Replacing a bathtub requires attention to detail.
Consider all aspects of replacing a bathtub before installing a new tub, such as what side the drain is on in the tub you are replacing. A new bathtub will add resale value to a home. Bathtubs that are cracked and leaking will need replacing. According to MobileHomeRepair.com, most manufactured home bathtubs are plastic. Plastic bathtubs are permanently unfixable, unlike fiberglass bathtubs. If maintained well, a new bathtub will provide good service for many years. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Shut off the water to the bathtub. The water shutoff valve is either under the bathtub itself, or under the manufactured home. Locate the access panel to the drains and plumbing. If there is no access panel, remove a piece of drywall or paneling (depending on what is in the home) on the opposite wall of the bathtub faucet.
2. Remove the caps on the face of the faucet handles covering the screws. Remove the faucet handles. Turn the faucet by hand (counterclockwise) until removed. Remove the shower head and shower head pipe. Loosen with pliers if necessary.
3. Work from the underside of the bathtub and remove the bathtub drain. using pliers. Remove all water lines from the faucet. To remove the water lines, turn the nuts on the hot and cold water lines counterclockwise.
4. Remove the bathtub surround. Installations of bathtub surrounds vary. If the bathtub surround is held in place with plastic rivets, use a small screwdriver to pry away the rivets from the bathtub surround and wall. Another way that bathtub surrounds are installed is by an adhesive. To remove this, start in one corner and loosen the entire edge of the bathtub surround. Pull evenly to loosen away the bathtub surround from the wall.
5. Plug the drain with an old rag to prevent any debris from falling down into the drain. Use a drill to remove the screws attaching the bathtub to the wall. The bathtub will be removable with the completion of this step. Check all the support boards supporting the old bathtub. Make sure the support boards are free from rot, and secured to the studs in the wall.
6. Place the new bathtub in the old bathtub's slot. Reattach the drain insert to the bottom of the new bathtub. Line up the drain insert with the floor drain. Screw the bathtub drain securely to the floor drain. Drill holes around the bathtub flange; this will prevent the new bathtub from cracking or breaking when reattaching to the wall.
7. Cut the bathtub to size with a jigsaw, if needed. Fasten the bathtub surround in place, using spray adhesive or plastic rivets. This will depend on the bathtub surround. Measure your water lines. Mark the bathtub surround where the water lines will line up. Drill the marks for the water lines from inside the bathtub, using a 1-inch spade bit. The spade bit will leave a 1-inch hole. The 1-inch hole is for fastening the faucet to the bathtub surround.
8. Reattach the hot and cold water lines to the faucet, and secure to the backside of the faucet. Reattach the shower head and shower head pipe. Caulk all seams around the bathtub and surround. Turn the water back on, and check thoroughly for any leaks.
Tags: bathtub surround, water lines, shower head, bathtub will, wall bathtub, 1-inch hole, access panel
