How to Install a Fiberglass Tub and Surround | Ask This Old House
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- čas přidán 19. 07. 2014
- This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey updates a bath. (See below for a shopping list and tools.)
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Richard and Kevin O'Connor replaced an old, leaky steel bathtub and shower enclosure with a new fiberglass unit. With the old tub and shower walls removed, they replaced the existing shower valve and installed a new drain assembly on the new bathtub. Next, they inserted the tub into the rough opening and secured it by driving screws at each stud location through the tub's flange. Then, they lifted the one-piece shower surround into place, caulked the seam between the surround and tub, and secured it to the wall studs with more screws. Finally, they installed the valve trim and tub spout.
Shopping List for How to Install a Fiberglass Tub and Surround:
- 2x4 [amzn.to/2YPm3N9], used for creating ledger board for new tub
- 3-inch-long decking screws [amzn.to/2xJIsQb]
- shower valve [amzn.to/2xJEabp]
- fiberglass bathtub [amzn.to/2xMHDWM]
- bath drain kit [amzn.to/30tan2Y]
- plumber's putty [amzn.to/2xNXVhO]
- 1-inch-long decking screws [amzn.to/30z9Gp4]
- 2-inch-wide wood blocks [amzn.to/30CbZHX]
- silicone caulk [amzn.to/32pZjFt]
- copper pipe and assorted fittings [amzn.to/2JxhRwo]
- lead-free solder and flux [amzn.to/2XGX7pD]
- emery cloth [amzn.to/2xHWcdV]
- Teflon tape [amzn.to/2xQB45f]
- PVC pipe and assorted fittings [amzn.to/2XO6Pa1]
Tools for How to Install a Fiberglass Tub and Surround:
- pliers [amzn.to/32lYo9a]
- screwdriver [amzn.to/2XMTy1k]
- drill/driver [amzn.to/2xMFxWQ] with 3/16-inch drill bit [amzn.to/2xMnhwC]
- hole saw [amzn.to/30tUU2H]
- caulk gun [amzn.to/2xMrGja]
- propane torch [amzn.to/2XHUdBa]
Richard and Kevin installed a 2-piece fiberglass bathtub and surround that was manufactured by Aker (by MAAX) [maax.com/en]
About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers-and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
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How to Install a Fiberglass Tub and Surround | Ask This Old House
/ thisoldhouse - Jak na to + styl
Don't worry about leveling the tub its probably fine. Just use as much Teflon as you can though so the inspector can see it 😁👍
Its amazing how everything goes without a hitch on TOH. The magic of editing.
Still would always like to see project to the End and the finished project. Just saying.
bgregg55 yeah, probably took them 3 days to do all that work!!
Also the magic of about 50 combined years of experience lol
That's the same thing I was thinking about all these CZcams videos under perfect conditions
Maybe when he said he measured it 6 times, he’d actually redone it 6 times.
Exposed Teflon tape at the shower Head? Classy. Bet the Homeowner’s loved that..
I grew up with the old style cast iron tub, they demanded a lot more water but so much better when you want to stretch out and soak.
They make it look so easy!
So no vaper barrier behind the tub surround? Glad I saw this
I think that bathtub drain you installed is a nice one I have the same one in my collection !
Nice episode guys. just installed a surround myself.
I love these guys and this show. Its hard to find someone you can trust.
What a couple of hacks!!!
Ah the magic of a shower head suddenly 'appearing'.
At 3:40 it’s little tips like this that makes a light bulb go on in my head 😝
I thought you were messing around, so I watched it 3 more times. Now I understand, very nice.
U make stuff look so easy
Looks so simple.
I am in the middle of a bathroom remodel. The bathroom was really cold in the winter and hot in the summer and I figured out why. There was only insulation at the top pf the wall. One bay between studs had no insulation. This was all behind the walk in shower insert. No vapor barrier. I am going to use Rockwool and Membrane smart vapor barrier on the exterior this time around. I also I noticed a 1 inch gap at the top of all the sheathing on the exterior wall I can see right into my soffits. Do I seal those?
No cement board?
