Are you considering a bathroom renovation and planning to install a new bath?
Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a newcomer to home improvement projects, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps of fitting a bath.
Proper planning and methodical execution can save you both time and money, ensuring a successful bath installation. Let’s dive into the process, step by step.
How to Remove the Old Bath
Before installing your new bath, it’s obviously quite essential to remove the old one.
Here’s how to do it –
- Remove Any Panelling: Begin by removing any panelling to gain access to the taps and waste.
- Turn Off Water Supply: Locate and turn off the water supply at the shut-off valves. Run the taps until no more water flows.
- Disconnect the Taps: Carefully disconnect the taps at their connections.
- Disconnect the Waste: Disconnect the waste pipe.
- Unscrew Wall Fixings: If there are any wall fixings or fixtures holding the bath feet in position, unscrew them.
- Move the Bath: Gently ease the bath away from the wall surface.
Important Notes
- When identifying fixing points in the wall and floor surfaces, use a cable, pipe, and stud detector.
- Ensure that the taps of your new bath are compatible with the number of holes in the bath. If necessary, drill additional holes.
- Replacing an old bath with a new one is relatively straightforward as long as the water supply and pipes require minimal alterations.
- For baths with panels, flooring adjustments are usually unnecessary. However, for freestanding baths, install the flooring before fitting the bath to achieve a polished look.
- Keep the protective plastic film on your new bath during installation and remove it once the installation is complete. When using silicone sealant, make sure to peel back the film’s edges for proper sealing.
- If you plan to install a shower over the bath, consider it after removing the old bath. Opt for a bath with a flat rim to ensure a watertight seal when using a shower.
- If any bathroom alterations are involved, consult a qualified electrician to assess bonding and earthing requirements for safety.
Fitting a Bath: Step-by-Step Guide
Tools Required:
- Spirit level
- Cable, pipe, and stud detector
- Screwdrivers
- Pencil
- Drill/driver and bits
- Water pump pliers
- Cartridge gun
- Wall plugs
- Screws
- Silicone sealant
- Mirror screws (if needed for bath panel fitting)
- Hand saw
- Adjustable spanner
Step 1: Connecting the Pipework
If your new bath will be positioned differently from the old one or has tap holes in a different location, you’ll need to install new pipework.
Here’s what to do –
- Turn Off Water: Before starting any work on the pipework, ensure the water supply is turned off.
- Measure and Mark: Measure where the new bath will fit and mark the positions for pipes and the waste pipe.
- Install New Supply Pipes: If required, install new supply pipes, ensuring they finish no more than 300mm away from where the bath taps will be fitted. This allows ample room for connecting the taps to the water supply using flexi-hoses.
Step 2: Fitting the Feet to the Bath
Now, it’s time to attach the feet to the underside of the bath.
Follow these steps:
- Position the Bath Upside Down: Keep the bath’s protective covering on to prevent damage and lay a protective sheet on the floor.
- Refer to Fitting Instructions: Consult the fitting instructions provided with the bath to ensure the feet are correctly positioned. Incorrect placement can stress the bath, potentially leading to cracks.
Step 3: Levelling the Bath
Position the bath against the wall and use a spirit level to ensure it is level.
Make any necessary adjustments to the legs to level the bath off.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to attach wall fixing brackets.
Step 4: Fitting the Bath Taps
Before moving the bath into its final position, it’s essential to fit the taps and waste.
Here’s how to do it –
- Prepare Bath Taps: Position the sealing washer over the tap’s tail before inserting it through the tap hole. The washer should go between the bath’s rim and the base of the tap. If you have separate bath pillar taps, ensure the hot tap is on the left and the cold tap is on the right.
- Secure the Taps: Fit the nut over the tail’s thread and tighten it. Next, connect the flexi-hoses to the tap tails, and check for any leaks.
Step 5: Fitting the Waste Pipe and Overflow
Baths are designed to accommodate a combined waste and overflow unit.
There are two types: a banjo unit and a compression unit.
Here’s how to install them –
- Banjo Waste Installation: For a banjo waste, fasten the overflow pipe to its inlet and attach the rubber washer to the overflow grille. Place the overflow boss into the overflow hole in the bath and screw it to the grille. Position the rubber washer on the tail and apply silicone sealant to prevent leaks before fitting the waste outlet.
- Compression Waste Installation: If you have a compression waste, it’s directly connected to the trap, making installation straightforward. Apply plumber’s tape around the thread at the bottom of the waste fitting to prevent leaks. Tighten the trap onto the tail of the waste fitting using the plastic nut.
Step 6: Fix the Bath to the Wall
Slot the bath onto the brackets and secure it into position before proceeding to seal it.
Step 7: Seal Around the Bath
The final step is to apply sealant using a sealant gun. Proper sealing prevents water leaks.
Here’s what to do –
- Clean Bath Rim: Before applying sealant, wipe the bath rim and surface clean.
- Fill the Bath: Fill the bath three-quarters full to account for potential movement during usage and reduce the risk of sealant cracking.
- Apply Sealant: Cut the sealant nozzle to the appropriate size, allowing an even flow. Apply the sealant where the bath meets the walls, using a smooth motion. Avoid excessive pressure on the sealant gun.
- Smooth the Sealant: Work on a 45-60cm length at a time and use a wet fingertip to smooth the sealant for an even finish. Keep a damp cloth handy to clean your finger after each section.
- Allow Drying Time: Wait for the sealant to dry for approximately 4-6 hours, then empty the bath.
Congratulations – You have installed your new bath
By following these steps diligently, you can successfully install your new bath, creating a refreshed and functional bathroom space.
Enjoy your new bath and the satisfaction of a job well done!
John trained in journalism before joining the Big Bathroom Shop team. His exceptional journalism skills (and modesty) allow him to meticulously research bathroom topics and bring you the very latest news and views on all things bath and shower related. He’s a dab hand at Scrabble and is currently undertaking a domestic plumbing course to be sure he actually does know what he’s talking about!