Omar Khalid
Installing a plastic tub surround is a great way to give your bathroom a facelift. It's a simple DIY project that can save you money and improve your bathroom. Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools and materials, including a plastic tub surround kit, adhesive, and protective gear. The first step is to remove any existing tiles or drywall and prepare the wall by cleaning it and applying a primer. Then, unpack your new tub and set it into place, ensuring it's level. Next, install the back wall panel by applying adhesive and drilling pilot holes to secure it to the wall. After that, you can install the side wall panel and finish the plumbing. Finally, install the front wall panel with the plumbing fixtures and seal all the joints with caulk. Let everything dry for 24 hours before using your new tub.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Removing the old tub and surround
Prepare the Work Area:
Before starting, make sure you have all the necessary tools and safety equipment, including gloves, safety glasses, and a face mask. Turn off the water supply to the bathroom and, if possible, access the valves in the basement or a removable wall panel near the bathtub. This will ensure that you don't accidentally flood your workspace or cause damage to other parts of your home.
Remove the Tub Spout and Drain Assembly:
The tub spout is usually held in place by a setscrew, but if you don't find one, you can simply twist it off by turning it counterclockwise. With the spout removed, the tub is technically free from the drain assembly. However, if the tub has been in place for a long time, it may be stuck due to dried plumber's putty. To completely disconnect the tub from the plumbing, access the underside of the tub and detach the rest of the drain assembly.
Cut and Remove Drywall:
The next step is to cut and remove the drywall or wall material surrounding the tub. Mark a section about 6 inches above the tub on all three sides and along the front. Use a straight edge to guide your cuts and ensure a clean line. If you have tile or a cement backerboard, you'll need to cut along the grout lines or score the surface repeatedly with a utility knife. Once you've cut through the wall material, remove the section between the line and the tub, down to the studs.
Detach the Surround:
With the drywall removed, you can now access the tub surround. If you have a fiberglass tub surround, it is attached to the drywall, so removing the drywall will also remove the surround. In some cases, you may need to pry the surround away from the wall using a crowbar. Be careful not to damage the surrounding area, and keep in mind that you may need to remove nails or screws holding the drywall and surround in place.
Remove the Tub:
Depending on the type of tub you have, the removal process will vary. Plastic tubs may require cutting the apron with a jigsaw and slicing through the caulk along the floor before lifting the tub out. Steel tubs may need to be slid out or tipped up and out, while cast iron tubs are too heavy to lift and may need to be broken up with a sledgehammer.
Remember that this is a complex process, and there may be variations depending on your specific setup. Always prioritize safety and reach out for professional help if you feel uncomfortable or unsure about any step.
Plastic-Free Living: McCallum's Guide to Giving Up Plastic
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Preparing the new tub
Preparing a new tub for installation requires several steps, from unpacking and positioning the tub to ensuring the proper bonding of the surround. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare for a successful installation:
Unpack and Position the Tub:
Begin by carefully unpacking the new tub and setting it into place. Check the tub rim for level, both front to back and side to side, to ensure it is sitting evenly. The stability of the tub is crucial, so ensure that the tub legs have a solid, level bearing on the floor. Use spacers made of hardwood, metal, or plastic to shim spaces less than 1/2 inch. Avoid using softwood for tubs with small legs, as it may crush under the weight. For thicker shims, opt for boards or plywood strips.
Plan the Joint:
At this stage, pay attention to how the apron (outer edge) of your new tub meets the existing floor. This is the time to plan the joint while you still have the option to make adjustments.
Prepare the Walls:
If you are installing a surround over existing tiles, ensure the old tile area is smaller than the kit. You may need to build up the surrounding wall to the tile level using drywall. However, removing the tiles is often a safer option. Wear protective gear, including a face mask and clothing, when breaking or prying off tiles. Once the tiles are removed, repair any rough or damaged wallboard with joint compound and paint.
Mark and Drill Holes:
Before installing the final panel with plumbing fixtures, mark and drill holes for the tub or shower valve, and possibly the tub spout. Take precise measurements from the back wall to the centre of the valve and from the tub or shower base to the centre of the valve. Transfer these measurements to the tub surround panel. Remember, incorrect drilling of holes cannot be undone, so measure twice! Drill the holes using a drill and hole saw, selecting the appropriate size for the trim screws and shower valve.
Apply Adhesive:
Use an adhesive designed for glue-up tub surrounds. Work swiftly, applying the adhesive in a zigzag pattern across the entire section. Spread it evenly using a notched trowel, ensuring it stays within the marked lines and is no thicker than 1/8 inch. Do not apply adhesive to more than one section at a time.
Install Back and Side Panels:
Start by installing the back wall panel first. Position it on the tub and level it with assistance. Drill pilot holes through the surround's flanges and use nails or screws to secure it to the wall. Some models may require a bead of silicone caulk to seal the bottom edge, so refer to the manufacturer's recommendations. Next, install the side wall without plumbing fixtures. Position the panel and lock it in place where it adjoins the back panel.