It's sad when the comment section is more helpful than the video itself
It did say china on the pipe :) on next videos can we see how you got measurements for hole that you cut out. That would be helpful . Thanks
I assume they leveled the floor, used a long level to check vertical and horizontally across studs for straightness and did all the necessary squaring up before placing and screwing the tub in place. They did have a string (long board across that back of tub rests on) so I assume yes to all that :)
I'm assuming that all tub bottoms come sloped to the drain. So you are probably working with a big fudge factor--no need for precision--unless you are an engineer!
You guys are so great. Fo they still make steel tubs?
What kind of hole saw do I use to cut the hole? Carbide?
cool video, but how do you toggle the spout / shower? Shouldn't the spout have a pull up stopper?
Good job guys. I sure wish when I install a tub and surround that they would go in , in 5". How ever if they did I wouldn't be able to make the money I do on installation. Thanks .
Yeah and that's why Home Depot is filled with DIY-ers. We're all sick of paying stiffs like you to do something in 3 days that should take 1.
@@jays1752 lol
What material is the green pieces attached ontop of the edges of the wall shower?
Is a ledger board absolutely necessary on a new bathtub install?
Where did you get your surround?
I need a 36x60 surround and can't find one
How do you cover where you put screws at in the surround
We recently removed a shower door from the fiberglass tub/shower surrounding. In the process, the fiberglass was damaged where the shower door was glued to it. Is there an inexpensive, temporary fix until it can be replaced?
what screws do you use to screw the tub surround into the stud?
where can I get a piece of vikrell to fill in the 3.5 inch hole where the shower valve was
What would you suggest if there was a window in the shower?
Love the internet plumbers
What about the guys who actually do this for a living huh
@@jessefoley6922 I do it for living
clean and very professional installation
Minus the absolute disregard for leveling
Minus the whole entire install. Never put the overflow and drain on before you set tub and level in place. Also look at the end where he shows the finished product you can see Teflon all over that shower arm. Very unprofessional install.
What if you don't have access underneath to make sure drain hits the pvc pipe drain ???
how about prepping the area like removing the old mold. painting the wood with anti mold paint and fixing the old messed up insulation
mold is for wimps!
Didn't shim studs to compensate for the surround flange before putting drywall on. This makes the drywall patch not plumb. Unless your ok with that.
adow exactly what I was thinking. I but up the drywall to the fiberglass lip. Fill with hot mud and mesh tape👍 never hade any problems and walls straight as an arrow.
Never tried that but sounds good to me. :D
@@andrewsgeneralcontractors1719
... adow- By the time they tape, block, shim and sand the BUTT joint it "should" be built out far enough to not be so noticeable.
I would have taken the entire piece out and replaced it to the ceiling. Having a joint there is just asking for the possibility of another issue down the road. ....
.
If you don't have access to the underfloor area, how can the install be accomplished?
So where is the part with floor preparation?
Did see the drain pipes connected in the trap?
What no bedding for the tub????
How do you connect the drain if you don't have access to the bottom of the tub? I have an old tub that needs to be pulled out and replaced.
I hope you figured it out but I’m guessing you’d have to at ground level get below house or if it’s second floor you’d go to the room Below ur bathroom … and cut a hole in Ceiling beneath tub 👀
So nothing needs to go behind the tub or suround? Straight to the studs?
Can you install a glass door with this set-up? Thanks.
You can, but you might compromise the waterproofing by screwing into it.
Don't you need a vapor guard behind the tub surround in back? or cement board? Aren't they worried about moisture rot that can happen if there is a sealant issue?
One piece unit, no backer needed. A vapor barrier would have been good.
@@howtodoitdude1662 wondering if I am installing a 3 piece surround should I put up greenboard on all sides ?
Does anyone know the brand of this unit? Everytime I google 2 piece tub shower surround I can only find 4 piece units.
What I want to know is how they got a one piece shower surround through an interior door
Hahaha been in that situation before! Luckily door was beeing moved!
Nothing like a video that leaves out just about every important detail.
