Free Shipping on Orders Over $3,000

bathtubs

9 Tips for Installing Your Freestanding Bathtub

by Sarah Lu
June 10, 2013

Native Trails Aurora Bathtub in Antique

Last week, we featured three new bathtubs now available on the Kitchen Cabinet Kings website. All were unique, beautifully crafted, and make an incredible statement in your master bathroom. If you’re like me, you’ve probably admired them but wondered how their installation works. Below are nine tips to de-mystify the process and help you start seriously considering a freestanding bathtub! Note that freestanding tub installations should be conducted by a professional plumber, and that these tips are for you to be more aware of the process and ensure that a quality job is being performed.

1. Don’t underestimate the weight of the product. Freestanding tubs, especially copper ones like the beautiful Native Trails models, are especially heavy and require several people (including professional movers) to assist in carrying up stairs and fitting in place. Be extremely careful of personal injury!

2. Since your tub will be freestanding, as opposed to attached to a wall, have a professional ensure that a watertight seal exists on all bath drain connections.

3. Unpack the tub and examine it for any damage. Contact customer service immediately if you have received a defective product.

4. You might have a gorgeous wood floor or marble tiles in your bathroom – put down a sturdy dropcloth of throw rug on the floor to move the tub around and to avoid scratches and damage.

5. Not all flooring is created equal. In older buildings, the sub floor may be not level, or not be strong enough to support the weight of the tub. Before buying, check the weight of the product and have an assessment done to ensure that your bathroom can support a freestanding tub.

6. Install the drain to the bath in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, but do not connect the trap yet.

7. Have the plumber ensure that there is easy access to all plumbing connections to facilitate future maintenance or issues.

8. The last step should be to connect the trap to the drain according to instructions, then install faucet valving. Once the tub is installed, check all the connections by turning on and off the hot and cold water, and fill the tub all the way up to make sure there is no leakage.

9. Clean up: When you are cleaning up the installation mess, do not use abrasive cleaners as they can damage the artisan hammered surface of the copper tubs. The best cleaner is siply warm water, a soft cloth, and dish detergent!

Did these tips push you one step closer to making a freestanding bathtub in your master bath a reality? Let us know your thoughts

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments