Anyone who has been replacing old plumbing fixtures with new ones has probably encountered the problem of bathtubs being unstable during their installation. There are several secrets that we will talk about later that will help you avoid this problem.
The method of installing a bathtub largely depends on the material from which it is made; they are made mainly from the following materials: steel, cast iron and acrylic.
- For stability steel baths It is necessary to install additional supports, since the legs included in the kit are not stable enough and it will wobble during use.
- A bathtub made of cast iron does not need to install additional supports, since due to its weight it is quite stable on its legs during operation.
- very light, but quite stable, but for reliability it is better to further strengthen it.
There are 4 main ways to install a bathtub:
- Using a brick frame.
- By using polyurethane foam.
- Installation in a specially prepared niche.
Bath on bricks
This method It is used in cases where a person does not want to stand on the legs or the legs that come with the kit are unsteady. Strengthening a bathtub with bricks is conventionally divided into two types: longitudinal and transverse.
When constructing a bath longitudinally, something like a trough is formed, into which the bath is placed. The gaps between it and the wall must be carefully sealed with mounting foam; this is partly done for good stability during its operation.
After installing the bathtub, the bricks need to be finished to give a beautiful appearance. facing tiles also, when constructing a brick frame, you need to leave a small hole for access to the siphon; this place can be used so as not to spoil appearance.
For transverse installation it is necessary for greater stability brickwork strengthen with metal corners, which are attached to the wall with dowels.
These methods - longitudinal and transverse, are ideal for bathtubs made of cast iron and steel, providing them with ideal stability.
First, you need to strengthen the iron frame on the bottom of the bathtub - for this purpose, we turn it over and secure the frame using self-tapping screws, then the legs should be screwed to it using bolts.
At the next stage, you need to make a fitting installation of the bathtub in order to decide where it will contact the wall, mark these places and remove it for a while. At the location of the marks, install special strips that will contribute to its good stability during operation.
This method is great for acrylic bathtubs, and the metal frame itself is often included in the kit. If not, then it is very easy to make it yourself.
Laying in a special niche
This option is suitable for small apartments, which also have small bathrooms, where the bathtub fits into the niche that has been prepared for it with great effort. To make it fit better, the grooves need to be made at the level of the border using a hammer drill. But here you need to make sure that it is not in the grooves free space, otherwise the bathtub will start to wobble in the future.
Installation with foam
Installation should begin by installing the bathtub on the legs, which should be included in the kit and put in place, taking into account the fact that there should be a gap of 1-1.5 cm between it and the wall. After it is filled with water (completely) and the gaps between the wall and the bathtub , and also fill the floor with foam. But you need to pour foam in moderation, since it tends to increase when it dries, and this will lead to deformation and instability in the future. This method is suitable for all types of baths.
The little secrets that were told will help you avoid such problems as the instability of the bathtub during its operation.
Purchase new bath means not only placing the accessory in the bathroom, but also connecting and securing it. Today we will tell you how to fix a bathroom with your own hands, following all the rules.
At first glance, installing a new bathtub seems very simple process, but there are nuances, non-compliance with which can lead to certain problems. For example, if you install the bathtub not level, the water will not flow into the sewer and will constantly accumulate at the bottom; if the bathtub is not installed securely, it will wobble, which means that the drain may fail, the gaskets will loosen, and leaks will occur. To prevent this from happening, the bathtub must be installed according to all the rules, and today we will learn how to do this together.
We have already discussed several ways to install a bathtub in our previous articles, but today we will study the algorithm for fixing bathtubs made of steel, cast iron and acrylic separately.
You should not skimp on means and materials for fixing bathtubs, because they are what give the structure rigidity, strength and durability.
How to fix a cast iron bathtub?
A classic, heavy-duty bathtub with many positive characteristics and an original appearance. It is necessary to install this slowly and very carefully, because any mistake can lead to breakdown or, God forbid, to injury.
A cast iron bathtub is installed on legs, a brick base or a metal frame. The most the right decision There will be a bathtub installed on bricks. So you will do under the bathtub really solid foundation, from which the cast-iron bathtub will not go anywhere. Fasten it cast iron bath possible with auxiliary elements.
So, the installation itself takes place on brickwork standard height so that a siphon, etc. can be easily placed under the bathtub necessary equipment, and also, there was little space to install, for example, a shelf or make a niche for accessories. At the same time, it is worth considering that the bathtub should not be too high; its height should be equal to ease of use.