USMC 2MSU awww.... Maybe the details arent THAT important. Maybe youre just not the one to do this type of work... Cry cry cry.
tan tan usmc is right......What about the base for the tube? what does the tube sit on? ie. plaster?
Exactly. I gave up on learning anything new from their videos.
These installs are pretty straightforward however he did miss a couple steps. Spray foam being one of them
@@johnsmith-wc8gs spray foam for what?
How come you don't show the drain plumbing trap
Shark bite fitting is make life easy
Do I need to use moisture resistant drywall on the entire bathroom or just around the shower?
I use 6-8 inches around the entirety of the tub and surround. if you're redoing all the drywall i'd just use it throughout.
Little confused ... how are you able to make the drywall flush with everything else since the top lip of the surround would act as a shim and push the bottom of the drywall outward? Does the lip simply crush that portion of the drywall as it is screwed in?
sonpit you actually cut the drywall so that it butts up to the flange, not actually over it. Their example didn’t give any details. You then fill the gap over the flange with durabond or easy sand bagged mud. That’s where you make it flush. Once the durabond hardens you would flat tape with paper tape over it onto the drywall, coat, skim, then sand like a normal drywall joint. If you put the drywall over the flange it will compromise the drywall and look like sh*t
They crushed the drywall over the lip leaving a slant. I always shave the drywall on the back to make it fit flush.
What is your opinion of using pex instead of copper piping?
Dont
Thank you very much for a helpful video. Is it possible to remove that fiberglass tub without cutting (I don't want to mess with the fiberglass dust)? I assume as it was installed originally, it could be removed same way. It is one piece: bathtub and surrounding. Maybe to cut out a sheetrock wall from another side to disconnect all pipes which stick out from that fiberglass plate? And is it a shut off valve which disconnect water on that part only, or you need to install it? We got a slab leak under the bath tub and a company suggests to brake tile on the floor. I see there is no concrete under the tub, so it would be way easier to get to the problem point, no jack hammering, no dust. I would appreciate any opinion on this matter.
There is nothing about this video that is helpful.
How to attach drain on a concrete slab?
the one thing i needed to know you skipped, how did you turn it and lay it down
Please post a video do the drain from the top If you don’t have access to the bottom of the tub to install the drain
if you have room cut and install an access panel
No, thanks for the response , I got the plumber he inhaled it I watch through out the process measuring and center the drain was the trick
This isn't a "how-to." It leaves out just about everything that would be likely to trip up a DIYer, and explains nothing. It merely shows how a professional did an installation in which nothing was unexpected or problematic. Useless to someone looking for a real "how-to."
These installs are always the same. Tub dimensions haven't changed since they started making these apron styles. It is this straightforward. Only thing g a diy'er wouldn't know how to do is a new valve which like Richard said is a good idea anytime you have the wall opened up. If you're gonna remove an old tub then just reverse the procedure for the install and always remember that water is bad and will find it's way out of anything
You still need a brain. If this isn’t enough for you to figure it out call someone with a brain.
@@holleraturboi1196 My objection is not that it can't be figured out; but that it's billed as a "how to" when it isn't one. If you can't understand the difference, then you're the one in need of a brain. And while you're at it, grow some manners.
Literally monkey see monkey do. It’s not a “how to sweat shower valves “or “plumbing a waste and overflow “tutorial. It’s “how to set a tub and surround”.You watched someone do it and you still have questions??
@@holleraturboi1196 It is "literally" NOT a "how to" video. You can't learn how to do it by watching this.
2:19
4:05
I was under the impression a bed of wet mortar should be placed under the tub prior to installation to help support the tub and avoid cracks. Not true?
I was thinking the same thing, also they didn't check the tub level before securing into place? I know it's common sense to check levels, but I thought they would mention it.
i put thinset mortar under the tub like 3 sandcastles and all that did was when it dried it shrank and now there is a 16th gap under the tub n mortar and i hear a crunchy grit sound when i get in the tub..
Depends on the tub.
Some newer tubs have a support structure built-in. These are self-standing tubs. Manufacturer's instructions will list mortar as optional.
foam is good, they framed it. Framing is better. Mortar expands and contracts over time and will leave separation gaps.
