Planning a Freestanding Bathtub Installation

Read our extensive guide on installing a freestanding bathtub using the EZ-drop in drain.

Jump to a specific section:

1. Planning Your Freestanding Bathtub Installation
2. Installation Preparation
3. Setting the Bathtub
4. After the Installation

Manufacturers of freestanding bathtubs strongly recommend hiring professionals to install tubs, but handy homeowners can install their own units. It calls for some research and preparation, and a full understanding of the process before work begins, but many homeowners have happily installed their own freestanding bathtubs and rewarded themselves for their work with a long, well-deserved soak.

Planning Your Freestanding Bathtub Installation

Before purchasing a freestanding bathtub, do your homework. Check state, county, and local building codes to ensure a freestanding bathtub is in compliance with regulations. If your property is part of a homeowner’s association, read carefully through the CC&Rs and speak with the board, if needed, to obtain any necessary permissions.

A structurally sound building built to code will support the weight of a fully filled bathtub, which is roughly equivalent to the weight of five adults. If your home is particularly old, or if you’ve experienced problems with the flooring in the past, you may wish to consult with a home inspector, engineer and/or architect before buying your tub. Having a professional check your floor and give you the green light before moving ahead can go a long way to assuage concerns you may have about your floor’s condition.

Once you have cleared all the above, order your freestanding bathtub of choice. This is also the time to consider your options for filling the tub. Will it be a freestanding fill spout rising from the floor, a curved waterfall spout mounted in a wall, a ceiling-mounted rain shower head, or a freestanding faucet? Choose which you’d like to incorporate, and plan for the plumbing installation for those fixtures in concert with your freestanding bathtub installation

Installation Preparation

When your bathtub unit arrives, ensure it’s the make and model you ordered, and confirm that all included accessories are accounted for. Use your hands and eyes to inspect the entire unit, checking for any cracks, chips, scratches, or other defects. If any are found, do not install the unit, but contact the manufacturer immediately.

1. Inspect other items shipped with the tub and provide the same thorough inspection
2. Then, gather the following tools:
   • 1-inch roofing nails
   • Measuring Tape
   • Leve
   • Wood Shims
   • Trowel
   • Silicone caulk-prevents leakage and ensures all joints sit together
   • Screwdriver
   • Plumber putty-seals joints to prevent water leakage
   • Pipe Wrench
   • Mortar Mix Measuring Tape
   • Electric drill and bits
   • Constructive adhesive
   • Protective blanket-protect your bathtub and your bathroom
3. Prepare your floor next, ensuring that it can accommodate all necessary P-trap and waste drains.
4. Ensure your floor is level, then clean everything thoroughly. 
5. This is a good time to repair or replace your flooring for something more water-resistant.

Setting the Bathtub

Have ready all the tools and supplies needed for the job and follow these step-by-step directions: 

1. Place a protective blanket or cover in the adjacent area where you want to install your bathtub. Ensure that all surfaces are covered to protect your bathtub and your walls.
2. Move your new bathtub into place to ensure it fits the space.  
3. Place 4×4 lumber or several 2x4s directly along the length of where you install your tub and use the markings as a guideline. 
4. Attach the Overflow drain assembly by turning the tub on it’s side and installing it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 
5. Take some plumber putty and place it on the underside of the drain flange.
6. Position the drain shoe on the underside of the tub and screw the drain flange into the thread. Tighten completely with a wrench and remove excess putty
7. Connect the overflow pipe and drainpipe and install the drain strainer on the flange.
8. Connect the drain and carefully move the tub back into place. 
9. Reinstall the baseboard and reattach your spout and be sure to wait 24 hours before using your tub.  

If it seems time for the professionals to step in at any point, do not hesitate to avail yourself of their expertise–your bathtub and your house will thank you.

This brief video provides a quick look at the installation steps to installing our BW-01 L freestanding bathtub.

After the Installation

Do not use your new tub for at least 24 hours after the installation. Immediately address leaks or other problems, should they arise. Closely adhere to the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to maintain the beautiful luster on your new freestanding bathtub for years to come. And most importantly: enjoy your new bathtub. Visit our website to view all of our luxury bathtubs.

Additional tips to help you maintain your tub

Consider these additional points to maintain the health of your tub:

1. Always check for clogs in your drain such as hair or debris which can damage the health of your tub if ignored.
2. Only use mild cleaning components, which will help you preserve the bathtub for a long time and will also help you remove surface-level scratches.
3. Do not use strong solutions such as concentrated bleach to remove stains. Instead, mix water and diluted bleach with a ratio of 10:2, respectively. Apply it to the tub’s surface and leave it for 15-20 minutes to remove any surface-level stains.
4. Use snakes or a vacuum to suck out debris and keep your drains clear.
5. Check the heater or faucet immediately if you smell rust or grease in the water. Rust in the water may stain or damage the bathtub in the long run. 
6. If you want to sand the bathtub, try using 400 grit sandpaper or 600 grit sandpaper for a more refined finish. 

Common Questions

Freestanding bathtubs can be quite expensive, so you might have some questions associated with the install or steps that you may not be sure of:

1. Where should I place a freestanding tub?

The benefit of a freestanding tub is that it can be placed anywhere in your bathroom. However, placing it in the center of your bathroom allows the most convenience as you can comfortably enter and exit without being too cramped. In addition, this also keeps the tub free from any dust or potential water issues. 

2. How far should a freestanding tub be from the wall?

You want at least 6 inches of extra space from the wall to your tub. This prevents you from being too cramped but also prevents moisture from being trapped in your walls or tub. 

3. What material is best underneath my freestanding tub?

Almost any material is fine, so long as it is stable and won’t react to moisture. Your floor needs to be stable enough to support a full freestanding tub, so inspect it thoroughly before installing. For the wall, consider glass brick, wainscot, and mildew-resistant paints. 

4. Can I have a shower with a freestanding tub?

Yes, you can install a shower with a freestanding tub to add more versatility to your bathtub. 

5. How is my bathtub kept secure? 

A silicone-based sealant secures your bathtub. Once it is been set, lubricant is applied to the tub to ensure that it is fully secure, even when full.