REplacing tub on concrete slab?
Gotta replace bathroom tub in daughters basement apartment. It sits of course on a concrete slab (basement floor) so the drain plumbing is in the concrete floor and not easily accesible. So here are my questions.
Can I get a wrench at the hardware store and be able to unscrew the bathtub drain (and disconnect the drain stopper lever) and then be able to bring in and place the new tub to replace the old tub?
Are all tubs made the same in regards to the drain being in the very same location? What I mean is, once I place the new tub, is there any danger of the new tub drain not lining up with the existing drain? If so, I will need a plumber to move the drain plumbing because I don't think I can do it.
BTW, I have made numerous attempts to find someone in the plumbing or handyman business that I could pay to do this job. But for some reason numerous people have declined without even offering to do it for a high price or any price at all. All I can figure out is that it is a tough job and doesn't pay well enough to interest many plumbers or handymen.
Can I get a wrench at the hardware store and be able to unscrew the bathtub drain (and disconnect the drain stopper lever) and then be able to bring in and place the new tub to replace the old tub?
Are all tubs made the same in regards to the drain being in the very same location? What I mean is, once I place the new tub, is there any danger of the new tub drain not lining up with the existing drain? If so, I will need a plumber to move the drain plumbing because I don't think I can do it.
BTW, I have made numerous attempts to find someone in the plumbing or handyman business that I could pay to do this job. But for some reason numerous people have declined without even offering to do it for a high price or any price at all. All I can figure out is that it is a tough job and doesn't pay well enough to interest many plumbers or handymen.
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If I'm picturing your situation correctly, all tub drains should line up just fine. Pull a few measurements before you go to look at a new one just to be sure. 0 -
PM me, got a neighbor that does odd jobs and is about the best I've ever seen when it comes to things like that. He's in zip code 28150 if thats any help. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by A J Christ
PM me, got a neighbor that does odd jobs and is about the best I've ever seen when it comes to things like that. He's in zip code 28150 if thats any help.
Thanks for with that zipcode I am pretty sure he won't want the job. I'm in the KC area.0 -
The tubs should be standard, you should have a access panel on the opposite wall / drain end to make your connections.
Don0 -
Don, You've got mail. 0 -
tubs come in different widths,30" 32" and 36" being the most common but there are some oddballs out there,measure the existing tub and find one the same width,then everything should line up,if you cant find one that lines up correctly you can build a 6" base up off of the floor to set the new tub on and then you will have room to use flex pipe to offset the drin pipe "we do this alot when someone wants a wider tub than what they already have" remember this is just a drain and has no pressure ,I have seen people offset them using rubber hose and they work fine 0 -
In these parts, (Texas) tub drains are roughed in the slab through an opening that is somewhat larger than the pipe itself. Usually, plumbers rough in the drain so that the pipe potrudes through about a 1 foot square opening. This allows them room to reposition the drain as needed when setting the tub or replacing it.
You wont know until you pull the tub or access the drain if this is the case.0 -
I changed mine as well. I also used a 2x4 frame underneath to raise the tub - maybe 2' x 3.5' and filled it overflowing with mortar mix. I then set the fiberglass tub to my level lines and screwed it in place. The mortar mix set and made the bottom very secure with no bowing or flexing under weight.
The flex drain line worked beautifully.
I did it myself- the first attempt.
If I did it, you certainly can as I am no plumber or carpenter.0 -
You may or may not have an access panel at the end of the tub, you will need one. You will need to make a hole in the wall on the side the drain is on. Of course this will need to be from another room into the bathroom. This will let you have access to the drain and the faucet- you will probably need to take it off to get the tub out anyway.
As was already stated, you should have about a 12" square area to work with to align the drain. The access panel will allow you to loosen the trap from the drain basket. It is a lot of fun work, but not impossible.
Good luck,
Mike0 -
Good suggestions all, but man I have GOT to find a plumber.
Any plumbers out there that I can mail a bus ticket to you and then pay you for the work?[:o)][:o)]
I've got a shed out back with an electric heater so you wouldn't have any motel expenses. Would be solid profit.0 -
quote:Originally posted by tr fox
Good suggestions all, but man I have GOT to find a plumber.
