Basement Bathtub Question

Aprofetto · May 10, 2011

Hi all, we have a three piece rough-in in the basement. I want to finish it. I am just confused about how to hook the drain up for the tub?

There is 1 1/2" abs coming up from the slab. How does one go about connecting/installing the tub and the drain? Ideally it seems like you would need access from below?

Anyone have any pictures of an install or any advice? Thanks!

Terry · May 10, 2011

Normally the plumber would have boxed out the concrete for the drain.

You may need to tap that out.

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Aprofetto · May 11, 2011

Thanks Terry. I gave the plumbing a quick look. Here in Ontario its all 1-1/2" ABS piping with orange caps for the rough-in.

If I tap out a box around the drain say around 12"x12" centered around the drain, how would I then go and install the tub? When I run through the steps in my head, the first step seems like actually setting the tub in place and getting it secure, but then how do I access the plumbing directly below when I need to connect the drain?

Cacher_Chick · May 11, 2011

You don't.
The plumbing needs to be measured out and fitted before you place the tub. If it's your first, plan on setting and removing the tub a few times to get it right.

Aprofetto · May 11, 2011

cacher_chick said:
You don't.
The plumbing needs to be measured out and fitted before you place the tub. If it's your first, plan on setting and removing the tub a few times to get it right.

Okay. So the drain and all is setup, then I guess I do a dry trial and see if the tub can sit in place with the drain lined up and fitting together. Then get some ABS cement and throw the tub in place as quickly as possible? Seems like this might be tough.

Ideally I would've liked to install the tub and then do the plumbing, but I guess beggars can't be choosers.

Jadnashua · May 11, 2011

Unless you have an access panel, it needs to be set in place in one step. That's why plumbers get a bit of money...it takes practice to do it in a timely manner. Also, keep in mind that many tubs really need something underneath them to support them, or they'll flex, eventually crack, and feel insubstantial. This is yet another thing that must be done at the same time. The tub needs to be level side-to-side and front to back.

Aprofetto · May 11, 2011

jadnashua said:
Unless you have an access panel, it needs to be set in place in one step. That's why plumbers get a bit of money...it takes practice to do it in a timely manner. Also, keep in mind that many tubs really need something underneath them to support them, or they'll flex, eventually crack, and feel insubstantial. This is yet another thing that must be done at the same time. The tub needs to be level side-to-side and front to back.

If I have access from the one side (drain side), how can I connect the drain after the tub is set in place? Does anyone have any pictures?

Cacher_Chick · May 11, 2011

What do you think you would you need to glue up after the tub is set? The tub shoe and drain is already in place before you set the tub. The strainer or twist & close assembly screws into the tub shoe from inside the tub.

If you have access from the other side of the wall, you can do some things after the tub is set, but if your measurements are going to be that far off, you might as well leave the hole open in the floor so you could move the trap if need be.

Aprofetto · May 11, 2011

cacher_chick said:
What do you think you would you need to glue up after the tub is set? The tub shoe and drain is already in place before you set the tub. The strainer or twist & close assembly screws into the tub shoe from inside the tub.

If you have access from the other side of the wall, you can do some things after the tub is set, but if your measurements are going to be that far off, you might as well leave the hole open in the floor so you could move the trap if need be.

Only thing that concerns me is gluing the drain from the tub to the drain in the floor. Is there enough access to do this from the side of the tub? I ask because I've never really seen this done.

Jadnashua · May 11, 2011

Depends on how big the hole is, and if you can access the trap easily, and what's already glued together.

Cacher_Chick · May 11, 2011

aprofetto said:
Only thing that concerns me is gluing the drain from the tub to the drain in the floor. Is there enough access to do this from the side of the tub? I ask because I've never really seen this done.

Not so much from the side of the tub where the tub skirt is, but if you can access from the end of the tub, where the plumbing is- that could be helpful. Ideally the back side of the plumbing wall could be built with an access panel so that the supply piping could be accessed in the future. This is common when the plumbing wall backs to a closet.

Aprofetto · May 12, 2011

cacher_chick said:
Not so much from the side of the tub where the tub skirt is, but if you can access from the end of the tub, where the plumbing is- that could be helpful. Ideally the back side of the plumbing wall could be built with an access panel so that the supply piping could be accessed in the future. This is common when the plumbing wall backs to a closet.

Perfect. I will have access to that side both during the construction process and after it's all done. The tub/shower will back onto a non-finished area in the basement.

Basement Bathtub Question

Aprofetto

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Terry

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