This was a very strange video. I think it was just fake, staged for educational purposes. I hope nobody takes it to heart. Because yes, they didn't level, cement,frame, add any backing, shims, ...
What do u put on the walls prior to installation? I’m ripping out an old tub and the walls around it in an old house. What goes back up to ensure it’s water tight? I’m using an inexpensive tub and setting a pre fab surround. What kind of back board...adhesive...waterproof red stuff? I need the names of all this. Logic tells me where it should go, how and to ensure it’s all level but I need to know what to ensure goes up behind it all. U guys didn’t use anything. U just stuck it up on the beams. 🤨 shouldn’t it have backboards and adhesive instead of just screws??
I already have a question.
Don't you use any supportive material under the tub like spray foam.
My son's family is big and often drops shampoo bottles ect.
And because of big size two tubs have cracked.
How do they stop this incident from happening?
Please give some guidance on this problem.
Fiberglass tubs definitely need support underneath. I know spray foam can be used. Steel tubs usually come with a support piece underneath them. They last longer and fiberglass and aren’t as heavy as cast iron.
I see a couple things wrong with this though I am an amateur and they are the pros. The bathroom is a area where it needs to be water tight. People seem to neglect this. If you don't water-seal up everything before installing a tub, you are going to have to do more renovation down the road when the tub starts to leak from material breakdown and then water seeps into all surrounding area. This means replacing flooring, walls, etc. So word of advice is to install proper ventilation first, water seal flooring, wall, spouts. and then install the tub.
Tuan H you didn’t really say anything wrong with the video. You just reiterated basic knowledge.
No mortar bed? That won't last
He just use taps to anchor to wood?
how do i get that guy to come help me???
How do I install a grab bar, onto a fiberglass shower wall? And why do I get "tile" videos? And "drywall" videos?
Steven Bull I guess you have to find the wooden beams in the wall, there are special devices for that. Looking at the video, drilling into fiber glass is not a problem. Just make sure that the holes where the crews go through are watertight. Put some silicon cocking over the screw. Or put a dab of cocking onto the drilled hole and then drive the screw into it.
I don't think you used enough putty ;)
You don't use green sheetrock in a bathroom should be purple. Green is only mold resistant purple is mold and moisture resistant.
Shalom
Measure 6 times--drill once!
Seriously? He's only seating the faucet head by two threads?
... No pipe dope on the drain threads underneath?
... Everything I have read said, NO plumbers putty on the tub, use 100% silicone.
no hardie backer/water proofing?
No, that's for shower applications and tile.
For fiberglass or acrylic tubs, it's probably a good idea to set them in plaster of paris or mortar. In fact, sometimes the warranty is void for commercial applications if you don't.
So how would you remove them if something ever went wrong?
@@knottreelin pieces with a reciprocating saw
When attaching the surround to the 2x4's, could someone seal that as well with caulking?
You could, I would.
how safe is vinyl especially when exposed to hot water?? I doubt that it's safe!
if your water gets that hot I'm sure 3rd degree burns will feel awesome.
SPaoline4302 ) you want to say that the vinyl is perfectly safe for babies too? it doesn't leach toxic contaminants?
measure 10 times baby!!!!WHOOOWWOO
Anyone freaking that they just placed this tub / shower over moldy walls?????? Loved refurbished houses, but could never live in one.
Yea, I noticed it right away. What the hell. At least treat it and sand it.
This is similar to watching a Magician. They do a trick and make it look easy, in fact you're pretty sure you know how it's done. Until you try it, and then wonder How the Heck did they do that again????
Modern shower pressure is so wimpy, which is the reason I've lived with an old shower install for about 40 years.
And all american team advertising Chinese made products!!! Bravo!
There's no diverter on the tub spout.
Ok this is more like review. This is not meant for someone who is doing it for the first time
My 3 year old said its made in china? i said no but he did he read it on the pipe lol Edit He said ''the pipe is made in China'' i said where did you see that, he said i saw the word ''China'' so its made in China, i said you did not see China so i went back its right there on the pipe lol
Your 3 year old read "made in china"?