Any plumbers out there that I can mail a bus ticket to you and then pay you for the work?[:o)][:o)]
I've got a shed out back with an electric heater so you wouldn't have any motel expenses. Would be solid profit.
Man if only I was homeless I'd jump on this offer and take a year or two to complete the job. Oh by the way does that include meals?0 -
quote:Originally posted by tr fox
Good suggestions all, but man I have GOT to find a plumber.
Any plumbers out there that I can mail a bus ticket to you and then pay you for the work?[:o)][:o)]
I've got a shed out back with an electric heater so you wouldn't have any motel expenses. Would be solid profit.
Call a plumbing supply house, they can usually give you a couple names and numbers of guys who are doing work in your area.
I have used this method to locate contractors in other states successfully.
Don0 -
quote:Originally posted by Johnnylikesguns
quote:Originally posted by tr fox
Good suggestions all, but man I have GOT to find a plumber.
Any plumbers out there that I can mail a bus ticket to you and then pay you for the work?[:o)][:o)]
I've got a shed out back with an electric heater so you wouldn't have any motel expenses. Would be solid profit.
Man if only I was homeless I'd jump on this offer and take a year or two to complete the job. Oh by the way does that include meals?
There are a couple of fat, tasty possums that live behind the shed.0 -
The job is expected to last for sixty years.
It's tough to get that kind of quality for cheap.
smyrna has it right. The drain is usually roughed to the location,
and then the plumber could change direction with the U-bend of the trap,
to accommodate variations of center-to-drain caused by
different manufacturer's tub specs, wall thickness, etc.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Sperry
The job is expected to last for sixty years.
It's tough to get that kind of quality for cheap.
smyrna has it right. The drain is usually roughed to the location,
and then the plumber could change direction with the U-bend of the trap,
to accommodate variations of center-to-drain caused by
different manufacturer's tub specs, wall thickness, etc.
Ah ha. Now that is what I needed to know. I just didn't know it. So there ARE variations of center-to-center drain by different manufacturer's? With my luck I will get a new tub that has the drain way off from the location of the old one. In that event, how can I move/change the "U-bend" of the trap to match the new drain? Just move it by hand or what?0 -
I was doing plumbing in a bar once.
The bar-sink drain had collapsed. The trap was shot. Sewer flies were taking over the bar.
I installed a trapped indirect drain onto the previous, though now compromised, indirect drain. This kept the sewer flies at bay under the slab floor.
The sink now drained through the earth, evidently into the old stream bed that once ran along that area [Philadelphia is full of such filled streams and creeks]. The bar-sink now drains through the earth, eventually replenishing the water table, or perhaps somehow flows into the Schuylkill River.
Maybe you can do something similar. Remove the existing tub, auger a deep pit beneath your basement slab, and let the tub drain into there. At the least, it would fill up the hole, and probably make it's way into the existing tub drain, even though it is not directly connected.
Draining fixtures into the ground used to be common. Especially in Hawaii.
You build your shack, caught water to wash and flush, and ran the sewer right into a lava tube. Down to the center of the earth.
You're saying that the drain now rises right out of the cement?
Sounds pretty fixed in place.
Yes, there is usually enough variation between tubs that you will have to open the slab.0 -
Yes, if it is plastic you can move it by hand. If it is cast, you might need some pipe wrenches. It is not a hard job to line up the drain.
Good luck0 -
truth be told, what you have to do is a complete MFR!
There SHOULD be a tub box where the overflow and trap are, What this does is allow you to access the pipe if you have to add or trim to the length of the pipe connecting from your waste and overflow on your tub to the p trap, or to swing your p trap.
Be sure to try to get the same width tub height will not matter as all brands are usually different, just enough to screw ya.
I assure you, you have a job on your hands.0 -
TR,
You might want to consider one of these:
http://www.rebath.com/
Don0 -
Why give her a bathtub?
There's a drain in the floor...frame up a shower and tile it.
I haven't used a bathtub since I was like 6. Uses too much water.0 -
I have done a few tub replacements. The more you do the easier they get? Wrong. Every one is different. Enough to make a Preacher want to cuss. Hire it done by a plumber. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by dongizmo
TR,
You might want to consider one of these:
http://www.rebath.com/
Don
Don, best advice so far. I'll show this to the wife. Probably this is the answer.
