing a bathtub and how one can do it on his own with the help of construction tools. 

Step by Step process of installing a bathtub:

Let’s jump into the details of this process of How to install a bathtub on concrete floor where you need to follow the given steps to install a bathtub on a concrete floor. 

Take out your old Bathtub:

First of all, you should carefully remove your old bathtub from the bathroom. For this purpose, you need tools like Hammer, a saw, and a club to dismantle the bathtub. You have to cut the water supply and other pipes with the help of a saw leading to this bathtub. 

Moreover, if this old bathtub was placed and fixed in the bathroom with proper fixing points, then you need to open those points and take out the bathtub. But if the bathtub’s lower surface is cemented with the floor, you need a hammer and club to take out this old bathtub.

Clean and Prepare the concrete surface:

The next step regarding How to install a bathtub on concrete floor is cleaning and renovating the surface of the floor from where you have taken out the old bathtub. In case you are planning to install a new bathtub of the same measurement and the same feature, you have to keep your water supply and pipes in the previous position. 

So, you have to carefully renovate the surface of the bathroom so that the pipes and drainage system of the bathroom are not damaged. But if you are planning to install a newly designed and different measurement bathtub, you have to remove all the drainage and water pipes from the concrete surface. 

For doing this, you may need help from a professional laborer who can help you in cracking the concrete floor and taking out the drainage pipes and water supply. 

Take measurements according to the new bathtub:

 Now, you should measure the size of the new bathtub and plan the exact installing location of this new bathtub. Furthermore, you should choose the bathtub according to the floor and area of your bathroom. In case you are setting up a new bathtub of the same type, then it is easy for you because you already have a well-settled floor and drainage system. 

But fixing a new bathtub needs proper measurements and installation procedures. So, adjust the new bathtub with the wall and floor of the bathroom in a suitable position. 

Install the Rails Properly:

The next step about How to install a bathtub on concrete floor is laying the feet rails properly after measuring the floor and adjusting the position of the bathtub. Now, fix the rails on the feet and bottom side of the bathtub. This process is equally good for different material bathtubs like acrylic or steel. 

According to the measurements, cover all sides of the bathtub with rails. Now, fix these rails with the help of screws. For this purpose, you need screwing machines and steel screws so that these rails are firmly attached to the floor. 

Lay down a proper drainage system:

Now, you should design and make a drainage system for the smooth removal of water from the bathtub. This process is only for those who are planning to fix a new-size bathtub. So, use a grinder machine to cut the concrete floor according to the layout of the drainage system. 

However, there is a huge risk involved in structuring a drainage system because of the use of extra physical energy and proper experience in drilling the floor. Therefore, a professional plumber or labor can do this for you. Once you have paved the way for the drainage system, you should place the pipes to carry the water outside. 

Adjust the new bathtub on the rails:

After installing the drainage system, you should now move your attention to fixing the new bathtub on the rails that you previously laid down. Keep in mind that the position and setting of the bathtub are according to the rails. In addition, while adjusting the bathtub, make sure that you adjust the drainage point perfectly according to the pipe that you laid down. 

Now, you should fix the rails and tub with the screws. So, you need a nail gun or screw machine for tightening the screws of the tub with the rails. In this way, the bathtub will not scramble on its position and have a fixed base. 

Anchor the bathtub with the Wall:

In this step of How to install a bathtub on concrete floor, you need to add stability to the bathtub by anchoring it with the side wall. So, one should fix the rails on the side walls and fix the bathtub with the wall firmly. This will add more stability and strength to the bathtub.

Using Silicone sealant to cover up the holes:

Finally, use a silicone sealant powder and add some water to it. Make a thick paste and start filling up the open spaces between the floor and the bottom surface of the bathtub. You should also use this sealant on the side walls. This will help prevent the water from leaking through these holes and becoming a potential threat to the stability of the bathtub. 

FAQs

Q. How do you put a bathroom in a basement without breaking concrete?

The drainage system of bathrooms in the basement works on the uplift system. So, there is a pump that can lift the waste from the basement bathroom and take it upwards to the drainage system. So, there is no need for breaking the concrete and putting pipes for draining the water and waste from the bathroom. 

In addition, the pipes for uplift are narrow and do not cover much space in your washroom. So, it is easy to set up a washroom anywhere in the basement. 

Q. How much mortar do you put under a bathtub?

You need to put a considerable amount of mortar under the bathtub on the surface of the floor. This is for letting the bathtub and floor stick to each other firmly. So, you need to apply a layer of 2 inches of mortar on the floor. Make sure the mortar is neither hard nor liquid. Therefore, it helps the concrete floor and bathtub to bind each other strongly.

Q. What is the hole in the foundation under the bathtub?

Slabs leave out and traps are laid under the foundation of the bathtub. There are certain holes in these traps that are left for the purpose that in case you are looking to modify the path of the drainage system. 

Q. How much does it cost to put a bathroom in the basement without rough-in?

The construction process of a bathroom in the basement can cost you around $10,000. Because you need to install a drainage system that uses pumps for pulling out the waste from the basement bathroom to the normal drainage system of your house.

Bottom Line:

So, the process of How to install a bathtub on concrete floor is a little complex and requires experience in plumbing and hard labor. This blog has provided the information in a step-by-step method that is practically applicable. However, you need to be careful while using the tools if you are installing them on your own. 

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