When installing the bathtub, you can also consider attaching it to the walls using metal corners. It won't get you in a large sum and will not take much time, but will specifically increase the strength of the installation. The place for installing the corners is marked after fitting the bathtub on bricks; they are fixed to the wall around the perimeter, or on both sides of the bathtub, with dowels or anchor bolts. Next, the bathtub is simply installed again on the bricks and receives support in the form of metal corners.
The enviable strength of installation and fastening of the bathtub has already been ensured, but you can always add rigidity by using one interesting technique - installing a shield on the facade of the bathtub or a convenient screen. This way, you can tie together the bathtub, frame and stiffening corners, as well as properly secure the bathtub and decorate the niche under the bathtub.
How to fix a steel bathtub?
As a standard, a steel bathtub is mounted on adhesive legs, bench legs, or ordinary legs with bolts that are screwed to the bottom. Just imagine a bathtub half filled with water and add your weight to it. Isn’t it scary to install such a bathtub on legs that are attached with glue? We would be afraid, since it is better not only to install the bath well, but also to secure the bath, than at some point to end up with it and all the liquid on the floor.
Naturally, manufacturers will promise high quality and stability, but it’s not for nothing that people began to install bathtubs on bricks and metal frames. Agree, this does have some meaning.
So, how to install and properly secure a steel bathtub? Bricks are not necessary here, since the bathtub itself is light in weight, unlike cast iron, which means that it will be enough metal frame, boiled from the corner. Having correctly taken the dimensions and made the frame, you try on the bathtub and make additional frame under a bathtub made of metal profiles. It is very fast and inexpensive, and also provides excellent stability.
The metal profile frame is mounted to the wall, strictly under the bathtub, strictly according to the markings in order to maintain the correct height and all levels. Next, you can apply the technique we described earlier, connect this frame with the frame under the screen, and in one fell swoop secure the bathtub for its stability and install decorative panel on the facade of the bathroom, effectively closing the niche. Also, if there are legs left in the kit, and they take up space in the pantry without use, you can screw them in, but only after installing the bathtub on the frame, selecting the height of the legs according to the finished structure.
How to fix an acrylic bathtub?
Everyone says that an acrylic bathtub is very lightweight and that installing it is a piece of cake. But this is only if the acrylic bathtub is standard, but if it is oval and one and a half in size, or corner, and even with nozzles for simple hydromassage, then everything is a little more complicated. It seems to us that the size and optional equipment increase the weight a little, which means securing the acrylic bathtub should be more thoughtful.
Of course, the kit always includes legs or even a frame for installation, depending on the bathtub model, manufacturer and cost of the accessory. But we would advise installing an acrylic bathtub on bricks or even a podium, so as not to transfer the weight only to certain points, which causes deflections and cracks, but to distribute it evenly over the plane. Well, in principle, there will be no problems with this, but there will be problems with the correct level setting. Here you should calculate everything very accurately, since if you install the bathtub unevenly, you will immediately see a not particularly pleasant gap between the bathtub and the floor, or you will feel discomfort from the fact that the water lingers in the bathtub. In general, everything is as usual here, with clear dimensions and adherence to levels.
The work will be more difficult and will take more time. It is the fragility of the accessory that will ensure the labor intensity, but if you do everything without haste and wisely, then everything will work out for you. Install the bathtub on bricks, make a frame from an ordinary metal profile, as is the case with a steel bathtub, and fasten the bathtub properly.
The finished structure, especially if it is single, will have enviable rigidity and strength, which means that your bathtub will remain in place until you decide to replace it.
How to secure a whirlpool bath?
SPA baths, jacuzzi, regular hydromassage baths are installed in approximately the same way as standard ones, but there is one very serious nuance here - if you do something wrong, the product may void the warranty, and if it costs a decent amount, then this is extremely undesirable. Incorrect installation, no correct connection, non-compliance with technology - and that’s all, you are alone with problems that may not happen with a new accessory, but they can happen at any moment.
We suggest entrusting the installation and fastening of SPA bathtubs to specialists, preferably the sellers of expensive bathroom accessories themselves, this will be much more correct.
In addition to installing and securing the bathtub, do not forget about other rules - mandatory compliance with levels and dimensions, correct connection of water supply and sewerage, and so on.
As you can see, there are no difficulties in this process, but only if you are confident in own strength, you have certain skills and you have everything you need in your pantry to carry out such a process. If not, then here you will have to choose, learn how to fix a bathtub with your own hands, through nerves and mistakes, or pay the experts and get results.
