Installing a bathtub with no access underneath is not always easy, especially if you are a novice in this area. The task can prove to be quite complicated for you. However, if you are looking for how to install a Bathtub without access underneath, you need to have some basic plumbing and construction experience, you can confidently try to attempt to install a bathtub without access underneath.
Normally, to install a bathtub, you must have access to the bathtub underneath the side. Don’t worry if that is not the case. Still, you can install a bathtub even if you don’t have any access underneath.
If you are wondering ‘how?’, you are at the right place. I am no expert, but I did quite a bit of research to find the answer to this problem. In this article, I am going to share how you can install a bathtub without having access underneath. So, read along and follow the steps carefully for a successful bathtub installation.
Gathering The Necessary Supplies
Before starting the actual process, first, you need to get the necessary tools needed for the job. If you have a plumbing tool kit, you probably already have all these tools. If not, well, you can easily order them online or buy them from your nearest Home Depot.
Here is a list of tools you will need to get:
- Bathtub
- Tape measure
- Level
- Drill
- Shims
- Drywall Screws
- Caulk
Step-By-Step Guidelines- How to Install a Bathtub Without Access Underneath
Once you have gathered all the necessary supplies, it is time to start the real work. Again, if you have no previous experience, this may seem a bit confusing. However, if you follow the steps mentioned in the article properly, you should be able to install your bathtub without access underneath in no time.
So, let’s not waste any more time and get started, shall we?
Step 1: Cutting A Hole In The Drywall
When you need to install a bathtub and have no access underneath, the first step is to create a hole in the drywall. It may sound complicated. But it is actually quite an easy thing to do. Though there are several things you should take care of:
- Ensure you got the right tools. Search your supplies and take out a saw, some drywall screws, and of course, a drill.
- Make precise measurements for the hole. Make sure that the hole is not too large or too small in size.
- Be careful of your surroundings. You don’t want to damage the rest of the drywall while making your cut.
Step 2: Installing The Brackets
Using the brackets becomes very important when you are trying to install a bathtub and have no access underneath. The brackets are necessary to secure the bathtub in place. You can get brackets at almost any hardware store. Just follow the manufacturers’ instructions and you will be able to install them without facing any trouble.
Step 3: Setting The Bathtub In Place
Setting A bathtub sounds simple enough. But when installing a tub with no access underneath, you will have to follow a few additional steps. They are necessary to ensure that everything is set in the right place properly.
Start by setting the bathtub in the right location. Outline the spots in which the tub’s feet will sit on the floor. After marking, you can take away the tub. Now you need to drill the marked spots on the floor to make holes.
Once you are done making holes, it is time to set the bathtub in its right place. To do this properly, you need to insert the shims inside the holes. Then just gently set the bathtub into its proper place. You can use the level tool to ensure that the bathtub is set evenly.
Step 4: Securing The Bathtub
Once you are done with setting the tub evenly in its proper place, you should secure the bathtub in its place using screws. In the previous step, you made some holes in the floor using the drill.
In this step, the screws should go into those previously drilled holes. Insert the screws properly. Make use of the nuts and washers to secure them in their appropriate places.
Step 5: Testing For Leaks
Once you are done with all these settings and securing, you might be thinking that your job here is done. Well, not yet. Before starting on the finishing touches, it is wise to make sure that the tub is set properly and isn’t leaking from anywhere.
To check for leaks, you should wait for a few hours. Then fill in the tub with water and check carefully for any leaks. If there is a leak, you will probably be able to hear a faint dripping sound. If that’s the case, find out where the leak is and repair it. If there is no leak, you are all ready for the next step.
Step 6: Patching The Hole In The Drywall
If everything is in order, it is now time to patch up the holes you created in your drywall to install your bathtub. The bathtub’s front edge should be caulked where it touches the ground. After the hole is all patched up, repaint it properly. And your work here is done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any drawbacks to installing a bathtub without access underneath?
One common drawback is that you won’t be able to use the more traditional bathtub installation methods. Besides, not all types of bathtubs are suitable when you don’t have access underneath. You might need a special kind of bathtub, such as a drop-in bathtub.
What do you put under a tub when installing?
In case the bathtub you are installing is a heavy one, you need to put mortar underneath it. Mortar helps the bathtub to be set properly. It also helps the bathtub to support a big amount of weight. However, remember that you will find it easier to adjust the level of the tub when the mortar is fresh.
Pop-Up Drain Vs Push-Down Drain- Everything You Need To Know
Final Words
By following the steps given in the article, you should be able to successfully install a bathtub without access underneath. But don’t worry if there are some parts you think are too hard or a part you just can’t complete. Remember, you can always call a plumber to get the job done.
However, I understand how satisfactory it is to get the job done by ourselves. That’s why I have described the process as simply as possible. I hope the article will see you through a successful installation.