Installing New 4 foot tub...Rookie Help

[Coopns]

I have a new four foot tub. So I am ripping out the exsisting tub and surronding walls. I have a Anti-Scald Shower Valve. After putting down the tub, put up the drywall and tile. I am not scared to giver' a try, I am fairly mechanical and I have all weekend to do it. Is it something I can do (I know that is tough to answer) if I have the tools and time? It doesn't seem too bad but I have never done any plumbing.

Please adivse.

 

[Cass]

What reason did you choose a 4' tub over a 4' shower? Just wondering.

Realy hard to say if you can finish or not. Are you using cement board? Normaly I thinset the buts and corners and let it dry B4 setting the tile which eats up time.

Once you install the tub waste & overflow and valve if you don't finish the work you can hang plastic on the walls to get you by until next weekend.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Coopns]

Thanks for the advice. How about the plumbing? Is there a lot to it with the basic tub and shower head?

 

[Jadnashua]

If you've never done something, it can be intimidating. Getting the drain to line up can be a pain if the thing is cemented in. If it is torn down to the studs, then getting to the plumbing shouldn't be too bad, either. You didn't mention what the existing pipes are made of. Copper is easier to work with than galvanized. CPVC is pretty easy. Galvanized should probably be torn out and replaced, at least as much as will be burried behind some new tile.

If you haven't soldered a connection with copper, it isn't brain surgery, but does take a little technique. Best thing is to buy a couple of dollars worth of fittings, and practice a little bit. If you don't have a torch, you'll need one of them, a tubing cutter, flux, solder.

I have a neighbor that calls someone to install a light bulb, so judging your skill levels is hard to impossible.

 

[Cass]

If you are that green I would suggest you get a book that shows the remodeling of a bathroom and study the book. Then maybe find someone who is remodeling their bathroom and work with them to learn a few things. You will find it is not as easy as it seems. Just spreading drywall mud correctly can be maddening until you learn how to do it.

 

[Mikey]

What a sense of humor

and I have all weekend to do it

I'm usually off by a factor of 4 when I estimate time for a job, and I'd want 3 or 4 days minimum to do what you're doing. Having said that, carpe blowtorch! and have fun. Cass's advice is excellent -- hit the library and look at some plumbing and/or remodeling books. Break the project down into small parts with achievable goals so you don't get overwhelmed by looking at how much work is left. Post some pictures here of the demo'd area and you'll get lots of advice and encouragement.