In this article we will look at how to fix a cast iron and acrylic bathtub to the walls and floor.
When carrying out bathroom renovation work and replacing plumbing fixtures, apartment owners are faced with the rather difficult question of installing and securing the bathtub. Of course, the product package most often includes a mounting kit, but its quality and reliability are far from ideal.
The choice of fasteners must be approached with full responsibility - they must correspond to the material used in the manufacture of the bathtub. The most popular are steel, acrylic and cast iron bathtubs, for each of which appropriate fastening systems are used, as well as various ways fastenings
The concept of a standard bathtub installation height simply does not exist. The installation height of models from different manufacturers can vary between 0.5-0.6 m. This indicator is determined by the height of the legs, but in some cases this is not a dogma. Standard fasteners often do not ensure reliable installation of the bathtub, which forces one to abandon the use of legs altogether, replacing them with a brick or other podium.
Securing the bath depending on the material
The material of the bathroom is the main criterion that influences the choice of fastening method and the type of fasteners used. Bathrooms of these types are usually mounted as follows:
- Cast iron baths they themselves are considered quite stable due to their impressive mass, so they can be installed anywhere in the room. Typically, installation is carried out on standard legs, securely fixed to the body. In this case, the supports can be fixed either using steel wedges or using bolted fastenings. Additionally, you can fix a cast-iron bathtub thanks to the construction of a brick base, as well as metal corners screwed to the wall.
- Steel baths must have several points of support, so they must be installed against the wall. Standard legs do not provide structural reliability, so a brick podium, polyurethane foam, metallic profile or inset into a wall.
- When attaching acrylic bathtub It is important to ensure uniform distribution of the load, otherwise, if overloaded, the bath may simply crack. It is best to install the bath on a podium or bricks; fastening using brick or metal frames will also be effective.
Fastening with polyurethane foam
Polyurethane foam is the simplest and most affordable way fastening the bathtub to the floor and walls simultaneously. After adjusting the height and level using legs or a brick frame, the bathtub connected to the drain should be installed in such a way that there is a gap of at least 0.75-1.5 cm along the wall. After this, the container must be filled with water and the gaps between legs and floor, as well as between the bathtub body and the walls.
It is necessary to take into account that polyurethane foam expands significantly, so the main thing is not to overdo it so that the structure does not change its position. The curing time of the foam is 12-36 hours, however, finishing works You can start in 6 hours.
Fastening with a brick frame
This method is best suited when the product does not include legs, but it can also be used to increase the reliability of the structure. It should be taken into account that brickwork can be used both along the bathtub and across it.
When laying transversely, the bathtub is installed directly on the brick; in this case, additional fastening to the walls using a metal corner should be provided. To do this, a steel or aluminum corner should be attached to the wall using dowels so that the edges of the bathtub receive an additional point of support.
The longitudinal brickwork creates a kind of trough into which the bathtub is installed. The cavity between the walls of the trough and the bathtub should be filled with polyurethane foam - this will increase the stability of the product against tipping over.
If you continue laying the front wall, you can completely hide the bathtub, preparing it for cladding ceramic tiles. In this case, before starting work, you should use a plumb line to mark the bottom row of masonry so that it is recessed 1.5-2 cm below the edge of the bathtub - this distance is necessary for laying the tiles flush. It should be noted that the last row The brick will not fit entirely, so it will have to be cut in half using a grinder and a diamond wheel.
When performing work to hide the bathtub using the front brick wall It is necessary to provide an inspection hole to provide access to the siphon. Later, this hole can be closed using a piece of moisture-resistant drywall or a special plastic door can be installed.
If the walls of the bathroom are to be covered with ceramic tiles, then the front wall does not need to be made of bricks, but ready-made screens can be used. Sufficient installation rigidity will be achieved due to the fact that the end and wall flaps of the bathtub are securely fixed by the tile resting on them.
Fastening with a metal frame
This method is most often used when fixing acrylic bathtubs. As a rule, steel frames are included in the kit, but a similar accessory can be purchased additionally. The installation strips are attached to the bottom using self-tapping screws; this is done in certain places that have thickenings. Next, the legs are bolted to the guides.
After this, the bathtub should be installed in place and the places where the sides touch the wall should be marked - mounting strips should be installed here. In this case, it is recommended to leave a vertical gap between the bar and the side of 2-4 mm, which will disappear when the bath is filled with water. It should be noted that the fastening strip does not increase the strength of the side, but only prevents the possibility of tipping over.
