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Triple master contractor Ed Del Grande
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By Ed Del Grande
Q: Hi, Ed. You seem to know all the tricks. and I need help! I'm remodeling my mom's bathroom and have a problem. She has a slab foundation and now that I removed the old tub, I'm not sure how to install the new tub on a concrete slab because I can't get under the tub to work. In my house I opened up the ceiling below the tub and was able to make all the plumbing connections under the tub. I did not think my Moms job through before I started and now I'm stuck! Can you offer me any advice? Dom (Arizona)
A: Dom, you're a good son to help your mom fix up her bathroom. You did hit upon a point that I stress all the time: "Think the entire job through before you start." I actually do my jobs in my head first and try to guess all the problems I may encounter so I can prepare for them.
When installing a tub or shower, it's always an easier job if you have access under the tub. This way you can set and anchor the tub in place, then install the water and drain lines to the fixture. An open basement with access under the tub is the easiest way to install and plumb a tub. At your house you said you opened up a finished ceiling, but it's not always practical to demo a ceiling in another room when the bathroom floor itself can be opened up to gain access to the tub's plumbing. This way, you keep all the work contained to one room.
Renovating a second floor bathroom in the room itself is almost the same process as working on a bathroom with a concrete slab floor. The trick is to first test-fit the tub and mark where the drain connections line up and where the water lines need to be installed for the mixing valve. Then remove the tub and pre-pipe the lines in the floor to all the tub specifications. Test everything out, because once the tub is put back in place, you usually will lose access to the water and drain lines. When the tub is reinstalled and anchored, the overflow and drain connections on the tub drain assembly should line up with the holes in the tub. You can usually install the final connections from inside the tub itself.
This job sounds easier than it actually is, and you should consult with a local contractor because replacing a tub will usually require a permit. Trust me It will be worth the time and money to get a little help with this project and have it inspected before you close everything in. The last thing you want is to complete the entire job only to find out you have to rip everything out again because of problems under the tub with the water and drain lines.
You now have a lot more to think about. I hope you were able to soak in all that tub information!
Ed Del Grande was born and raised in a family-owned plumbing business. With more than 25 years of experience in every aspect of construction, he holds current Master licenses in pipefitting, fire protection and plumbing. If you have a question for Ed, send him an e-mail at eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com.
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