Prepare the deck surround and complete its tiling and that of surrounding walls if you are doing a drop-in bathtub. A standard GFCI electrical outlet should be placed within 24 inches of the blower or pump location. The extra weight of the water in the bath will keep gaps from occurring. Installation Steps: Frame a ledger on all three walls of the alcove (1x4 or 2x4) so the bath will be suspended by a height of ½ inch to 1 inch at its lowest point when sled into the framing. It has a center drain and is a two person bathtub. Most decks can be built at a height of 20-24 inches or higher to allow proper room for setting and installation of the plumbing, waste overflow, and drain. To remove the old tub, we used an electric grinder with a metal-cutting wheel to cut it in half. The rest of the job entails fitting the tub snugly within the surround, supporting it from below, and ensuring the walls will direct water into the basin. The design of the tub features one exposed acrylic wall, with the other three sides supported by the bathroom walls. The final preparation of a bathtub enclosure for tile, paint, or other wall finish is the installation of water-resistant drywall, typically referred to as “green board”. Building codes require that there is an access door no smaller than 16”x16” in order to access the whirlpool pump and other equipment. which made placement tricky and required a bit of planning and practice. ft. In general, 2×4 wall studs spaced on 16-in. We applied a bed of mortar (sand not recommended) to cover all points of contact between the tub and the subfloor. The most important locations are the right and left ends of the tub as well as the middle. Stepping into the bath is a good test of stability. Installing a drop-in bathtub in an alcove will require less tiling work, but may require more upfront work in building a frame that works for the tub. The tub is designed to install in a recess, where three walls are comprised of stud framing, with the fourth acrylic wall exposed. The plumbing phase of the project will require careful measurements and secure connections. The bathtub’s installation manual will include detailed instructions on required measurements for the rough opening and drain connection. Overall, the characteristics and benefits of a standard alcove bathtub mean that it is a good option for most bathrooms. Izzi Bath is one of the leading custom bathtub manufacturers in the country and we invite you to experience the difference! Mix the mortar with water according to the package directions. TOOLS and ITEMS REQUIRED ALCOVE TUB INSTALLATION Warning: Due to rough handling during shipping or on the job site, do not install this product until a thorough inspection and water test has been completed. The stringers are intended to level and support the tub deck, but the rim must NOT support the weight of the tub. This photo shows the tub fitted with the universal PVC drain kit. Install the drain components to the bath following the manufacturer’s instructions. Due to the superior construction of the Izzi baths, you don’t have to be concerned with flexing any of the bottom surfaces of the bath. See more ideas about drop in tub, installation, tub. Corner - A corner tub stands out in both shape and size. Measure the distance from the tub’s bottom to where it will meet the floor to determine the required depth of the mortar bed. All Izzi whirlpool and air baths require a dedicated 115 volt, 20 amp GFCI circuit to supply power to the bath. Other components in the kit are a 4-1/2-in. Most plumbers recommend setting the tub in 2-4 inches of mortar. Aim for a consistency similar to the thick, wet sand you might use to build a sandcastle. The finished project provided a more spacious bathing environment, thanks to the flared design of the new tub. Of course a drop-in bathtub can be fitted with the same functions, but it will require additional work in creating a surround flush to a wall. The ledger board supports the tub deck flange and assures a level installation and stable surface for tiling. It is acceptable to use pressure treated plywood sheathing to build your bath deck, but this should still be covered in a waterproof green board and not left as the subsurface for the tile. The term alcove doesn't refer to the shape or size of the bathtub, but the installation. In a shower/bath combination, you can also bring the tile down in front of the flange. The tub gets installed into an alcove section of … At this point, the drain can be connected and the bath equipment tested. With the tub site fully prepped, recruit an assistant to help dry-fit the tub into place. The access can also be through a cabinet. Another note about framing the surround: Plan in advance if you want to include any recessed nooks, shelves or other accessories, and frame them accordingly. There are several tried-and-true installation methods that should help with most situations: Drop-in Method-- If you've got an outdoor air tub, give this method a try. The old vent stack was larger than the 3-1/2-in. After positioning the tub in the mortar bed and ensuring it sits level fasten the flange to the studs with nails or screws with flat washers. They are typically triangular, and large enough to comfortably accommodate two bathers. Gently press the tub into your bed of mortar until the bottom lip of the tub just touches the wall support boards. It should go without saying that the floor should be solidly constructed to support the weight of the tub, water and the person using it. You should refer to the specification sheet for your particular model for more information on the size and height of your tub deck. Key Specifics: … For an alcove tub, installation often takes longer and costs more than the tub itself due to the process. The TUBMOUNT™ floating ledger system allows easy leveling adjustments of the 2×4 ledger while the tub is already placed in the alcove. This will help you troubleshoot any problems in advance of using wet mortar. TUBMOUNT™ is simply the fastest, most accurate and strongest tub install method available. Whether the setting is a tub surround or a standalone shower, the walls must be waterproof before the tiles are installed. Otherwise, add additional support. Unpack the tub and set it upright on a pair of 2x4s to raise it off the … will suffice. This system is not only waterproof but vapor-tight, so it won’t leak or promote mold growth. Dry-fit the tub to troubleshoot any issues prior to mixing the mortar. pipe seal, and a 1/2-in. They also require cutting into the existing roof, increasing home-owner and contractor liability with the risk of possible future roof leaks. The panels are installed with screws and washers that are included in the kit. Soaking tubs do not require this access door. Although the crack was minimal, we worried it would spread and result in a leak, so we decided to return the first tub and get a new one from the supplier. The problem I am having is the transition at the wall in the front, back and wall side of the tub. Secure the tub to the studs with nails or drywall screws and flat washers above the flange of the bath. Our Honest Star Rating. This is a particularly vulnerable area for moisture penetration, so obtaining a proper waterproof seal where the tiles meet these elements is critical. Check Your Subfloor. It is easiest to locate the access through an adjacent wall such as a toilet room, garage, or closet. 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