Before you begin installing your freestanding bathtub, it’s important to have the proper materials on hand. Read our step by step instructions to install your bathtub. Start by gathering the materials and supplies, making sure the floor is leveled, determining the placement, prepping and cleaning the floor, and more! Adding a freestanding bathtub to your bathroom is a luxurious way to make a statement, while also providing you with the type of retreat you’ve always dreamed of.
Freestanding bathtubs are among the most distinctive choices you can make, and you’ll love the options available to you. Freestanding tubs can be modern, chic, and streamlined or more traditional looking. Going for a whimsical design or would you like something more sophisticated? The choice is yours. No matter which you prefer, your personality can come shining through.
If you’re currently remodeling your bathroom or it’s under construction, adding a freestanding bathtub is a relatively easy process. You could hire a plumber for the entire job, but if you have basic home improvement skills, you might want to install the freestanding bathtub on your own. Keep in mind that you may need a plumber to move the drain to the appropriate location. Please note that the drain must always be installed according to your local plumbing codes. A licensed plumber can help.
Before you start installing your freestanding bathtub, make sure you have all the material you will need for this project. Depending on the bathtub and its format, you will maybe need to ask one person for help with the bathtub installation.
This is the list of all the materials you will need to gather before you start with the installation:
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Before the Freestanding Bathtub Installation
Prior to installing a freestanding bathtub to your bathroom, think about the layout, purpose, and compatibility with your bathroom fixtures. Your freestanding bathtub should be compatible with your bathroom space.
Freestanding bathtubs come in a range of sizes and forms. The tub’s material composition is just as diverse as its forms and fashions. Copper, cast iron, stone, acrylic, and stainless steel are the most common materials for freestanding tubs. Acrylic tubs are more elegant and appealing with a brilliant surface than other materials, but they may endure less impact.
To choose which freestanding bathtub size to purchase, measure the area in your bathroom. If the building is new, be sure the bathroom layout allows for adequate space. When installing a standalone tub, it’s crucial to take your bathroom’s plumbing, lighting, and window finishes into account.
If you’re ready to install your freestanding bathtub, make sure you carefully follow the steps below. If at any moment you notice that you could benefit from getting someone to help you, do so. Installing bathtubs is not among the simplest DIY projects, so asking someone experienced to help you out can save you a lot of troubles in the long run.
Make sure that you have everything that you will need in order to install your freestanding bathtub.
Use your level to check the floor. Is it 100 percent level? You may need to level the floor so that the tub does not tilt to the side.
You may already have an idea where the freestanding bathtub will be placed. Now is the time to finalize this decision. Luxury freestanding bathtubs can be placed virtually anywhere in the room such as in a corner, against a wall, in the center of the room, or beside a garden window. It’s up to you, but you will need to have plumbing already in place. If the plumbing is not in place, you may need to collaborate with a plumber.
If you are placing the bathtub on an existing drain, skip to the next step. If you have a wood subfloor, trace the outline of your tub so you know what you’re working with. You or your plumber will need to measure and cut a hole in it. This hole needs to be sized so that the drop in drain and plumbing trap fit appropriately. The open section of the subfloor will then need to be repaired. From there, use the included subfloor cut out a template to cut the hole for the EZdrop-in-drain.
You’ll need to attach this to the floor. A protective layer is included, covering the hole and keeping debris out. Complete the flooring as desired, making a note of the drain hole location. Next, cut a circular hole wide enough to expose the protective drain covering. Cut this covering way.
The process is similar to concrete floors, except you’ll need to cut a channel in the concrete to accommodate the plumbing trap and the EZDrop in Drain. After installing these in the channel, you’ll then fill it with concrete, finish the floor, cut the circular hole, and cut the exposed protective covering.
It’s important to clean the area beneath the tub so that dirt and debris don’t remain behind. You’ll also want a clean work area, and your work area will be fairly large due to the size of the bathtub. Thus, we recommend cleaning the entire bathroom floor.
You will soon lay the tub on its side, and this will protect its sides from scuffs.
The freestanding bathtub comes with a pop-up drain kit. Double check the drain nut to be sure it hasn’t come loose. Tighten if necessary. Double check the drain and waste location under the bathtub and make sure that they line up with the drain hole in the floor. You can do this by taking measurements of the drain location underneath the bathtub. Lay the tub on its side on the blanket. Use cardboard as needed for additional support.
The floor, in general, is already clean and dry, but what about the drain hole? You’ll need to clean out any dirt and debris and allow to dry completely. Once dry and clean, squeeze a small dab of clear silicone around the drain body, passing it through the drain hole.
Your Badeloft freestanding bathtub comes with a pre-installed pop-up drain. You’ll need to attach the drain’s tail piece to the bottom of the tub. First, place the plastic bushing on top of the tail piece and slide the nut up the tube. Screw it into the bathtub drain. Add lubricant to the rubber seal of the EZDrop in Drain.
Add a bead of caulk all the way around the base of the tub. around the edge of the base.
Carefully guide the tub into position and caulk the bottom edge of the tub where it touches the floor. Use a wet cloth to clean off excess caulk.
Now that your freestanding tub has been installed, clean up the work area, put your tools away, and admire your handiwork. Though we know it’s tempting to fill it up and jump in, you’ll need to wait at least 24 hours for curing.
Now’s a great time to take some photos and accessorize your bathroom. When 24 hours have passed, get ready for a delightful soak and enjoy! Video: How to Install a Freestanding Bathtub Using the EZ Drop-in Drain
What is the routine for maintaining a standalone tub now that you know how to install one? You can maintain your freestanding bathtub with these simple tips:
Resources
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Eric is the founder and president of Badeloft USA. He has been the president of Badeloft’s US division for over ten years and oversees all marketing and branding aspects of Badeloftusa.com.
His expertise lies in small business development, sales, and home and bathroom industry trends and information.
Contact us with any business related inquiries.
Free material samples and tub templates
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I’m sure this question has been asked many times, but has the EZ Drop in drain been determined to be compliant with most local codes, which are based on the International Plumbing Code? I am planning to replace an existing tub with a freestanding tub, and there is no access to the drain plumbing for doing a conventional installation. The EZ Drop in drain appears to be the only workable solution for me. In addition to concerns that the mechanical seal between the tailpiece and the rubber seal in the drain may not be considered code compliant, there is also no access for visual inspection during the initial leak test, without cutting through an exterior stucco wall, which may also be considered unacceptable by the inspector.