The Easy Guide to Installing Plastic Backsplash Panels
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Installing the back wall panel
Before installing the back wall panel, you must prepare the area. If you are installing a new tub surround over an existing tile, you must ensure the old tile area is smaller than the kit and build up the surrounding wall to the level of the tile, usually with 1/4-inch drywall. Removing the tiles is often a better option, as you may need to break each tile and pry off the pieces. Remember to wear a face mask and protective clothing when removing old tiles.
Once the area is prepared, you can begin installing the back wall panel. First, dry fit the panel to ensure it fits properly. The back panel should be centred on the back wall. Use strips of masking tape to hold the panel in place temporarily. Mark the position for the left and right sides with a pencil, which will guide you when installing the panel.
Next, apply adhesive to the perimeter of the back wall panel and behind any fixtures, such as soap dishes. Pull the backing paper from the perimeter tape and set the panel in place, carefully aligning it with the reference marks you made earlier. Press the panel firmly into the corner so that it sticks on one side. When satisfied with the positioning, press down on the remaining side until the tape takes hold. Finish by running your hand over the entire panel to ensure the adhesive makes full contact with the wall.
Finally, drill pilot holes through the panel's flanges where it meets the centre of the studs, and use nails or screws to secure the panel to the wall. Short roofing nails with large heads are suitable for this. Some models may also require a bead of silicone caulk to seal the bottom edge, so be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for caulking requirements.
Plastic Pollution: Economic Impact and Environmental Crisis
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$499.99
$547.43 $659.99
Installing the side wall panel
Step 1: Prepare the Wall
Before installing the side wall panel, ensure that the wall is clean, dry, and free of any debris or flakes. If there is an existing wall surface, you may need to strip it down to the studs where the surround will sit. Use a pry bar or a reciprocating saw, depending on the type of wall surface. Cut out an area slightly larger than the surround to make it easier to anchor the flanges to the studs.
Step 2: Dry Fit the Panels
Dry fit all the panels, including the side wall panel, to ensure they fit together properly. The side panels should line up with the front edge of the bathtub. Use masking tape to hold each panel in place temporarily. This step helps you visualize the installation and make any necessary adjustments.
Step 3: Mark Reference Lines
Draw vertical reference lines on the sides, in line with the tub, to serve as a guide. These lines will help you align the panels correctly. You can also mark the position for the left and right sides of the panels with a pencil to guide you during the installation.
Step 4: Apply Adhesive
Apply an adhesive designed for glue-up tub surrounds to the back of the side wall panel. You can use a heavy bead of adhesive around the perimeter and behind any fixtures, such as soap dishes. Additionally, apply adhesive in a large looping pattern across the middle of the panel.
Step 5: Install the Side Wall Panel
Remove the backing paper from the perimeter tape on the panel. Carefully align the panel with the reference lines and the front edge of the tub. Start by sticking one side of the panel to the wall, then gradually press the rest of the panel into place, working from the bottom up. Ensure the panel is firmly attached to the wall, and use your hand to run over the entire panel to ensure full contact.
Step 6: Finish with Caulking
Once the side wall panel is installed, finish the project by caulking around the seams and edges of the panels. Use a suitable caulk, such as latex adhesive caulk or kitchen-and-bath silicone caulk, to fill the gaps between the walls and panels. This step ensures a watertight seal and completes the installation of the side wall panel.
Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take your time with each step to ensure a successful and durable installation of your plastic tub surround.
Detecting Plastic Rice: Simple Ways to Spot the Fake
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Finishing the plumbing
Once you've installed the tub surround, you can finish the plumbing. First, spread a bead of silicone around the edge of each hole in the surround. Then, install the faucet plate and tub spout, being careful not to bow the surround inward when tightening. Next, cut the new drain line and overflow to length and hook them up to the P-trap and tub. Now, run water into the tub to test for leaks.
If you find old steel pipe in the wall, you don't need to replumb the entire house. You can transition from a galvanized water supply pipe to copper or plastic (CPVC). For copper pipes, use a dielectric coupling to prevent corrosion. If you have steel drainpipes, use a "mission coupling" to transition to plastic drains. These fittings are available at hardware stores and home centres in various sizes.
If you're using a plastic tub surround kit, you might want to apply adhesive from a caulking gun and then spread it evenly with a notched trowel. Some people recommend using a moisture barrier between the concrete backer board and the plastic surround walls. This can be done by filling the gaps with thin-set mortar and mesh tape. However, others argue that drywall should be enough behind a plastic tub surround.
Finally, use the manufacturer-supplied tube of latex adhesive caulk to fill the gaps between the walls and panels, including the tops of the panels. For the fixture seams, use a small tube of white kitchen-and-bath silicone caulk. Apply it to the joint between the tub and the surround and the vertical seams. Smooth it with your finger within 45 seconds of application.
Attaching Snap-on Plastic Grommets: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The first step is to unpack the new tub and set it into place. Before you begin the bathtub installation, check the tub rim for level, both front to back and side to side.
Use an adhesive that is specially designed for glue-up tub surrounds. It should be repositionable for several minutes after installation and should be applied with a caulk gun in a zigzag pattern.
Spread a bead of silicone around the edge of each hole in the surround and install the faucet plate and tub spout. Cut the new drain line and overflow to length and hook them up to the P-trap and tub.