But I still can't figure out why you are a good guy on this topic yet nasty to me on others. I haven't checked my email yet.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Sperry
I was doing plumbing in a bar once.
The bar-sink drain had collapsed. The trap was shot. Sewer flies were taking over the bar.
I installed a trapped indirect drain onto the previous, though now compromised, indirect drain. This kept the sewer flies at bay under the slab floor.
The sink now drained through the earth, evidently into the old stream bed that once ran along that area [Philadelphia is full of such filled streams and creeks]. The bar-sink now drains through the earth, eventually replenishing the water table, or perhaps somehow flows into the Schuylkill River.
Maybe you can do something similar. Remove the existing tub, auger a deep pit beneath your basement slab, and let the tub drain into there. At the least, it would fill up the hole, and probably make it's way into the existing tub drain, even though it is not directly connected.
Draining fixtures into the ground used to be common. Especially in Hawaii.
You build your shack, caught water to wash and flush, and ran the sewer right into a lava tube. Down to the center of the earth.
You're saying that the drain now rises right out of the cement?
Sounds pretty fixed in place.
Yes, there is usually enough variation between tubs that you will have to open the slab.
OK, now this part of your advice (in red above) REALLY, REALLY caught my attention. I'm thinking I'm gonna follow Dongizmo's advice and just have the present tub resurfaced.0 -
quote:Originally posted by tr fox
quote:Originally posted by Sperry
I was doing plumbing in a bar once.
The bar-sink drain had collapsed. The trap was shot. Sewer flies were taking over the bar.
I installed a trapped indirect drain onto the previous, though now compromised, indirect drain. This kept the sewer flies at bay under the slab floor.
The sink now drained through the earth, evidently into the old stream bed that once ran along that area [Philadelphia is full of such filled streams and creeks]. The bar-sink now drains through the earth, eventually replenishing the water table, or perhaps somehow flows into the Schuylkill River.
Maybe you can do something similar. Remove the existing tub, auger a deep pit beneath your basement slab, and let the tub drain into there. At the least, it would fill up the hole, and probably make it's way into the existing tub drain, even though it is not directly connected.
Draining fixtures into the ground used to be common. Especially in Hawaii.
You build your shack, caught water to wash and flush, and ran the sewer right into a lava tube. Down to the center of the earth.
You're saying that the drain now rises right out of the cement?
Sounds pretty fixed in place.
Yes, there is usually enough variation between tubs that you will have to open the slab.
OK, now this part of your advice (in red above) REALLY, REALLY caught my attention. I'm thinking I'm gonna follow Dongizmo's advice and just have the present tub resurfaced.
TR,
I have seen similar products at home shows, look for one that can do the tub and surround, kills 2 birds with 1 stone[;)]0 -
Roger that, Don. I will report back here on how it comes out in case it might help anybody else. Thanks everyone for the advice. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Tartersauce
Why give her a bathtub?
There's a drain in the floor...frame up a shower and tile it.
I haven't used a bathtub since I was like 6. Uses too much water.
This cat...along with having a great name...is spot on with the advice...
btw I have had this done in rental property at least 6 times. If you can't find a plumber in KC to do this then I am moving out there!0 -
quote:Originally posted by tacking1
quote:Originally posted by Tartersauce
Why give her a bathtub?
There's a drain in the floor...frame up a shower and tile it.
I haven't used a bathtub since I was like 6. Uses too much water.
This cat...along with having a great name...is spot on with the advice...
btw I have had this done in rental property at least 6 times. If you can't find a plumber in KC to do this then I am moving out there!
Well, probably right about about shower using less water. But when I had the bathroom built for my daughter's basement apartment, I wanted here to have a tub in the even she ever need to soak or for any other reasons one might want/need to sit in a tub of hot water for a period of time. In addition, having a tub makes it a whole lot easier for her to get my 5 yearold grandson to bathe.
But my daughter usually does use the tub as a shower. It is just a luxury to be able to have a choice, in my humble opinion.0 -
TR,
Hows the tub coming?
Don0
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