No, he read ''China'' and said it was made in China: like most products he has seen when china is written it is usually associated with ''made in''.
Pete Brown 2
You guys seem to know what your doing. Too bad you didnt explain the construction of the wall to accept and how to measure fir the spout.
"How to Install a Fiberglass Tub and Surround for if You Pretty Much Know How To Do It". That would be a more apropos title. I love TOH , but this is home improvement candy, nothing more.
F
A little bit of putty? That was alot holy crap lol and you onow they make a wrench to tighten thosr tub spuds, but no mortar!? Jesus. Hack job
Little bit of putty lol..
Half a cup worth!
Watched a lot of tub install videos, no impressed. Didn't show the plumbing connection, no leveling, no support for the base. A lot left out it seems
De
This is sooo not real. Lots of editing, and it's fine to attach the bath drain before setting the tub, but then how are you going to connect it once the tub is laid down, and why wasn't that shown ?? This video can give a lot of beginner DIYers a false sense of security.
The old metal tubs as well as the new ones instead of drilling & screwing the tub into the studs, I would just use galvanized or aluminum roofing nails' nailing them into the studs overlapping the nail head onto the tub flange to hold it in place. This prevent's it at times of cracking , & or pulling thru the holes for easier removal & or settle if not level. The same goes to installing a walk in shower. Now I am not saying your way is wrong , I just know this way is the way the old timers did it & is the way I learned it. I am a good man to have on hand, Dave the handyman home repair guy St. Louis, Mo. 63052 & self defense trainer on CZcams how I defeat the hands & feet with my own technique & style Just CZcams me, Dave Overbey Now God bless, have a great day & keep my family, friends & myself in your prayers. Thanks
They didn't show it here but you are supposed to fill the tub with about 6-8 inches of water then screw it to the studs. Else wise you get a bunch of creaking and popping from the weight of the water pulling the screws a little bit back out of the studs.
Right off the bat half a tub of putty and the wrong tool to install the grate stopped video at that point
At one point, all these old videos are "cool to watch" but totally irrelevant ! Technology, methods and taste evolve so fast that this is outdated. I'd never install this type of tub or surround today.
What would you install today? I'm considering replacing a shower with a shower/tub combo so would love to know.
He's a plumber? Why would you use brass on a tub drain, when plastic is so much cheaper and it won't turn green and rot like brass eventually will due to various minerals in water. Plumbers putty? Nobody uses that, like I said, go plastic and silicone and it'll last longer then house will. Also, the entire bathroom should be done in "green board" sheetrock because it's designed to keep mold from growing. By code where I live, the entire bathroom is done in green board because the entire bathroom is exposed to moisture.
Dirthauler so if you have to put in a new tub, you have to re drywall the entire bathroom? You can’t get grandfathered in? And every plumber I’ve ever met uses plumbers putty. How would you remove it if you use silicone? I’ve never seen plumbers putty dry out.
iLikeC00kieDough if you are removing a bathtub, chances are it’s not going back in. I have had nothing but piss poor luck with plumbers putty and won’t put it on anything at this point, I silicone every tub and shower drain I install and use only abs, never had a leak that way. He’s also talking a best practice as far as the green board. It’s might be code for a new build but it’s fine if it’s already there
This stuff is so QnD now it's basically useless for "how to".
big china logo
Please for the love of god homeowners do not follow there instructions one you never tighten the tub shoe with a pair of channel locks to you are supposed to apply construction adhesive to the bathtubs feet before dropping the bathtub onto the floor always dry fit a bathtub before installation and level for proper drainage back into the tub and not out onto the floor three most homeowners should not try to do this installation on their own always consult a licensed contractor and always follow manufacturers specs for all installation they recommended screwing tub two studs but 100% of all fiberglass bathtubs you have to attach bathtub to every stud or you will void the warranty on your tub inside the instruction manual's it will show you
shutup
This Show used to teach how twos. Now it’s nonsense
"(H)ow twos"? I liked it better when they taught how ones.
Seems an awful small tub for the average American to fit in
Jay P this is a fairly big shower ; very few people would have an issue showering in this