Ready to install new bathtub - confused on a couple items.

Users who are viewing this thread

zubz

New Member
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
NJ
Hi Everyone,

I have a new Kohler tub to install, as well as the drain and overflow kit from Kohler. You can see it has a slotted overflow which is a little unique, so had to get the correct kit directly from Kohler. I have 2 main questions:

1) As you can see from the pics, the bathroom currently has ABS in it. The Kohler kit is PVC. I've done some research, and the general consesus is the 2 don't mix well. I don't think I really have a choice here, so what is the best way for me to connec these items work together.

Connect with a no-hub coupling
TL
2) I have general confusion around the tub installation process, in regards to the pipes. Meaning, it seems it is recommended to install the new drain kit on the tub FIRST, then drop the tub in place. This bathroom is on 2nd floor, and I don't have access to the pipes from below. So I don't see how I would make the connections from the drain to the existing plumbing in the bathroom once the tub is installed. It would seem that I would have to install the drain kit onto the existing plumbing FIRST, then drop the tub in on top of it?

I attached some pics to help. I really appreciate the advice.

Jason

The santee on your tub drain is upside down. Reverse it to the bend on the inlet flows down, not up
TL
 

Attachments

  • Bathroom 025..jpg
    Bathroom 025..jpg
    23.7 KB · Views: 2,275
  • Bathroom 030..jpg
    Bathroom 030..jpg
    45.9 KB · Views: 11,190
  • Bathroom 024..jpg
    Bathroom 024..jpg
    44.4 KB · Views: 2,122
  • Bathroom 032..jpg
    Bathroom 032..jpg
    53.7 KB · Views: 2,307
Last edited by a moderator:

zubz

New Member
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
NJ
Terry..."The santee on your tub drain is upside down. Reverse it to the bend on the inlet flows down, not up"

Can you clarify this? If you are referring to the picture of the PVC pipe, I just included the picture to show the PVC pipe.

Also...still confused around, do I hook up the drain kit to the exisiting bathroom plumbing, THEN lay the tub on top of that? If I install it to the tub first, I dont see how I will make the connections. Thank You!
 

Shacko

Master Plumber-Gas Fitter
Messages
559
Reaction score
1
Points
0
Location
Rosedale, Md
Waste and Overflow

The other post was talking about your new waste and overflow that you show; the tee is on upside down.

I hope you plan to put a access panel behind the tub where the drain is because you will have a hard time hooking it up without access, it can be done by installing the waste and overflow first, but that could run into a nightmare, plus you will have no way to fix any leaks when you're done without ripping something out.

Since you have to tear part of the wall out to install a tub valve thats the spot you have to open up, it's going to be a PITA to hook up even then.
 

zubz

New Member
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
NJ
Shacko, that is the sort of advice I am looking for. Was not aware that an access panel is necessary, but now that you mention it, it's obvious that it was I need. I just want to make sure I am on the right page. Please correct me if I'm wrong. I should connect the drain and overflow to tub. Then drop tub in place. Use access panel to make final connection. Then seal up access panel. Am I on target?
 

Shacko

Master Plumber-Gas Fitter
Messages
559
Reaction score
1
Points
0
Location
Rosedale, Md
Most of the time I hook them up after the tub is set, it's to easy to damage your waste and overflow if you put it on ahead of time, either way you have to plan what you are going to do, any modifications of the existing pipe that you need to do should be done before you set the tub, it makes it a lot easier to work on without the tub in the way.

As far as an access panel is concerned, if you can leave one behind the tub that would be the way to do it for future service, luck.
 

Winslow

Plumber
Messages
445
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Hawaii
Is the drain location in the exact same place? If you don't need to change the offset on the trap just cut the tailpiece above the trrap and connect the PVC with a No Hub coupling.
 

hj

Master Plumber
Messages
33,600
Reaction score
1,037
Points
113
Location
Cave Creek, Arizona
Website
www.terrylove.com
How we would install the tub may be different than how you can do it. I would install the waste and overflow to the trap first and then set the tub in place over it and then install the trim pieces, but that may not be something you, as a DIYer, could do properly since it would be your first attempt at doing it.
 

Jadnashua

Retired Defense Industry Engineer xxx
Messages
32,771
Reaction score
1,191
Points
113
Location
New England
Get a bigger wrench. Make sure to hold the fitting with something else, or you may tear other stuff apart. Sometimes, if you can turn it a small amount the opposite way, you can then unscrew it easier. Heat may help break it apart if you heat the fitting. PB Blaster might penetrate after awhile to help (but don't then heat it!).
 

theBigSee

DIY Member
Messages
94
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Southern California
I"m in the same predicament re: waste overflow on my new tub, only I'm on a slab and there is virtually no access once the tub is set (the furnace is located directly behind the overflow; the apron is not removable; there's an access panel on the inside wall but it's impossible to reach anything it is set so far back -- none of it makes sense but I didn't build the house). I'm also attaching PVC to ABS.

I was going to install the overflow/drain to the p-trap first then install the tub, but on dry runs I cannot get the drain basket to screw into the drain as it rests at a slight angle and I can't reach around to steady it in place.

So, I'm going first attach a PVC stub to the ABS with a no-hub coupler, then elevate the tub on a 4-wheel mover's dolly, install the waste/drain assembly onto the tub, and then with some friend's help I'll reach around and cover the sanitary tee and stub with primer and cement and lower it down. I've measured and remeasured several times and it should work, but it will be a tense 2-minutes. It's not ideal but it's the only solution that can possibly work -- I know because the previous owner did the same thing with a brass overflow, only he had no way of tightening the connection so it fell out after a few years and that's when I ended up with an inch of water running down my hallway which prompted my removal of the tub. Maybe you'll have to do the same thing. Give an update of how you sorted it out.
 

theBigSee

DIY Member
Messages
94
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Southern California
Give an update of how you sorted it out.

OK, for posterity's sake, here's how it worked out: Thanks to God, I got all the measurements right and when we lowered the tub into place, the sanitary tee slid right onto the stub coming up out of the floor! So it can be done -- if anyone in the future is in the same situation, it's important to measure, measure, then measure again. Then, you do several dry-runs (I even put the tub up on a table and against a wall to simulate the layout of the alcove). If I didn't have more experience, I would have hired a plumber and let them deal with the headache, but I have more experience than money so it worked out. But it was like a moon-shot for me, it stretched my ability to the limit.

Tested it last night -- it held water for 30 minutes with no leaks, and when I drained it there were no leaks either! Praise the Lord!
 
Top
Hey, wait a minute.

This is awkward, but...

It looks like you're using an ad blocker. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads.

If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. We might be able to do something about it. Thanks.
I've Disabled AdBlock    No Thanks