Inserting a bathtub into a niche
IN small apartments It often happens that the bathtub simply does not fit into the room. On the one hand, this can be considered a real problem due to significant complications installation work, but the fastening of such a product is the most rigid and durable.
To install and secure the bathtub you will need one or both opposite walls cut a groove using a hammer drill or grinder with diamond blade. The bath flaps must be inserted into this groove. With this method, maximum rigidity is achieved due to the complete absence of play.
If the legs are weak enough, then you can additionally install a transverse wooden or metal profile on which the bathtub flaps will rest.
conclusions
To summarize, we can say with absolute certainty that the most durable and reliable way to mount a bathtub to the floor is to install it on brick frame. Additionally screwed to the wall metal corner or wooden beam, on which the bathtub flaps will rest, will help prevent the possibility of tipping over. Thus, the most reliable is considered to be the combined fastening of the bathtub to the walls and floor simultaneously.
Installing a bathtub is a responsible task, because this piece of plumbing requires a very large load. An incorrectly installed and poorly secured bathtub can leak, and in worst cases, tip over and injure its owners. Therefore, before installation, read our article, from which you will learn about methods of attaching a bathtub and correct order production of work.
Features of the material
Regardless of the type, there are basic principles for installing a bathtub:
Installation of various baths
As we mentioned earlier, the type of fastening depends on the chosen bathtub.
In general, we can highlight next steps how to install a bathtub to the wall:
- the bathtub is laid on its side and a drain pipe is mounted to it;
- the floor siphon is connected to pipes, most often these are flexible plastic pipes;
- legs are attached to the bathtub, and it is installed so that the siphon pipes can be connected to the sewer;
- check the tightness of the connected sewage system;
- if necessary, build a frame from plasterboard, a podium from foam blocks and install spacers.
How to seal a large gap in a wall
Usually, after installing a bathtub, there may be a large distance between the end and the wall. This will not allow the bath to be securely fixed on three sides, and it will move around. In this case, you can turn a disadvantage into an advantage and create a framework. As a result, you will have a shelf between the bathtub and the wall on which you can place shampoos, powder and other accessories.
There are several ways to close big gap:
- Create a frame from profiles, then sheathe it moisture-resistant plasterboard. Don't forget to make a hatch for access to the plumbing.
- Attach a block to the wall and make a shelf. One side of it will be supported on a block, the other on a bathtub or frame.
- If you don't have a hammer drill, another solution is to cut a strip of extruded polystyrene or polystyrene foam and insert it tightly into the slot. This is necessary so that the solution does not fall when sealing. Make a layer of plaster on top and cover all the cracks. You can also use polyurethane foam for this. Thus, in literally 15 minutes you will seal a large gap and get rid of rattling and knocking on the walls. If you already have tiles laid, seal them masking tape so as not to stain the surface.
When creating a shelf near the bathtub, make it sloping so that water does not accumulate there, but flows down. In addition, it is important to install the bathtub itself with an inclination towards the drain so that the water does not stagnate.
Installation on a podium
To install the bath on a podium made of bricks or foam blocks, an elevated platform is created. The bathtub is placed on the podium, while the legs remain on the floor. Before laying, the podium, walls and bottom are generously coated with polyurethane foam.
Instead of a brick podium, you can fill plastic bottles water, close them tightly and place them on the floor. They will serve as a space filler when you need to create a “thick pillow”. Treat them liberally with foam and place the “belly” of the bath on them. This method is much cheaper and faster than a brick podium.
Homemade podium from polyurethane foam and bottles.
Another option is to create a wall that will support the side and hide internal communications. This method is especially suitable if you have adhesive legs, as they will not be able to reliably support the weight of the water and your body.
Lay tiles on top of the wall, or choose a different finish.
If you have any questions, watch the video instructions on installing and attaching the bathtub to the podium:
After installing and securing the bathtub, be sure to make sure that the seal is secure so as not to accidentally flood your neighbors.
Installing and fastening the bathtub to the wall: securely fixing and sealing the gap with your own hands
The bath is the most important element any bathroom. Even with shower cabins gaining popularity, they will never replace relaxing in a warm bubble bath. In this case, problems often arise - how to fix the bathtub to the wall so that it does not wobble and does not let moisture through the cracks.
Usually, special fasteners are included in the kit; depending on the type of bathtub, they may differ: for acrylic, cast iron and steel types.
Features of the material
- Cast iron bathtubs are durable and retain heat for a long time, but they are heavy, so they need to be installed on a stable base.
- The steel bathtub can be mounted on a podium. To do this, the walls are assembled from brick, and inside the bathtub will stand firmly and not wobble. Main disadvantage This material produces noise when filled with water.
To reduce noise when filling the bathtub, treat the outside with putty or polyurethane foam. This will reduce the sound of water and help keep the heat inside longer.
Noise insulation steel bath using polyurethane foam.
Wooden frame for installing a bathtub.
Regardless of the type, there are basic principles for installing a bathtub:
- It will be easier to attach the drain pipes if the bathtub is placed on its side.
- First you need to secure the drain, and only then put the bathtub on legs or supports.
- Then you need to push the bathtub tightly against the wall, level the horizontal position by twisting the legs, and carefully secure it. To prevent it from wobbling, you need to try to insert it into required places spacer wedges that will increase stability.
Seal everything securely. problem areas silicone sealant.
Fastening various bathtubs
As we mentioned earlier, the type of mounting depends on the bathtub you choose.
- Cast iron bathtubs are usually installed on 4 supports (legs). They are securely attached to the body using wedges that come with the kit, or are tightened with bolts.
Standard legs cast iron bath
Important! If the cast iron bathtub is mounted on a loose surface with low hardness, be sure to place metal plates under the legs that will distribute the weight over the surface. The diameter of the lining must be at least 5 centimeters, and the thickness must be more than 5 mm.
Standard legs for acrylic bathtub
In general, we can distinguish the following steps on how to install a bathtub to the wall:
- The bathtub is laid on its side and a drain and overflow pipe is mounted to it.
- The floor siphon is connected to the pipes. Most often, these are flexible plastic pipes.
- Legs are attached to the bathtub, and it is installed in such a way that the siphon pipes can be connected to the sewer.
- The tightness of the connected sewer system is checked.
- If necessary, a frame is constructed from plasterboard, a podium from foam blocks and spacers are installed.
How to seal a large gap in a wall
Usually, after installing the bathtub, there may be a large distance between the end and the wall. This will not allow the bath to be securely fixed on 3 sides, and it will move around. In this case, you can turn a disadvantage into an advantage and create a framework. As a result, you will have a shelf between the bathtub and the wall on which you can place shampoos, powder and other accessories.
There are several ways to seal a large gap:
- Create a frame from profiles. then cover it with moisture-resistant plasterboard. Don't forget to make a hatch to access the plumbing.
- Attach a block to the wall and make a shelf. One side of it will be supported on a block, the other on a bathtub or frame.
- If you don't have a hammer drill, another solution is to cut a strip of extruded polystyrene or polystyrene foam and insert it tightly into the slot. This is necessary so that the solution does not fall from above when sealing. Make a layer of plaster on top and cover all the cracks. You can also use polyurethane foam for this. Thus, in literally 15 minutes you will seal a large gap and get rid of rattling and knocking on the walls. If you already have tiles laid, cover them with masking tape to avoid staining the surface.
Important! When creating a shelf near the bathtub, make it sloping so that water does not accumulate there, but flows down. In addition, it is important to install the bathtub itself with an inclination towards the drain so that the water does not stagnate.
Installation on a podium
To install the bathtub on a podium, an elevated platform is created from bricks or foam blocks. The bathtub is placed on the podium, while the legs remain on the floor. Before installation, the podium, walls and bottom are generously coated with polyurethane foam.
Advice! Instead of a brick podium, you can fill plastic bottles with water, close them tightly, and place them on the floor. They will serve as a space filler when you need to create a “thick pillow”. Treat them liberally with foam and place the “belly” of the bath on them. This method is much cheaper and faster than a brick podium.
Homemade podium from polyurethane foam and bottles.
You can also create a wall that will support the side and hide internal communications. This method is especially recommended if you have adhesive legs, as they will not be able to reliably support the weight of the water and your body.
Tiles are laid on top of the wall. or she gets off in other ways.
If anything remains unclear, look at the instructions for installing and securing the bathtub to the podium:
Conclusion
That's all we wanted to tell you about attaching the bathtub to the wall. Use the tips above to securely secure your bathtub yourself. Be sure to make sure that the fastening and sealing are secure, so that you don’t accidentally flood your neighbors later.